The following sections of this BookRags Literature Study Guide is offprint from Gale's For Students Series: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Commonly Studied Works: Introduction, Author Biography, Plot Summary, Characters, Themes, Style, Historical Context, Critical Overview, Criticism and Critical Essays, Media Adaptations, Topics for Further Study, Compare & Contrast, What Do I Read Next?, For Further Study, and Sources.
(c)1998-2002; (c)2002 by Gale. Gale is an imprint of The Gale Group, Inc., a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Gale and Design and Thomson Learning are trademarks used herein under license.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction: "Social Concerns", "Thematic Overview", "Techniques", "Literary Precedents", "Key Questions", "Related Titles", "Adaptations", "Related Web Sites". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults: "About the Author", "Overview", "Setting", "Literary Qualities", "Social Sensitivity", "Topics for Discussion", "Ideas for Reports and Papers". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
All other sections in this Literature Study Guide are owned and copyrighted by BookRags, Inc.
The appendix is a small finger-like appendage found near the juncture of the small and large intestines. Also termed the vermiform appendix, the organ is vestigial and has no apparent function. Vestigial organs and structures are those that do not serve an anatomical or physiological purpose and which are considered evolutionary remnants of an ancestral species or nonfunctional remnants of organs and structures created during embryonic development. Despite the fact that the appendix is not essential to good health, appendicitis--an inflammation of the appendix--can be life threatening and usually requires surgery to remove the appendix.
Inflammation of the appendix in the form of appendicitis may cause the appendix to rupture and spill its contents, including intestinal bacteria into the peritoneal cavity. As a result of the introduction of intestinal bacteria into the peritoneum, an individual usually develops peritonitis, an inflammation of the peritoneum or peritoneal cavity. The peritoneal cavity is the space separating the visceral and parietal layers of the peritoneum. Peritonitis results in a high fever, pain, and may result in death if not aggressively treated with antibiotics.
During the course of digestion and waste elimination, the appendix may become clogged with fecal matter. Such a blockage prevents the normal drainage from the appendix and may result in acute (rapid onset) inflammation. Other agents, including parasitic worms, may also block appendix drainage and result in appendicitis.
The appendix is located in the lower right portion of the abdomen. Inflammation of the appendix is usually accompanied by a painful tenderness in this region, especially in response to palpation (the exerting of pressure by the hand). It is not uncommon for patients to experience pain in other areas, especially when the appendix becomes severely inflamed or ruptures.