7/27/2019 Appendix (Anatomy)
1/2
/15/12ure, Location, Definition, Function, Conditions, Tests,
and Treatments
ww.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/picture-of-the-appendix?print=true
Image Collection:
Picture of the Appendix
Digestive Disorders Health Center
Human Anatomy
2009 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
Front View of the Appendix
The appendix sits at the junction of the small intestine and
large intestine. Its a
thin tube about four inches long. Normally, the appendix sits in
the lower rightabdomen.
The function of the appendix is unknown. One theory is that the
appendix acts as
a storehouse for good bacteria, rebooting the digestive system
after diarrheal
illnesses. Other experts believe the appendix is just a useless
remnant from our
evolutionary past. Surgical removal of the appendix causes no
observable health
problems.
Appendix Conditions
Appendicitis: For unclear reasons, the appendix often becomes
inflamed,
infected, and can rupture. This causes severe pain in the right
lower part of
the belly, along with nausea and vomiting.
Tumors of the appendix: Carcinoid tumorssecrete chemicals that
cause
periodic flushing, wheezing, and diarrhea. Epithelial tumors are
growths in
the appendix that can be benign or cancerous. Appendix tumors
are rare.
Appendix Tests
Medical examination: The original test for appendicitis, a
simple
examination of the belly remains important in making the
diagnosis.
Changes in the abdominal exam help doctors tell if appendicitis
is
progressing, as well.
CT scan (computed tomography): A CT scanner uses X-rays and
a
computer to create detailed images. In appendicitis, CT scans
can show the
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7/27/2019 Appendix (Anatomy)
2/2
/15/12ure, Location, Definition, Function, Conditions, Tests,
and Treatments
ww.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/picture-of-the-appendix?print=true
Further Reading:
Appendicitis
Appendectomy Animation: See How an Appendix Is Removed
Diagnosing Appendicitis: Not Always Cut and DrySymptoms of
Appendicitis
Treatment for Appendicitis
Appendix Removed via Patient's Mouth
Ruptured Appendix Common in Minority Kids
See All Appendicitis Topics
inflamed appendix, and whether it has ruptured.
Ultrasound: An ultrasound uses sound waves to detect signs
of
appendicitis, such as a swollen appendix.
Complete blood count (CBC): An increased number of white blood
cells -- a
sign of infection and inflammation -- are often seen on blood
tests during
appendicitis.
Other imaging tests: When a rare tumor of the appendix is
suspected,
imaging exams may locate it. These include magnetic resonance
imaging
(MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and CT scans.
Appendix Treatment
Appendectomy: Surgery is the only treatment for appendicitis.
The doctor
may use the traditional technique (one large cut) or laparoscopy
(several
small cuts and using a camera to see inside). Surgery is also
needed to
remove tumors of the appendix. If the tumor is large, it may
require more
aggressive surgery with removal of part of the colon.
Antibiotics: While the diagnosis is in question, antibiotics
treat any potential
infection that might be causing the symptoms. In general,
antibiotics alone
cannot effectively treat appendicitis.
SOURCESNetter F, Atlas of Human Anatomy, 3rdedition, Saunders,
2002.Young B, Wheaters Functional Histology, 4thedition, Churchill
Livingstone, 2000.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
(NIDDK)Randal Bollinger R, Journal of Theoretical Biology,2007;
vol. 249: pp. 826-831.Wagner JM, JAMA,1996; vol. 276: pp.
1589-1594.Connor SJ, Diseases of the Colon & Rectum,1998; vol.
41: pp. 75-80.The New England Journal of Medicine.
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/abstract/317/27/1699Emedicine:
Carcinoid Tumor.Review ed on April 28, 2010
2010 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
My Notes:
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