What is Meckel's diverticulum?

Prepare for the COMAT Foundational Biomedical Science Exam with comprehensive questions. Study with flashcards and detailed explanations to boost your exam readiness and understanding.

Meckel's diverticulum is indeed a common congenital outpouching of the wall of the distal ileum. This diverticulum arises from the failure of the omphalomesenteric duct to close completely during embryonic development. As the most prevalent congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, it is present in approximately 2% of the population.

The diverticulum can vary in size and may contain remnants of gastric or pancreatic tissue, which can sometimes lead to complications such as bleeding, intestinal obstruction, or inflammation mimicking appendicitis. Its clinical significance increases when it becomes inflamed or when ectopic tissue within the diverticulum secretes acid, potentially leading to ulceration in the surrounding ileal wall.

The other options do not accurately describe Meckel's diverticulum. Obstruction near the terminal ileum is not a defining feature of this diverticulum, although it can be a complication. Food poisoning caused by Staphylococcus aureus and parasitic infections caused by Enterobius vermicularis are unrelated to Meckel's diverticulum and refer to entirely different medical conditions.

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