Vermiform appendix

The vermiform appendix (short: Appendix, from Latin appendix, appendix ' to tap in particular, be weighed ') to German vermiform appendix, means a long usually to ten centimeters appendage of the cecum, which may however be significantly longer in individual cases. The appendix has - like other portions of the digestive tract and - a lumen, and the typical construction of the intestinal wall in which a number of lymph follicles, however, are to be found. This is an indication of tasks in the immune system ( hence the name Darmtonsille ).

Anatomy

The appendix is usually found in the right lower abdomen, located intraperitoneally and has its own mesentery, the mesoappendix ( in professional circles formerly called mesentery ) on. Its location in the abdominal cavity is quite variable. In about 65 % of people ascending the appendix is behind the cecum ( retrocaecale location ); in about 31 % of the cases it has a descending position. Other variants are possible, eg in the upper abdomen at Caecumhochstand or the left-side location in the case of situs inversus. Since the departure of the appendix from the cecum is relatively constant, this can easily locate using the McBurney or Lanz- point. The appendix is arterially supplied by the artery appendicular artery from the ileocolic.

Function

Originally it was believed that the appendix constitutes only a now nonfunctional evolutionary relic, recent research has revealed other indications. According to a research group led by William Parker of Duke University in Durham, North Carolina USA can survive the establishment by the diarrhea flushing out the intestinal bacterial flora in favor of the organism in case of diarrhea useful intestinal bacteria. Vermiform appendix in the niche of these embedded together with molecules of the immune system in a layer of mucus bacteria are protected and are supplied by the cells surrounding the appendix lymphoid tissue with antibodies. After the diarrhea has subsided, the so surviving microbes can rapidly colonize the colon again and thereby displace harmful germs.

Today, this useful function. Primarily in countries with poor hygienic conditions for the people of particular importance Under good hygienic conditions, the appendix is now obsolete due to previous findings, which is why its removal by an inflammation usually in developed countries has no negative effects for the affected people.

Diseases

The vermiform appendix is prone to inflammation, which ( colloquially also erroneously " appendicitis ", called in the Middle Ages and the side disease) leads to the clinical picture of appendicitis. The disease usually occurs in childhood. At the McBurney point can often be at a pressure of appendicitis pain or guarding trigger. The removal of the appendix is called appendectomy. Rarely comes a Appendixkarzinom - a malignant tumor formation (cancer) - before.