Oh. My. Appendix. Trivia Quiz

Answer: Vermiform process

The appendix is also referred to as the vermiform process or the vermiform appendix. The term 'vermiform' means worm-like and this, in the context of the appendix, refers to its shape. The appendix is a tubal organ that is usually six to ten centimetres long.

Answer: False

Acute appendicitis is a medical emergency that usually requires surgery. It is caused when there is inflammation in the appendix due to blockage or infections. If left untreated, appendicitis can lead to life-threatening complications.

Answer: Abdominal pain

Lower abdominal pain is almost always there in acute appendicitis. Other symptoms can include vomiting, nausea, anorexia, fever and diarrhoea. Removal of the appendix by surgery is done as a complete cure for appendicitis.

Answer: Appendectomy

Appendectomy is the surgery done as a curative measure for acute appendicitis. In this surgery, the appendix is removed from the body. As the appendix is not a vital organ for life, it does not need to be replaced. Patients who are to undergo an appendectomy are also treated with antibiotics to stop infections.

Answer: Caecum

The appendix extends from the caecum of the large intestine, which is roughly at the junction between the large and the small intestines. It is located in the right, lower part of the abdomen. It is here that doctors can clinically examine for pain in cases of appendicitis.

Answer: Peritonitis

Peritonitis is a serious complication that can occur from untreated appendicitis. Peritonitis is the inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity called the peritoneum. This usually occurs after the appendix has ruptured and it can be fatal if not treated with antibiotics.

Answer: Urinary tract infection

Many of the symptoms of a urinary tract infection resemble that of an acute case of appendicitis. Common symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, nausea and pain during urination. Usually, a urine test is done to eliminate a urinary tract infection. Also, radiographic imaging can be done to confirm a diagnosis of appendicitis.

Migraine is a headache disorder. Arthritis is the inflammation of joints which can be due to a number of causes. Myocardial infarction is what is commonly referred to as a 'heart attack'. None of these have similar symptoms to appendicitis.

Answer: True

It was earlier believed that the appendix is a vestigial organ which has no specific function. It was believed that evolution had rendered this organ useless. But further studies conducted on the appendix and its functions have led to the hypothesis that it may be involved in the maintenance of gut immunity. Reports from these studies say that the appendix serves as a reservoir for many microbes that are required for the proper functioning of the human digestive tract.

Answer: Carcinoid tumors

Carcinoid tumors are classified under neuroendocrine tumors. They are usually small tumors that grow very slowly. They most commonly start in the digestive tract, especially the appendix, and spread to other parts of the body. They can also be seen originating from the lungs, liver, bile ducts, pancreas abd other organs.

Answer: Retrocaecal - behind the caecum

In the bodies of most people, the appendix would be found behind the caecum, which is a part of the large intestine. This position is termed as retrocaecal appendix. Sometimes the appendix can be found below the caecum (subcaecal). The least common position in which the appendix is found is after the ileum, which is the last part of the small intestine. This is termed as post-ileal appendix.

The car in the photo could be described as 'retro'.