Congenital Absence of the Vermiform Appendix

Pester, George H.

doi:10.1001/archsurg.1965.01320150091014

Cited by 10 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…Fisher (2000) noted four primate species ( Callicebus moloch , Callicebus personatus , Macaca nigra and Colobus polykomos ) in which the presence of the appendix varies from individual to individual within that species, and indicated that other species probably have variable expression of an appendix, but have yet to be identified because of a lack of study. In fact, expression of the cecal appendix is not entirely uniform even in Homo sapiens , with dozens of cases of congenital absence of the vermiform appendix having been reported (Pester, 1965), and at least one case of two vermiform cecal appendices in one individual being reported (Travis et al. , 2008).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparative anatomy and phylogenetic distribution of the mammalian cecal appendix

Smith

Fisher

Everett

et al. 2009

J of Evolutionary Biology

103

132

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A recently improved understanding of gut immunity has merged with current thinking in biological and medical science, pointing to an apparent function of the mammalian cecal appendix as a safe‐house for symbiotic gut microbes, preserving the flora during times of gastrointestinal infection in societies without modern medicine. This function is potentially a selective force for the evolution and maintenance of the appendix, and provides an impetus for reassessment of the evolution of the appendix. A comparative anatomical approach reveals three apparent morphotypes of the cecal appendix, as well as appendix‐like structures in some species that lack a true cecal appendix. Cladistic analyses indicate that the appendix has evolved independently at least twice (at least once in diprotodont marsupials and at least once in Euarchontoglires), shows a highly significant (P < 0.0001) phylogenetic signal in its distribution, and has been maintained in mammalian evolution for 80 million years or longer.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparative anatomy and phylogenetic distribution of the mammalian cecal appendix

Smith

Fisher

Everett

et al. 2009

J of Evolutionary Biology

103

132

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“…Apparently, duplication of the appendix and associated with duplication of the caecum is likewise quite rare, which were closely associated or even encircled by a common layer of muscle and with cavity communicating with each other or this may be far apart of the caecum [Pester]. 9 In 1968, Derojas and Irons reported an appendix with five diverticula. 10 In 1978, Saebo reported three examples of pneumoperitoneum associated with a perforated appendix and found about 40 published reports of this condition.…”

Section: Positions Of Appendixmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Study on Gross Features and Different Positions of Adults Vermiform Appendix

Ashalatha¹,

Bilodi²,

N³

2016

jebmh

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BACKGROUND Appendix is derived from a Latin word (Pendere) meaning at the end. It is a narrow worm-like tubular diverticulum, which arises from the posteromedial wall of caecum about 2 cms below the ileocaecal junction and is suspended by a peritoneal fold known as mesoappendix. The body of appendix is kinked on itself where the free border of mesoappendix ends. Hence, it is coiled like a worm and so is named the 'Vermiform Appendix'. The appendix is taken up for study in view of its different positions, varying anatomical relations, and the clinical complications when pathologically affected. The relations, measurements, positions, and arterial supply were studied by gross dissection in 61 specimens (Adults-33 and foetuses-28) from the population of Krishna and Warangal districts of Andhra Pradesh. MATERIALS AND METHODS The present study was done on 31 adult specimens, out the length of the appendix, the diameter of the appendix at base, length of the caecum, length of ascending colon were measured. The position of the appendix was classified as per Datta's classification. Mesenteric attachment to the vermiform appendix were noted. Even arterial supply of the appendix was studied. RESULTS Length of the appendix in adults varied from 2.00 to 25.00 cm as described by different authors, the average being 3.00 to 12.50 cm. The length of the caecum in adults were ranging from 5 to 8 cm. In the present study, the length of appendix was 14.4 cm The origin of the appendicular artery was from inferior division of ileocolic artery. A single appendicular artery is observed in all the specimens almost coinciding with studies of Michels et al. In the present study, in adults, the mesoappendix was extending to the tip in 19 specimens and extending to a variable extent in 14 specimens. Regarding the positions, in adults, they were retrocaecal, retrocolic, and subcaecal positions were 21.21% and splenic, promontory, and pelvic positions were 78.8%. CONCLUSION The knowledge of anatomy of appendix is very important for thorough understanding of the pathology, signs, and symptoms of acute appendicitis. This study of different positions and gross features of vermiform appendix will be of great help to the surgeons when they do laparotomy and plan for further any surgical procedures.

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“…Since the increased risk of appendicitis which occurred in the mid to late 1800's was quickly followed by surgical procedures effectively preventing mortality from appendicitis (Drinkwater, 1924), it is doubtful that appendicitis will ever exert pressure for elimination of the appendix. Second, dozens of individuals have been identified patients who were born with the congenital absence of an appendix (Pester, 1965). Thus, loss of the appendix is a biological possibility in humans.…”

Section: The Effect Of Appendicitis On Thinking About the Function Ofmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Most mammals with an appendix, however, express the appendix with more regularity, although this may, to an extent, reflect the much smaller sample size of studied individuals in those species. In humans, even though several dozen individuals have been identified who have been born without an appendix (Pester, 1965), the overwhelming majority of individuals do have an appendix.…”

Section: Substantial Variation In the Structure Of The Appendixmentioning

confidence: 99%