Caecum and appendix (Dave's notes) Flashcards
The caecum is a ……….. pouch projecting down below the …. ………., ……. in the infant, but the ………… wall ………. the ……….. wall.
blind, ileocolic junction, conical, lateral wall outgrows the medial wall
Describe the retrocaecal space
The retrocaecal space may be either shallow or deep, and may have folds
Where are the teniae coli located on the caecum?
- One lies anterior
- and two are posterior
- one posteromedial
- and one posterolateral
What is the blood supply of the caecum and from whence does it arise? What else of import occurs here?
- from the posterior and anterior caecal vessels which are terminal branches of the ileocolic.
- The appendiceal artery usually arises from the posterior caecal artery
Fold between the ileum and appendix is known as the….
ileocaecal recess
Where are/may there be further recesses?
- Between the mesoappendix and the floor of the RIF
- And the retrocaecal fossa constitutes a fourth recess
Describe the appendix and its length
The appendix is a blind ending tube of 2-25cm in length. Its lumen may obliterate in old age.
From whence does the appendix arise?
The appendix arises from the posteromedial wall of the caecum 2cm below the ileocaecal valve. The base is the point of convergence of the teniae coli.
What are the most common positions of the appendix? In health?
Retrocaecal and retrocolic. In health- retroileal.
Describe the mesoappendix
- The mesoappendix is a triangular fold,
- prolongation of the inferior terminal ileum mesentary
Describe the arterial supply, venous drainage, and lymphatics of the appendix
- Arterial supply is from the appendicular artery which arises from the posterior caecal artery. There is no collateral circulation.
- Veins correspond to arterial supply.
- Lymphatic drainage is via the course of the ileocolic artery
