Diverticulitis involves inflammation of which structure?

Diverticulitis specifically refers to the inflammation of diverticula, which are small pouches that can form in the walls of the colon. These pouches develop as a result of increased pressure in the colon and are commonly associated with a condition known as diverticular disease. When these diverticula become inflamed or infected, it leads to diverticulitis, causing symptoms like abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits. Understanding that diverticula are an integral part of the condition helps clarify the significance of inflammation in diverticulitis. The other structures listed do not pertain to this condition; blood vessels, cartilage, and muscle tissue do not experience inflammation related to diverticulitis, which is focused solely on the diverticula within the gastrointestinal tract.