ABSTRACT
The importance of the vermiform appendix in surgery arises primarily from its propensity for inflammation, which results in the clinical syndrome known as acute appendicitis. The vermiform appendix is present only in humans, certain anthropoid apes and the wombat. It is a blind muscular tube with mucosal, submucosal, muscular and serosal layers. The appendix varies considerably in length and circumference. The average length is between 7.5 and 10 cm. The lumen is irregular, being encroached on by multiple longitudinal folds of mucous membrane lined by columnar cell intestinal mucosa of colonic type. Obstruction of the appendiceal lumen seems to be essential for appendiceal perforation. However, in many cases of early appendicitis, the appendix lumen is patent despite the presence of mucosal inflammation and lymphoid hyperplasia. The diagnosis of appendicitis rests more on thorough clinical examination of the abdomen than on any aspect of the history or laboratory investigation.
