Zenker’s diverticulum /tseng″kerz/ [Friedrich A. Zenker, German pathologist, 1825–1898; L, diverticulare, to turn aside] , a circumscribed herniation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx as it joins the esophagus, just proximal to the cricopharyngeus muscle. It is the most common type of diverticulum of the esophagus. Food may become trapped in the diverticulum and can be aspirated. Diagnosis is confirmed by x-ray studies. In most cases the herniation is small, causes no dysfunction, is not diagnosed, and requires no treatment.
