Meckel’s diverticulum


An outpouching from the small intestine, due to failure of obliteration of the yolk stalk (which normally disappears during embryonic life). About 2% of people have a Meckel’s diverticulum. It is usually located about 2 feet (60 cm) above the junction of the small intestine with the colon (the large intestine). A Meckel’s diverticulum can become inflamed, ulcerate, bleed, perforate or cause obstruction of the small bowel. If it is inflamed or perforated, it is usually removed by surgery.

Read Also:

  • Meconium

    Dark, sticky material that is normally present in the intestine at birth and passed in the feces after birth, after trypsin and other enzymes from the pancreas have acted on it. The passage of meconium before birth can be a sign of fetal ‘distress.

  • Meconium ileus

    Obstruction of the intestine (ileus) due to overly thick meconium. Meconium ileus results from a deficiency of trypsin and other digestive enzymes from the pancreas, as in cystic fibrosis.

  • MECP2 (methyl-CpG-binding protein-2)

    An enzyme which, when mutated, results in RTT (Rett syndrome), a genetic disease that is a uniform and striking, progressive neurologic developmental disorder and one of the most common causes of mental retardation in females. After normal development up to the age of 6 to 18 months, developmental stagnation occurs followed by rapid deterioration of […]

  • Med1 DNA repair gene

    A gene that codes for one of the key enzymes involved in repairing DNA. The DNA in genes is constantly mutating and being repaired. This repair process is controlled by special genes. A mutation in a DNA repair gene such as Med1 can cripple the repair process and cause a cascade of unrepaired mutations in […]

  • Media, contrast

    X-ray dyes used to provide contrast, for example, between blood vessels and other tissue. Commonly spoken of as “contrast.”


Disclaimer: Meckel's diverticulum definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.