A (plural: ''diverticula'') is
Medical term for an outpouching of a hollow (or a fluid filled) structure in the body. It usually implies that the structure is not normally present, i.e. pathological. However,
Embryologically , some normal structures begin development as a diverticulum arising off of another structure.
An alphabetical listing of some frequently encountered diverticula follows:
- in older males. Usually found in pairs on opposite sides of the bladder, bladder diverticula are often surgically removed to prevent infection, rupture, or even cancer.
- Colonic diverticula: These can become infected (see Diverticulitis ) and can perforate, requiring surgery
- Diverticulum Of Kummerall : unusual nomenclature, in that focal dilatations of a blood vessel are properly referred to as aneurysms
