Appendicitis

Question 1

Location of appendix

Answer 1

caecum is situated in the lower right side of the abdomen, appendix connects to this

Question 2

Normal functions of the Appendix (4)

Answer 2

Absorption
Mucous production
Mucous transport
Immune function

Question 3

How does the appendix aid in absorption?

Answer 3

assists in absorbing water and electrolytes from the intestinal chyme

Question 4

Mucous production

Answer 4

inner lining contains goblet cells that secrete mucous

Question 5

Mucous transport

Answer 5

mucous moves into the lumen, aiding in the movement of waste and bacteria through the appendix and into the caecum

Question 6

Immune function of the appendix

Answer 6

maintains a healthy gut microbiome

acts as a reservoir for beneficial bacteria

Traps pathogens and supports their removal from the gut

Question 7

Definition of appendicitis

Answer 7

inflammation of the appendix, most commonly due to obstruction of the lumen

Question 8

Blockages

Answer 8

fecaliths: hardened stool

Lymphoid hyperplasia: swelling of lymphoid tissue following infection

foreign bodies or parasites

Tumours

Obstruction of lumen

Bacterial overgrowth: stagnant contents allow bacteria to multiply = infection and pus formation

Question 9

Inflammation & swelling in appendicitis

Answer 9

pressure increases on visceral nerve fibres due to blockage = vague generalised pain (umbilicus)

swelling worsens = pressure affects blood flow = ischaemia and necrosis = pain becomes localised to RLQ

Question 10

Perforation of the appendix

Answer 10

occurs if inflammation continues

wall weakness and ruptures = infectious material into the peritoneal cavity = peritonitis