Condition of having diverticula in the colon, which are out-pocketings of the colonic mucosa and submucosa through weaknesses of muscle layers in the colon wall.

• A. Diverticulosis
• B. Diverticulitis
• C. Colitis
• D. Appendicitis

Answer: (A)

Diverticulosis is defined by the presence of diverticula in the colon. These diverticula are out-pocketings of mucosa and submucosa that herniate through weak spots in the muscular layer of the colon wall, most often in the sigmoid colon. They are considered false diverticula because only the inner layers protrude through the muscularis. In this condition, diverticula exist without inflammation, which is why it is described as the state of having diverticula.

If those pouches become inflamed or infected, the situation changes to diverticulitis, which would present with acute symptoms. The other options describe different problems: colitis is general inflammation of the colon tissue, and appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix.