vermiform appendage, vermiform appendix

Compar . Anatomy: Appendix cæci vermiform is. [APPENDIX, I. 1.] So far as is known, this appendage is peculiar to man, certain of the higher apes, and the wombat. The vermiform appendage in the human species hangs from the cæcum, which is the point of junction between the smaller intestines and the ascend ing colon. In size and shape it resembles a man's which in health constantly wells up into the lower finger. Its membrane secretes mucus end of the colon where the ileo-cæcal valve opens, and this mucus acts as a lubricant to the valve. Sometimes the appendix becomes ingested with fæcal matter and serious and even fatal inflammation results. [APPENDICITIS.] "The vermiform appendix is a little portion of the intestine resembling somewhat in size and shape the little finger. It is situated on the right side of the belly, above the groin. Its inflammation is called appendicitis. While with proper care this trouble usually heals by itself, there are cases where an absce forms. Then arises the danger of this absce bursting and pus and contents of the bowels escaping into the belly (abdominal cavity), thereby causing a general inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity-peritonitis. General peritonitis, as a rule, leads to death. The object of any operation in a case of appendicitis is to ward off general peritonitis. This is accomplished by emptying the absce outwardly or by cutting away (tying off) the vermi form appendix before it bursts, or soon enough after rupture before general peritonitis has time to develop. In the first case the operation is simple enough, amounting to no more than incising the belly wall. In the second it is somewhat more complicated. The operation, however, is always efficacious, since the focus of disease and infection is thereby done away with at once. operation is preeminently efficacious also in case of relapsing appendicitis, which means a case of repeated attacks of the disease. The removal of the appendix during an interval of the disease is sound logic in such a An case, because such an appendix invariably contains particles of fæcal matter or pus with the germs for new attacks of inflammation. Those allowing themselves to suffer with chronic constipation should bear in mind that among their number we chiefly meet with appendicitis cases. They should never make light of a sudden onset of pain in the right side, but call in their medical adviser at once."-Dr. H. Banga in New York World. vermiform-carnivora, s. pl. Zoology : A term sometimes applied to the Musteline (q. v.), from their long lithe bodies. ver-mi-for-mēş, s. pl. [Latin vermis =a worm, and form a =form.] Entom.: A term applied by Newman to Worm shaped or Cylindrical Caterpillars. He considers it an order of Butterflies, and divides it into three families: Rhodoceride, with the British genera Colias and Rhodocera; Papilio nide, with the genus Papilio; and Pieride, with the genera Leu cop has i a, An tho char is, Pieris, and Aporia. ver-mi-for-mi-a, s. pl. [VERMIFORMES.] Zool.: Roll est on's name for a group of Vermes, with a single marine genus, Phoronis, with several species. It occurs on the British coasts in societies of separate individuals; often placed in the Ser pulide.