Glossary

Author: Glossary

  • Appendix testis

    A small bladder-like structure at the upper end of the testis, a vestigial remnant of the cephalic portion of the mullerian duct.  

  • Appendix epiploica

    One of numerous pouches of the peritoneum, filled with fat and attached to the colon.  

  • Appendix epididymidis

    A cystic structure attached to the epididymis, a vestigial remnant of the mesonephric duct.  

  • Appendicopathy oxyurica

    A lesion of the appendical mucosa supposedly due to oxyurids (intestinal parasitic worms).  

  • Appendicopathy

    Any disease of the vermiform appendix.    

  • Appendicolysis

    Surgery to free the appendix from adhesions.  

  • Tip appendicitis

    Inflammation that involves only the most distal portion of the appendix. It may be difficult to visualize radiographically; e.g., during CT scanning.  

  • Stump appendicitis

    Inflammation occurring in the surgical remnant (the proximal portion of the appendix) after appendectomy.  

  • Gangrenous appendicitis

    Appendicitis in which inflammation is extreme, blood vessels are blocked in the mesentery, circulation to the appendix is cut off, and diffuse peritonitis ensues.  

  • Acute appendicitis

    A common presentation of appendiceal inflammation. Inflammation can result in infection, thrombosis, necrosis, and perforation or rupture of the intestine. Peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneal cavity) may follow, as the contents of the lower gastrointestinal tract enter the abdominal cavity. Classic presentations, which occur about 60% of the time, include abdominal pain (initially diffuse, gradually…