anatomy and physiology of appendix

2. INTRODUCTION
The term “vermiform” comes from latin word
and means “worm shaped”.
The vermiform appendix is a blind ended tube
connected to the cecum from which is develops
embryologically.

3. DEFINITION
Vermiform appendix is a vestigial organ. A
tubular structure of about 8cm with a lumen
attached the cecum.

4. VESTIGIALITY
A vestigial structure is a structure that has lost
all or most of its original function through the
process of evolution. The main function of
appendix is to digest cellulose with the help of
mutualistic bacteria. As the human appendix
no longer houses a significant amount of these
bacteria and humans are no longer capable of
digesting more than a minimal amount of
cellulose per day. Thus human appendix is
considered as a vestigial organ.

5. SIZE AND LOCATION
 The appendix averages 11 cm in length but
can range from 2 -20 cm.
 The diameter of appendix is usually between
7 and 8 mm.

6.  The appendix is located near the junction of
the small intestine and large intestine in right
lower quaderant of the abdomen near the right
hip bone.

7. Appendix position within the abdomen
corresponds to a point on the surface known
as Mc burney’s point.

8.  Thelocation of the tip of the appendix can
vary.

9. FEATURES
 Found at the point where the taniae coli
converge on the postero medial wall of
caecum.
 It opens into the caecum at one end and the
other end is blind.
 Mesoappendix :-a peritoneal fold enclosing
the appendicular vessels.
 It is the prolongation of the mesentry of the
terminal ileum.
 The tip of the appendix lies at the level of the
brim of the pelvis.

11. STRUCTURE OF APPENDIX
 Varies considerably in length and
circumference.
 The lumen of the appendix is narrow.
 Peritoneal layer-serosa

12.  muscular coat of longitudinal and
circular muscle layer.
 It has well developed submucosa coat
containing lymphoid tissue.
 The lumen has longitudinal fold of
mucous membrane and contains intestinal
debris.

14. BLOOD SUPPLY TO THE APPENDIX
 The arterial supply of the appendix is by
means of the appendicular artery,inferior
branch of of the ileocecal artery of the
superior mesentric trunk.
 The appendicular vein , ranch of ileocecal
vein, drains appendicecal venous network
into the superior mesentric vein and
eventually into the portal circulation.

16. LYMPH SUPPLY
 The lymph vessels drain into one or two
nodes lying in the mesoappendix,fom there
the lymph passes through a numer of
mesentric nodes to reach the superior
mesentric nodes.
nerve supply
 The nerve of the appendix are derived from
sympathetic and parasympthetic (vagus)
nerve from the superior mesentric plexus.

17. FUNCTIONS OF VERMIFORM APPENDIX
 Maintain homeostatic :- the endocrine cells
present in appendix contribute to biological
control mechanism.
 Immune function :- during the early years of
development, the appendix has been shown to
function as a lymphoid organ, assisting with
the Maturation of B lymphocytes and
production of antibodies IgA.

18.  Provide direction to lymphocytes :- appendix
is involved in the production of molecules that
help to direct the movement of lymphocytes to
various other location in the body.
 Maintaining gut flora :- the tube like structure
of appendix helps in the proper movement of
waste matter in the digestive system.

20.  Provide surface :- appendix serves a haven
for useful bacteria when illness flushes
those bacteria from the rest of the intestine.
It serve the vital function of repopulating
the gut with beneficial bacteria after a
dirrhoea like desentry.

21. BENEFICIAL BACTERIA

22.  Probiotic function:-
 help to have proper digestion and a healthy
colon.
 helps protect from harmfull bacteria.
 helps in maintaining digestive system’s
function.
 maintain high energy level and proper
immune system function.
 helps in maintaining body’s vital hormone
and chemical balance

23. SECONDARY FUNCTION OF
APPENDIX
Use of appendix in reconstructive surgery:-
 The appendix is used to recreat a sphincter
muscles in the bladder surgeries so that the
patient can continent the urin.
 In the disease of ureter the appendix allow
urin to flow from the kidney to the bladder.