Meckel diverticulum is a small finger-like pouch on the ileum left over from the embryonic vitelline (yolk) duct. It is the most common congenital abnormality of the gut, found in about 2% of people.
| Location | Antimesenteric border of the ileum, usually within 60 cm of the ileocaecal valve |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Superior mesenteric plexus |
| Blood Supply | Vitelline artery remnant from the superior mesenteric artery |
| Venous drainage |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Has no function; it is an embryological remnant.
Most cause no problems, but gastric tissue inside can cause ulceration and painless rectal bleeding in children. It can also cause obstruction, intussusception or inflammation that mimics appendicitis. The rule of 2s (2% of people, 2 feet from the valve, about 2 inches long) is a classic memory aid.
Ulceration from acid-secreting gastric tissue, causing painless bleeding in young children.
Inflammation of the pouch that mimics appendicitis.
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