Appendicitis
...that the human appendix at one time served a useful purpose that has gradually been lost through evolution. The cause of appendicitis is when the tube-like appendix becomes plugged by a hard bit of fecial matter or by intestinal worms, or becomes inflamed from other causes. The appendix then becomes susceptible to bacterial infection. If the appendix wall ruptures, infection may spread to the abdominal cavity, causing peritonitis, an inflammation of the abdominal lining. Peritonitis is often fatal if untreated. The treatment is surgical removal of the appendix, which is called an appendectomy. The surgeon cuts through layers of skin, fat, muscle, and the peritoneum membrane to reach the appendix. The appendix is slipped out of the abdominal cavity through the incision. After tying off the blood vessels in the base of the appendix, the ...