THE LARGE INTESTINE 



277 



endeavour to retain the caecum in its normal position. These 

 bands may involve the vermiform process or the terminal part 

 of the ileum and cause them to become kinked (p. 256). 



The Vermiform Process (Appendix) springs from the medial 

 border of the caecum near its lower end. It is completely 

 covered with peritoneum but differs from the caecum in that it 

 possesses a mesentery, which contains the appendicular artery 

 in its free border. The vermiform process is usually about 



FIG. 101. Anterior Aspect of the Trunk, showing the surface relations 

 of the liver, the stomach and the large intestine. 



NOTE. The reference lines are the same as those shown in Fig. 87. 



3 inches long, but it varies greatly in length and may measure 

 from ij to 10 inches. Owing to its peritoneal relations, it 

 possesses a wide range of movement and it is impossible to 

 foretell where it will be found when an operation is performed 

 for its removal. In certain cases of appendicitis, increased 

 frequency of micturition is a prominent symptom, and it 

 is held by some authorities that this condition only occurs 

 when the vermiform process passes downwards into the pelvis 

 and becomes adherent to the bladder. Another explanation, 

 however, is possible, as will be shown later (p. 279). 



