Appendix - The Vestigial Organ Of Human Body
The appendix is an organ present in every individual. It is the vestigial structure present in the human body. It has lost all its function through the process of evolution. The appendix is a shrunken form of cecum. Cecum or ceca was found in the digestive tracts of ancestor humans and its function was to help the human body digest the cellulose molecules of the plants. But nowadays the capability of human body is limited to digest only a minimal amount of cellulose, the appendix is of no longer use. According to Darwin; appendix was used to digest leaves and diet rich foliage on which the ancient humans survived. But today, people have started eating more digested food; the cecum of ancient times has degraded to appendix of today.
Size and location of appendix:
The initial portion of large intestine is called as cecum. The small intestine is connected with the large intestine in the cecum. At this junction of large and small intestine lies a valve called as ileocecal valve. The base of the appendix is present 2 cm below this ileocecal wall and the tip of the appendix lies behind the cecum. The length of appendix may vary from 4-25 cm. The upper portion of appendix may be present anywhere in the peritoneal cavity of our intestine. Due to the change in the position of the upper portion of appendix, the localization of pain due to the inflammation of appendicitis can vary from place to place. The pains may be of different forms and types. In human body, appendix has no function. The body has no gain or loss due to the presence or absence of this organ.
Appendix in children:
In children, the lymphoid cells of the inner lining of the appendix are found in large amount. Any intestinal infection in the children results in the inflammation of these lymphoid cells. These results in narrowing of the inner cavity of the appendix and can cause the closing of appendix. One more reason for closing of appendix in children is the formation of paralyzed bowels which get stuck in the appendix. This condition is seen in 30% of the patients.
Reasons for closing of appendix:
1) Paralyzed bowels
2) Inflammation of lymphoid cells
3) Germ manifestation in the covering of appendix
4) Consumption of fiery or spicy substances
5) Non- functioning of blood vessels of appendix
6) Improper blood supply to the tip of appendix.
All these reasons might result in weakens the appendix and sometimes causes its bursting. This may infect the whole intestine and can pose danger to life. So it should be treated immediately to avoid future complications.
Symptoms of appendicitis:
Initially in appendicitis, pain occurs surrounding the naval or in the upper portion of the stomach. After 12-24 hours the position may change causing pain in other portion of the body. The pain increases due to rapid movement, sneezing and coughing. Some patients do have vomiting and mild fever. If the fever is supplemented with shivering then there is an increased chance of bursting of appendix. As the inflammation of the appendix increases the right portion of the stomach hardens.
Types of pain in appendicitis:
Since the position of the tip of the appendix varies, the pain also shifts from place to place.
1) If the cervix is tilted towards the pelvis then inflammation occurs in the urinary bladder and this causes trouble in urination.
2) If the tip of the appendix is tilted towards the end point of large intestine then there occurs a sensation of frequent defecation. Even after the release of feces, one does not feels fresh.
3) In pregnant women, the appendix is lifted in the cavity of bosom in the last three months of pregnancy. In this period pain may occur in the lower portion of gall bladder below the ribs.
Treatment of appendicitis:
Normal Surgery:
This type of surgery is done by giving a cut of 2-5cm in the stomach of the patient. Small amount of bleeding occurs in this surgery and patient has trouble due to the stitches. Due to this the patient has to stay in the hospital for 7-8 days.
Laparoscopy Surgery:
This surgery is done through three holes made on the stomach. There is no need to give a cut on the stomach. There is no bleeding occurs in this type of surgery and the patient can be discharged within 48 hours of the surgery. This patient does not have any trouble and his time is also saved.
The children suffer a lot from appendicitis. They become more annoyed, tired and even do not take proper diet. Surgery is the only option to cure the children from appendicitis.
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