Diverticuli or "tics" are pockets that project away from the bowel. They occur very gradually over time from the bowel contracting and causing increased pressure within the bowel. These tics then gradually enlarge like a balloon being slowly inflated. They are most common in the sigmoid colon where these images were taken. Most of the time they cause no problems, but not always. They can become inflamed and infected, bleed or even perforate causing peritonitis. A high fiber diet may be helpful in treating or preventing diverticulosis.