THE ALIMENTARY CANAL AND ITS APPENDAGES 167 



THE VERMIFORM PROCESS 



The processus vermiformis (ap., Fig. 99) isr a feebly de- 

 veloped organ which lies at the end of the short ccecum (c?.), 

 and possesses a considerable morphological interest. In Man its 

 average length is 8|- cm., but it may be but 2 cm., or on the 

 other hand, some 20 to 23 cm. long. 



Considerable variation also occurs in its width and disposition 



FIG. 99. THE C<ECUM AND PROCESSUS VERMIFORMIS OF A HUMAN EMBRYO. 

 i.L, large intestine ; i.s., small intestine ; cce., ccecum ; ap., vermiform process. 



(cf. p. 166), and in the folds of mucous membrane which bound 

 its ostium. Indeed, everything ' points to the retrogressive 

 character of this appendage, and justifies us in concluding that 

 the total length of the alimentary tract was formerly greater 

 than it now is. The great variations in the form and size of 

 the coacum (cos.} also support this view. 



According to Kibbert the processus vermiformis at different 

 ages measures as follows :-^- 



