Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are both inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), but they differ in several key aspects: CD can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus, causing "skip" lesions with healthy tissue in between affected areas. In contrast, UC primarily affects the colon and rectum, with continuous inflammation from the rectum upwards. In CD, inflammation can involve all layers of the intestinal wall (transmural), while UC typically affects the inner lining of the colon and rectum (mucosal inflammation). Both diseases may cause similar symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss, but the pattern and severity of symptoms can vary. UC often presents with rectal bleeding and more frequent bowel movements, while CD can cause complications like fistulas and strictures. CD is associated with a wider range of extraintestinal manifestations, such as skin rashes, joint pain, and eye inflammation, while UC's extraintestinal manifestations are relatively limited. Proper differentiation between CD and UC is crucial as treatment approaches can differ based on the specific disease characteristics and location of inflammation. Healthcare providers use various diagnostic tests, including endoscopy, imaging, and biopsies, to distinguish between the two conditions and develop appropriate management plans tailored to each patient's needs.