Vermiform appendix
Vermiform Appendix
The Vermiform Appendix, commonly known as the appendix, is a tube-shaped sac attached to the lower end of the large intestine. It is located in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. The appendix is considered a part of the gastrointestinal tract.
Anatomy[edit | edit source]
The appendix is a narrow, small tube that attaches to the cecum, the first part of the large intestine. Its exact size can vary, but it typically measures around 9 cm in length. The interior of the appendix is known as the appendiceal lumen.
Function[edit | edit source]
The exact function of the appendix is still a subject of debate among medical professionals. However, it is generally agreed that the appendix plays a role in the immune system, particularly during the early years of life. It is thought to act as a storehouse for beneficial gut bacteria, which can help to repopulate the intestines after a bout of illness.
Diseases and conditions[edit | edit source]
The most common disease associated with the appendix is appendicitis, an inflammation of the appendix. This condition can cause severe abdominal pain and, if left untreated, can lead to a life-threatening infection. Other conditions that can affect the appendix include appendiceal cancer and appendiceal mucocele.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment for conditions affecting the appendix often involves surgery to remove the appendix, a procedure known as an appendectomy. This can be performed as an open surgery or a less invasive laparoscopic surgery.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
Vermiform appendix Resources | ||
---|---|---|
|
|
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Translate this page: - 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
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD