What condition results when an intestinal segment slides into the adjacent segment?

Intussusception occurs when a portion of the intestine, known as the intussusceptum, telescopes or slides into an adjacent segment, called the intussuscipiens. This condition can lead to obstruction of the bowel and compromised blood flow in the affected area, creating a medical emergency that often requires prompt surgical intervention. The exact cause of intussusception can vary, but it is commonly seen in children and can be associated with specific conditions, such as certain infections or gastrointestinal abnormalities.

Understanding the nature of this condition is crucial for recognizing its symptoms, which may include abdominal pain, vomiting, and the presence of "currant jelly" stools in children due to the mixing of blood and mucus. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent complications such as perforation of the intestinal wall or necrosis resulting from loss of blood supply.

In contrast to intussusception, a strangulated hernia involves a segment of bowel being trapped in a hernial sac, leading to ischemia due to compromised blood supply, while pyloric stenosis is a condition in infants that causes a narrowing of the pylorus, obstructing food from passing from the stomach to the duodenum. Peptic ulcers are sores on the lining of the