Appendix (vermiform appendix)

Anatomy

Vermiform (worm-like) blind vestigial sac, 1-8″, arising from 2 cm below ileocecal valve in cecum, right lower quadrant, roughly surface equivalent McBurney’s point (2/3 way from umbilicus to anterior superior iliac spine); base constant but body can lie behind cecum, or in pelvis, or points in between, and can be retroperitoneal. Common site of inflammation often necessitating surgical removal, classic symptoms/signs (dull pain near navel, moving down to right and becoming sharper; nausea/vomiting; fever; guarding, rebound tenderness) but can mimic myriad other conditions.

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