Appendicitis Powerpoint Presentations

The appendix hangs off the caecum , below the entry of the ileum , at the convergence of the three taenia coli. It is a blind-ended tube of indeterminate function.The appendix is variable in its mesentery , its length and its position. It may lie behind or in front of the caecum or the distal end of the ileum, or in the pelvis. The root of the appendix lies at
McBurney’s point – one-third of the way up a line from the anterior superior iliac spine to the umbilicus. The lining of the appendix is the same as that of the colon with the addition of nodules of lymphatic tissue. The lumen may become obstructed, and its wall swollen and inflamed. In turn, this inflammation may obstruct the appendicular artery as it runs along the length of the appendix causing gangrene and eventual perforation of the appendix. The variable position may make diagnosis difficult. The early pain of appendicitis usually refers to the midline, in the umbilical region. It then becomes localized in the right iliac fossa as progression of the disease affects the overlying parietal peritoneum. Pus, and/or the contents of a perforated appendix may spread throughout the peritoneal cavity.