- Diverticulosis is characterized by the presence of multiple sac-like protrusions (diverticula) through the muscular layer of the colon wall, most commonly in the sigmoid colon.
- These diverticula represent herniations of mucosa and submucosa through weak points in the muscularis, caused by increased intraluminal pressure.
- It is typically asymptomatic and detected incidentally.
- This distinctive feature differentiates it from inflammatory disorders like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, which involve mucosal inflammation but not true diverticula formation.
- Ischemic colitis primarily presents with mucosal injury due to compromised blood flow, without sac-like protrusions.

Reference: Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, 23rd Edition, Chapter: The Large Intestine, Page 672.