KUMJ | VOL. 1 | NO. 4 | ISSUE 4 | OCT-DEC, 2003
A study on 'Vermiform Appendix'-a caecal appendage in common laboratory mammals.
Malla BK
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
Keyword : Vermiform appendix; Caecum; Lymphoid tissue; Argent affine cell.
