Trichobezoar is pathological ingestion of: September 2009
**Core Concept**
Trichobezoar refers to a condition where swallowed hair accumulates in the stomach and fails to pass through the digestive system, forming a hairball. This condition is related to **trichophagia**, the compulsive eating of hair.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is related to the ingestion of hair, which is a key aspect of trichobezoar formation. **Trichophagia** leads to the accumulation of hair in the stomach, and over time, this can form a large hairball or trichobezoar.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Incorrect because it is not specified, but typically, trichobezoar is not related to ingestion of non-food items other than hair.
**Option B:** Incorrect as it is not provided, but usually, trichobezoar is specifically about hair ingestion, not other materials.
**Option C:** Incorrect because, again, it is not specified, but trichobezoar formation is primarily associated with hair.
**Option D:** Incorrect as the option is missing, but the definition of trichobezoar revolves around hair ingestion.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Trichobezoar is a rare condition but can cause significant gastrointestinal obstruction. It is often associated with **Rapunzel syndrome**, where the hair extends beyond the stomach into the small intestine.
**Correct Answer:** D. Hair