Correct option is A
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) primarily affecting the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It causes inflammation and ulcers in the lining of these areas, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and blood in the stool. Unlike Crohn's disease, which can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, ulcerative colitis is confined to the large intestine and rectum.
Information Booster:
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic condition that specifically affects the colon and rectum. It is characterized by continuous inflammation starting in the rectum and spreading upwards through the colon in a uniform manner. The disease causes the inner lining of the large intestine to become inflamed and ulcerated, which can lead to symptoms like bloody diarrhea, cramping, and weight loss. Unlike Crohn's disease, which can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, ulcerative colitis is strictly confined to the colon and rectum. This differentiation is important for diagnosis and treatment.
Additional Knowledge - Explanation of Incorrect Options:
(b) Small intestine and colon: This option is incorrect because ulcerative colitis only affects the large intestine and rectum. The small intestine, although sometimes involved in other types of inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn's disease, is not affected by ulcerative colitis.
(c) Pancreas and duodenum: This is also incorrect. The pancreas and duodenum are not involved in ulcerative colitis. These organs are more commonly affected in other gastrointestinal disorders, such as pancreatitis or certain types of duodenal ulcers, but not in UC.
(d) Stomach and liver: While the liver may be affected in some cases due to complications like primary sclerosing cholangitis, ulcerative colitis does not directly involve the stomach or liver. The disease activity is limited to the colon and rectum.