Which part(s) of the GI tract can be affected by Crohn's disease?

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, from the mouth all the way to the anus. This characteristic of the disease makes it distinctive, as it does not have a limited range like some other inflammatory conditions. The inflammation associated with Crohn's can occur in patches, meaning that healthy sections of the bowel may be situated between inflamed areas. This can lead to a variety of symptoms depending on which sections of the GI tract are involved.

The other options describe more restricted areas that are not fully representative of Crohn's disease's reach. For instance, if the focus were only on the esophagus, stomach and duodenum, or the large intestine, it would not encompass the full spectrum of potential disease involvement seen in patients with Crohn's. Therefore, the comprehensive effect of Crohn's disease on the entire GI tract—from mouth to anus—is fundamental to understanding its clinical presentation and management.