Anatomy
appendix Audio
ap·pen·dix [ uh-pen-diks ]
Subclass of:
Cecum
Etymology:
Latin appendere = to hang upon; from ad = to + pendere = to hang
Definitions related to appendix:
  • A pouch-like tissue attached to the cecum, which may exist as a diverticulum.
    CDISC Terminology
    Clinical Data Interchange Standards Consortium (CDISC), 2021
  • A small, fingerlike pouch that sticks out from the cecum (the first part of the large intestine near the end of the small intestine).
    NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • A worm-like blind tube extension from the CECUM.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
  • Organ with organ cavity which is continuous proximally with the cecum and distally terminates in the tip of the appendix. Examples: There is only one appendix.
    Digital Anatomist
    University of Washington, 2003
  • Organ with organ cavity, each instance of which is continuous proximally with some cecum and distally terminates at its tip. Examples: There is only one appendix.
    Foundational Model of Anatomy
    University of Washington, 2017
  • Small tissue projection existing as a cecal diverticulum with a questionable history of vestigial versus specialized organ.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • In 1886, Reginald H. Fitz, a Harvard pathologist, first described the clinical condition of acute appendicitis.
    Medscape
    WebMD, 2025
  • Appendix, in anatomy, a vestigial hollow tube that is closed at one end and is attached at the other end to the cecum, a pouchlike beginning of the large intestine into which the small intestine empties its contents. It is not clear whether the appendix serves any useful purpose in humans....
    Encyclopedia Britannica
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2025
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This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.