Which term describes a congenital abnormality in which the intestine fails to rotate properly during fetal development?

• A. Malrotation
• B. Crohn disease
• C. Diverticulum
• D. Ileus

Answer: (A)

Intestinal rotation during fetal life is the key idea. Normally the midgut rotates as it returns to the abdomen, establishing the proper placement and mesenteric attachments. If this rotation fails or is incomplete, the result is malrotation, a congenital abnormality that can leave the intestines abnormally positioned and the mesenteric base narrow, increasing the risk of volvulus and obstruction. Crohn disease is an inflammatory condition of the GI tract, not a rotation defect. A diverticulum is an outpouching of the intestinal wall, not a failure of rotation. Ileus is a functional slowdown or stoppage of bowel movement, not a congenital rotational issue. Therefore, the term describing a congenital abnormality where the intestine fails to rotate properly is malrotation.