In ulcerative colitis, which part of the digestive tract is affected?

In ulcerative colitis, the disease primarily affects the large intestine, which includes the colon and rectum. This condition is characterized by inflammation and the formation of ulcers in the inner lining of the large intestine, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding.

The inflammation in ulcerative colitis generally starts in the rectum and can extend continuously to involve parts or all of the colon, but it does not affect the small intestine or stomach. This specificity differentiates ulcerative colitis from other inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease, which can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Understanding the targeted areas of inflammation helps in the diagnosis and management of this condition.