appendices

pl. The Latin plural of APPENDIX (q. v.) ap-pěn-di-ci'-tis, s. [Lat. appendix; suff. -it is.] Path .: Inflammation of the vermiform appendix of the cæcum, a worm-like, blind sac in the lower right side of the abdomen. The causes are various, exposure to cold or dampne , or some indiscretion in diet, being the most usual. In a large proportion of cases, foreign substances are an active factor in the production of the disease when a catarrhal condition of the mucous membrane already exists. In the absence of this condition, foreign bodies may remain and cause little or no disturbance; but should the membrane become inflamed, they add to the irritation by occluding the lumen of the appendix, thus favoring ulceration of the walls, perforation, and even gangrene. of the whole organ. Catarrhal inflammations of the appendix are common and frequently chronic, but have not heretofore been recognized as appendicitis. [See TYPHLITIS, PERITYPHLITIS). Several forms of this disease are now recognized, as acute, chronic, and recurrent; also rheumatic appendicitis, which is observed in cases presenting a rheumatic diathesis. Acute, severe attacks occur when the bacillus communis col i is present in a virulent form, and if this condition be a ociated with a fæcal concretion or other foreign body causing pre ure, there is imminent danger of necrosis, perforation, and death The symptoms of appendicitis are intense, cramp-like pains, which may not at first be located in the right iliac fo a; nausea, if not vomiting; rigidity of the abdominal walls, especially of the right side and before the pain localizes itself; constipation generally, but diarrhœa occasionally; intense thirst; a disposition to flex the thighs upon the abdomen; and extreme tenderne at the seat of the disease. The inflamed appendix may generally be felt by deep palpation. Extreme local tenderne at this spot is a valuable diagnostic sign distinguishing appendicitis from general peritonitis. In moderately severe cases pulse-rate and temperature are seriously affected, but a sudden fall in temperature often indicates perforation and is therefore a suspicious symptom. Medical treatment frequently affords relief, but many practitioners recommend excision of the appendix as the only radical cure, and also as a preventive. This operation is now performed with great succe , the rate of mortality being only two or three per cent., exclusive of cases in which surgical interference is made during an acute attack, when the mortality is much larger perhaps 15 to 20 per cent. Complete natural obliteration of the lumen of the appendix has been observed, resulting in a spontaneous and permanent cure. [See VERMIFORM APPENDIX.] not IMG:content-0637.png:[blocks in formation] B. 1. Salsola Kali (Saltwort). calyx. 2. Segment of the