Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Murine Appendectomy Model of Chronic Colitis Associated Colorectal Cancer by Precise Localization of Caecal Patch
Published on: August 24, 2019
A study on 'Vermiform Appendix'--a caecal appendage in common laboratory mammals
1Department of Anatomy, Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital, Sinamangal, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Abstract:
The vermiform appendix, a small structure without any known function in human being has been regarded as a vestigial remnant of a more developed distal caecum in man's herbivorous ancestors. A detailed study of the morphological and histological changes in the appendix and the caecum of different mammals with varying dietary habits revealed a distinctly well-defined vermiform appendix in rabbit only. However, the apical part of caecum among the carnivorous animals like cat and dog showed a clear histological picture with heavy infiltration of lymphoid tissue in the mucous & sub-mucous coats as seen in rabbit or human being. Thus, the vermiform appendix is in no way a vestigial organ but a specialized structure without any definitely known function, probably concerned with the establishment and maintenance of the body defence and immunity of the body.
Related Concept Videos
Appendicitis
Appendicitis-I: Introduction
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
Large Intestine
The ileocecal sphincter, a mucous membrane fold, guards the opening from the ileum to the large intestine. This valve permits material from the small intestine to pass into the large intestine. Attached to the ileocecal valve is the cecum. This small pouch, approximately 6 cm long, has a twisted, coiled tube known as...

