Diverticula most commonly occur in which region of the colon?

Diverticula most commonly occur in the sigmoid colon due to a combination of factors such as increased pressure within the colon and the structural characteristics of this region. The sigmoid colon is narrower and experiences more strain during bowel movements, making it more susceptible to the formation of diverticula, which are small pouches that protrude from the colonic wall.

As individuals consume a diet low in fiber, they often experience increased colonic pressure due to the need for more forceful contractions to propel stool. This is particularly relevant in the sigmoid colon, where the anatomy predisposes it to diverticula formation. The prevalence of diverticulosis increases with age, further highlighting the sigmoid colon as the most commonly affected area.

While diverticula can form in other parts of the colon, such as the ascending, transverse, and descending colon, these areas do not exhibit the same combination of mechanical and dietary factors that lead to the high incidence seen in the sigmoid colon. Therefore, the sigmoid colon is recognized as the primary site for diverticulosis.