MECKEL DIVERTICULUM Meaning and
Definition
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Meckel's diverticulum is a congenital abnormality that occurs in the small intestine. It is named after Johann Friedrich Meckel, a German anatomist who first described it in 1809. A diverticulum refers to a pouch-like structure that projects from the wall of a hollow organ, and in the case of Meckel's diverticulum, it specifically develops in the ileum, the lower part of the small intestine.
This condition arises during fetal development when a small outpouching of tissue fails to completely close off from the rest of the developing intestine. As a result, a pouch or pocket is formed, which remains connected to the small intestine but exists as a separate structure. Meckel's diverticulum is estimated to be present in about 2% of the population, making it one of the most commonly occurring congenital anomalies affecting the gastrointestinal tract.
In many cases, Meckel's diverticulum causes no symptoms and goes unnoticed. However, when it does become symptomatic, it can manifest in different ways depending on individual factors. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, intestinal obstruction, and inflammation. The presence of gastric tissue within the diverticulum can also lead to the secretion of stomach acids, causing peptic ulcers.
If Meckel's diverticulum is causing significant symptoms or complications, surgical intervention may be required to remove the diverticulum. Diagnosing this condition typically involves the use of medical imaging techniques such as X-rays, ultrasound, or computed tomography (CT) scans.
Common Misspellings for MECKEL DIVERTICULUM
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Etymology of MECKEL DIVERTICULUM
The word "Meckel's diverticulum" is named after Johann Friedrich Meckel, a German anatomist and surgeon who first described the condition in 1809. The term "diverticulum" refers to an abnormal pouch or sac that protrudes from the wall of an organ, and in this case, it specifically refers to a pouch that arises from the lower part of the small intestine, known as the ileum. Meckel's diverticulum is a congenital abnormality, meaning it is present at birth, and it occurs in around 2% of the population.
