Appendix Diseases

Published on 16/04/2015 by admin

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Last modified 16/04/2015

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7 Appendix Diseases

Anatomy of the Appendix

Ileocecal Region and Appendix

• Appendix develops as a diverticulum of the cecum (cecal bud) in embryonic week 8, as part of caudal midgut.

• Appendix is variable in length (2-20 cm) and may become inflamed and enlarged owing to fecal impaction and/or infection (appendicitis).

• Small mesentery (mesoappendix) connects with terminal ileum and contains appendiceal blood vessels and lymphatics.

• Tissue layers include mucosa, lamina propria, inner circular and outer longitudinal smooth muscle, and adventitia (peritoneum and mesentery).

• Low mucosa contains numerous goblet cells, intestinal glands, and crypts of Lieberkühn.

• Taeniae coli (triple longitudinal muscle bands of the cecum) merge into a single, outer longitudinal muscle layer on appendix.

• Lamina propria contains masses of lymphoid nodules with germinal centers.

Vermiform Appendix

Location and Position of Appendix

• Typical locations: retrocecal-retrocolic, pelvic (descending), subcecal, ileocecal (anterior to ileum), ileocecal (posterior to cecum)

• Variable by time and between individuals

• Can depend on size of mesoappendix

• May be displaced into pelvis in pregnancy, with attendant differences in symptoms

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