The cecum and appendix Flashcards

1
Q

what is the cecum and appendix part of?

A

the gastrointestinal tract

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2
Q

where is the cecum and appendix located?

A

They are the most proximal part of the large intestine, located between the ileum (distal small bowel) and the ascending colon

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3
Q

what was the function of the cecum?

A

Having served as a site for cellulose digestion in our ancestors

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4
Q

what does the cecum now act as?

A

the cecum now simply acts as a reservoir for chyme which it receives from the ileum

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5
Q

what is chyme?

A

mass of partly digested food that is expelled by the stomach

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6
Q

what is the function of the appendix and what does it contain?

A

The appendix contains a large amount of lymphoid tissue, but has no vital functions in the human

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7
Q

what is the cecum? where can it be found?

A

the most proximal part of the large intestine and can be found in the right iliac fossa and suprapubic region

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8
Q

where does the cecum lie in relation to the iliocaecal junction?

A

It lies slightly inferior to the iliocaecal junction

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9
Q

where can the cecum be palpated? when can it be palpated?

A

in the right iliac fossa if enlarged due to faeces, gas or malignancy

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10
Q

what happens at the cecum inferiorly?

A

is a blind end

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11
Q

what happens at the cecum superiorly?

A

the open end of the cecum is continuous with the ascending colon

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12
Q

where is the cecum? what is it unlike?

A

Unlike the ascending colon above it, the cecum is intraperitoneal

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13
Q

what is the appendix also known as?

A

the vermiform (worm-shaped)

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14
Q

what is the appendix

A

appendix is a narrow, blind ended tube attached to the posteromedial end of the cecum

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15
Q

how is the position of the free-end of the appendix?

A

The position of the free-end of the appendix is highly variable, and can be categorised into seven main locations

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16
Q

what is the most common positions of the free-end of the appendix?

A

The most common positions are retrocaecal and subileal

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17
Q

what is a simple way to remember the positions of the appendix?

A

as the hour hand of a clock

18
Q

what is the pre-ileal position of the appendix? where is it at?

A

Anterior to the terminal ileum – 1 o’clock

19
Q

what is the post-ileal position of the appendix? where is it at?

A

Posterior to the terminal ileum – 2 o’clock

20
Q

what is the sub-ileal position of the appendix? where is it at?

A

Parallel with the terminal ileum – 3 o’clock

21
Q

what is the pelvic position of the appendix? where is it at?

A

Pelvic – Descending over the pelvic brim – 5 o’clock

22
Q

what is the sub-caecal position of the appendix? where is it?

A

Below the cecum – 6 o’clock

23
Q

what is the paracaecal position of the appendix? where is it?

A

Alongside the lateral border of the cecum – 10 o’clock

24
Q

what is the retrocaecal position of the appendix? where is it?

A

Retrocaecal – Behind the cecum – 11 o’clock

25
Q

where is the cecum derived from embryologically?

A

The cecum is derived from the embryologic midgut

26
Q

where is the blood supply of the cecum from?

A

by a branch of the superior mesenteric artery

27
Q

which branch of the superior mesenteric artery supplies the cecum?

A

ileocolic artery

28
Q

what happens to the ileocolic artery in order to supply the cecum?

A

splits into anterior and posterior caecal arteries to supply the cecum

29
Q

where does the venous drainage for the cecum come from?

A

ileocolic vein

30
Q

where does the ileocolic vein drain into?

A

superior mesenteric vein

31
Q

where does the appendix receives its blood supply via?

A

appendicular artery

32
Q

where is the appendicular artery derived from?

A

ileocolic artery

33
Q

what does the appendix drain through?

A

appendicular vein

34
Q

where is the appendicular artery and vein contained? what are they contained with?

A

Both are contained, along with lymphatic vessels and nerves, within the mesoappendix

35
Q

what is the mesoappendix?

A

a fold of mesentery which suspends the appendix from the terminal ileum

36
Q

what innervates the cecum and appendix?

A

The autonomic nervous system

37
Q

how does the ANS innervate the cecum and appendix?

A

by means of the ileocolic branch of the superior mesenteric plexus

38
Q

what course of travel does the ileocolic branch of the superiro mesenteric plexus follow?

A

the same course as the ileocolic artery

39
Q

where does lymph from the cecum and appendix drain into?

A

ultimately drains into the upper and lower ileocolic lymph nodes, which surround the ileocolic artery

40
Q

what does upper and lower ileocolic lymph nodes surround?

A

ileocolic artery

41
Q

where does lymph from the cecum travel via?

A

lymph from the cecum travels via a number of intermediate mesenteric nodes

42
Q

where does lymph from the appendix travel?

A

via a single intermediate node in the mesoappendix.