Appendix (anatomy)

Appendix (anatomy)

The appendix (or vermiform appendix; also cecal (or caecal) appendix; vermix) is a blind-ended tube connected to the cecum, from which it develops in the embryo. The cecum is a pouchlike structure of the colon, located at the junction of the small and large intestines.

File:Appendix.png

Diagram showing the appendix attached to the cecum

The appendix has been widely regarded as a vestigial organ with no function. However, modern research suggests that the appendix may have some role in gut immunity.

Structure

The appendix is located near the lower right area of the abdomen. Its exact position can vary. The base of the appendix is located 2 cm below the ileocecal valve. The length of the appendix can also vary, and its diameter is usually between 6 and 8 mm.

Function

The function of the appendix is uncertain. Some studies suggest that the appendix may have a role in the immune system as a place where beneficial bacteria can survive and repopulate the gut after an illness. Other studies suggest that the appendix is a "safe house" for beneficial gut bacteria.

Clinical significance

The most common diseases of the appendix (in humans) are appendicitis and carcinoid tumors (appendiceal carcinoid). Appendicitis is a condition characterized by the inflammation of the appendix, which can cause severe abdominal pain and is typically treated by appendectomy, the surgical removal of the appendix.

See also

• Appendectomy
• Appendicitis
• Carcinoid

References

‎

---

Translate: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, தமிழ், తెలుగు, Urdu, ಕನ್ನಡ, Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, বাংলা
European español, Deutsch, français, Greek, português do Brasil, polski, română, русский, Nederlands, norsk, svenska, suomi, Italian
Middle Eastern & African عربى, Turkish, Persian, Hebrew, Afrikaans, isiZulu, Kiswahili,
Other Bulgarian, Hungarian, Czech, Swedish, മലയാളം, मराठी, ਪੰਜਾਬੀ, ગુજરાતી, Portuguese, Ukrainian