Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Appendicitis-I: Introduction01:22

Appendicitis-I: Introduction

454
The appendix, a small, narrow, blind tube extending from the inferior part of the cecum, is widely regarded as a vestigial organ, having lost much of its original function through evolution. Despite its diminished role, the appendix can become inflamed, a condition known as appendicitis.
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...
454
Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:29

Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

131
Diagnosing and managing appendicitis requires a structured and comprehensive approach that spans from initial assessment to postoperative care. Here is an overview of the process:
Diagnosing Appendicitis
It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...
131
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management01:21

Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management

195
Surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are essential in managing symptoms and addressing complications. The selection of surgical procedures is contingent upon the specific conditions and complications that stem from these illnesses.
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
195
Large Intestine01:09

Large Intestine

1.6K
The large intestine is divided into three main regions: the cecum, colon, and rectum. Extending from the ileocecal valve to the anus, it frames the small intestine on three sides.
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...
1.6K
Anatomy of the Intestines01:23

Anatomy of the Intestines

73.0K
Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
73.0K
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

361
Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
361

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Associations Between Microbial Depletion and Autonomic Dysregulation in Binge-Eating Disorder.

The International journal of eating disorders·2026
Same author

The Gut-Lung Axis, Epigenetics and Respiratory Disease.

Frontiers in bioscience (Landmark edition)·2026
Same author

Intestinal dysbiosis can progress ineffective bone mineral density (BMD) improvement with vitamin D in post-partum women.

Osteoporosis international : a journal established as result of cooperation between the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and the National Osteoporosis Foundation of the USA·2025
Same author

Eradication of Pseudomonas aeruginosa using fixed-dose combination of probiotics and bacteriophages: development of an inhalable powder.

International journal of pharmaceutics·2025
Same author

Nanotechnology for the Efficacious Delivery of Medicinal Cannabis and Pharmaceutical Medicines.

Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)·2025
Same author

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study to evaluate the efficacy of the synbiotic medical food, SBD111, for the clinical dietary management of bone loss in menopausal women.

Osteoporosis international : a journal established as result of cooperation between the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and the National Osteoporosis Foundation of the USA·2025

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 27, 2025

Murine Appendectomy Model of Chronic Colitis Associated Colorectal Cancer by Precise Localization of Caecal Patch
08:51

Murine Appendectomy Model of Chronic Colitis Associated Colorectal Cancer by Precise Localization of Caecal Patch

Published on: August 24, 2019

10.1K

The vermiform cecal appendix, expendable or essential? A narrative review.

Luis Vitetta1

  • 1Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia.

Current Opinion in Gastroenterology
|September 27, 2022
PubMed
Summary

The appendix, once considered vestigial, may serve as a crucial "safe house" for beneficial gut bacteria. This reservoir could help repopulate the colon, influencing immune tolerance and health.

More Related Videos

Murine Ileocolic Bowel Resection with Primary Anastomosis
08:49

Murine Ileocolic Bowel Resection with Primary Anastomosis

Published on: October 29, 2014

16.5K
Clinical Application of Single-Surgeon, Three-Port, Laparoscopic Resection for Colorectal Cancer with Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction
08:26

Clinical Application of Single-Surgeon, Three-Port, Laparoscopic Resection for Colorectal Cancer with Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction

Published on: March 24, 2023

619

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Aug 27, 2025

Murine Appendectomy Model of Chronic Colitis Associated Colorectal Cancer by Precise Localization of Caecal Patch
08:51

Murine Appendectomy Model of Chronic Colitis Associated Colorectal Cancer by Precise Localization of Caecal Patch

Published on: August 24, 2019

10.1K
Murine Ileocolic Bowel Resection with Primary Anastomosis
08:49

Murine Ileocolic Bowel Resection with Primary Anastomosis

Published on: October 29, 2014

16.5K
Clinical Application of Single-Surgeon, Three-Port, Laparoscopic Resection for Colorectal Cancer with Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction
08:26

Clinical Application of Single-Surgeon, Three-Port, Laparoscopic Resection for Colorectal Cancer with Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction

Published on: March 24, 2023

619

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Immunology
  • Microbiome research

Background:

  • The vermiform appendix, historically viewed as a vestigial organ, is located in the lower right abdomen at the junction of the small and large intestines.
  • Evolutionary theories suggested it was a non-significant remnant from herbivorous ancestors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the renewed research interest in the appendix's function.
  • To investigate the appendix's role as a potential reservoir for gut microbiota.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current research on the appendix's biological characteristics.
  • Analysis of the appendix's lymphoid tissue concentration and biofilm microbiome composition.

Main Results:

  • The appendix harbors a high concentration of lymphoid tissue and a biofilm microbiome.
  • This microbiome composition mirrors that of the large bowel.

Conclusions:

  • The appendix may function as a "safe-house" biofilm reservoir, capable of re-inoculating the large bowel.
  • Its lymphoid tissue and microbiome may influence early immunological tolerance and bacterial translocation.
  • Appendiceal dysbiosis is potentially linked to inflammatory conditions.