What defines a false diverticulum?

A false diverticulum is characterized by the protrusion of only the mucosa and submucosa through the muscular layer of the organ wall, which means that it lacks the complete structure of all layers, particularly the muscular layer. This type of diverticulum forms when a bulge occurs through a weak point in the muscle of the organ, allowing the inner layers to push through, while the outer muscle layer remains intact.

In contrast, other forms of diverticula that would be classified as "true" diverticula contain all layers of the organ, including the mucosa, submucosa, and muscular layers, ensuring a more uniform structure. This distinction between true and false diverticula is crucial in understanding the structural integrity and potential complications associated with various types of diverticular diseases. Since only the mucosal and submucosal layers are involved in false diverticula, the option indicating that only muscle protrudes does not accurately describe this condition.