7/27/2019 Anaphy and Patho of Appendicitis

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ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF ORGAN INVOLVED

The appendix is a closed-ended, narrow tube up to several inches in length that attaches to

the cecum , the first part of the colon , like a worm. The anatomical name for the appendix is

vermiform appendix which means worm-like appendage. It's pencil-thin and normally about 4

inches (7 cm) long. The appendix is usually located in the right iliac region, just below the

ileocecal valve (designated McBurney's point) and can be found at the midpoint of a straight line

drawn from the umbilicus to the right anterior iliac crest. The inner lining of the appendix produces

a small amount of mucus that flows through the open center of the appendix and into the cecum.

The wall of the appendix contains lymphatic tissue that is part of the immune system for

making antibodies. During the first few years of life, the appendix functions as a part of the

immune system, it helps make immunogobulins. But after this time period, the appendix stops

functioning. However, immunoglobulins are made in many parts of the body, thus, removing the

appendix does not seem to result in problems with the immune system.

Like the rest of the colon, the wall of the appendix also contains a layer of muscle, but the

muscle is poorly developed.

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7/27/2019 Anaphy and Patho of Appendicitis

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Pathophysiology of Appendicitis

Episodes of Constipation Low Fiber Diet

Occlusion of Appendix by Fecalith

Decreased flow/drainage of mucosal secetions

Increased ILP in the appendix

Vasocongestion

Decreased blood supply in the appendix

Decreased O2 supply in the appendix

Appendix starts to be necrotic; Bacteria invade the appendix

Disruption of Cell Membrane of Appendix

Start of Inflammatory Process

Release of Chemical Mediators Activation of the Vomiting Neutrophils to

area Center in the Medulla

---> Histamine, Prostaglandin, Stimulation of Vagus Suppression of PusFormation Leukotrienes, Bradykinin

Nerve Sympathetic (phagocytized bacteria GI Function and dead cells)

Swelling of Appendix Risk for Infection(if appendix

ruptures)---> Prostaglandin, Bradykinin Nausea & Vomiting Anorexia

Pain in the RLQ of Abdomen Risk for Deficient Risk for Imbalanced Nutrition

Fluid Volume less than body requirementsAcute Pain

---> Interleukin-1

Increased WBC

Inflammation of Appendix (Appendicitis)