https://wikimd.com/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Appendix_%28anatomy%29Appendix (anatomy) - Revision history2026-04-22T08:29:15ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.44.2https://wikimd.com/index.php?title=Appendix_(anatomy)&diff=5876576&oldid=prevPrab: CSV import2024-05-30T06:36:41Z<p>CSV import</p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>[[file:Appendix_locations.svg|thumb|Appendix locations]] [[file:Appendix_function_diagram.svg|thumb|Appendix function diagram|left]] [[file:Appendiceal_carcinoid_1.JPG|thumb|Appendiceal carcinoid 1]] [[file:Ultrasonography_of_a_normal_appendix,_annotated.jpg|thumb|Ultrasonography of a normal appendix, annotated|left]] [[file:Blausen_0043_Appendix_Child.png|thumb|Blausen 0043 Appendix Child]] [[file:Stomach_colon_rectum_diagram-en.svg|thumb|Stomach colon rectum diagram-en]] {{Short description|Vestigial organ in the human body}}<br />
{{Infobox anatomy<br />
| name = Appendix<br />
| image = <br />
| caption = <br />
| width = <br />
| system = [[Digestive system]]<br />
| artery = [[Appendicular artery]]<br />
| vein = [[Appendicular vein]]<br />
| nerve = [[Superior mesenteric plexus]]<br />
| lymph = [[Ileocolic lymph nodes]]<br />
| precurso = <br />
| meshname = Appendix<br />
| meshnumber = A03.556.124.526.209<br />
| dorlands = a_51<br />
| dorlandsid = 12106189<br />
}}<br />
<br />
The '''appendix''' (or '''vermiform appendix''') is a narrow, tube-shaped pouch attached to the [[cecum]], which is part of the [[large intestine]]. It is located in the lower right abdomen. The appendix is considered a vestigial organ, meaning it has lost much of its original function through the course of evolution.<br />
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==Anatomy==<br />
The appendix is typically about 9 cm in length, but it can vary from 2 to 20 cm. It is connected to the cecum, which is the first part of the large intestine, near the junction of the small and large intestines. The appendix has a small mesentery called the mesoappendix, which contains the [[appendicular artery]] and [[appendicular vein]].<br />
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==Function==<br />
Historically, the appendix was thought to have no significant function in humans. However, recent studies suggest that it may play a role in the immune system, particularly in the development of gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). It is also hypothesized to serve as a reservoir for beneficial gut bacteria.<br />
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==Clinical significance==<br />
===Appendicitis===<br />
[[Appendicitis]] is the inflammation of the appendix and is a common medical emergency. Symptoms typically include abdominal pain, particularly in the lower right quadrant, nausea, vomiting, and fever. If untreated, an inflamed appendix can rupture, leading to [[peritonitis]], a serious infection of the abdominal cavity.<br />
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===Surgical removal===<br />
The surgical removal of the appendix is known as an [[appendectomy]]. This procedure is commonly performed to treat appendicitis. Appendectomies can be performed using traditional open surgery or [[laparoscopic surgery]], which is less invasive and typically has a quicker recovery time.<br />
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==Evolutionary perspective==<br />
The appendix is considered a vestigial structure, meaning it has lost much of its original function over time. In some herbivorous animals, the appendix is larger and plays a role in the digestion of cellulose. In humans, the appendix is much smaller and its function is not as critical.<br />
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==Related pages==<br />
* [[Digestive system]]<br />
* [[Large intestine]]<br />
* [[Cecum]]<br />
* [[Appendicitis]]<br />
* [[Appendectomy]]<br />
* [[Peritonitis]]<br />
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[[Category:Digestive system]]<br />
[[Category:Vestigial organs]]<br />
[[Category:Human anatomy]]<br />
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