What defines the histological feature of Meckel diverticulum?

The defining histological feature of Meckel diverticulum is the presence of heterotopic gastric glands within the small bowel epithelium. Meckel diverticulum is an embryological remnant of the omphalomesenteric duct, which connects the yolk sac to the developing gastrointestinal system. In many cases, this diverticulum can contain gastric tissue or pancreatic tissue, leading to ectopic or heterotopic gastric glands, which can produce acid and cause complications such as ulceration or bleeding.

This unique histological feature is significant because it differentiates Meckel diverticulum from other diverticula in the gastrointestinal tract, which typically do not have such ectopic tissue. The presence of these heterotopic gastric glands is critical for diagnosing Meckel diverticulum, especially when investigating gastrointestinal bleeding in a pediatric population.

Other options either do not pertain to the characteristic of Meckel diverticulum or describe features unrelated to the diverticulum itself. For instance, the absence of villi is not relevant in identifying Meckel diverticulum, as normal intestinal epithelial cells typically have villi, and the condition does not involve the absence of these structures. Glial cells are not found in the intestines nor would they be relevant to this hist