An anomalous sac protruding from the ileum due to incomplete closure of the yolk stalk is known as what?

An anomalous sac protruding from the ileum due to incomplete closure of the yolk stalk is known as what?

• A. Meckel diverticulum
• B. Intestinal diverticulum
• C. Ileal polyp
• D. Meckel's disease

Answer: (A)

The condition described is a Meckel diverticulum. During early development the yolk stalk (vitelline duct) normally disappears, but if it fails to close, a true diverticulum forms on the ileum as a small sac protruding from the intestinal wall. This outpouching is typically located on the antimesenteric border and represents persistence of the vitelline duct. It’s the most common congenital GI anomaly and can contain ectopic tissue, sometimes leading to bleeding or obstruction in children. The other options don’t describe this specific embryologic origin or location, so Meckel diverticulum best fits the description.

The condition described is a Meckel diverticulum. During early development the yolk stalk (vitelline duct) normally disappears, but if it fails to close, a true diverticulum forms on the ileum as a small sac protruding from the intestinal wall. This outpouching is typically located on the antimesenteric border and represents persistence of the vitelline duct. It’s the most common congenital GI anomaly and can contain ectopic tissue, sometimes leading to bleeding or obstruction in children. The other options don’t describe this specific embryologic origin or location, so Meckel diverticulum best fits the description.