Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Know your organs
I
n human anatomy, the appendix (or vermiform appendix; or caecal appendix is a blind ended tube connected to the cecum (or caecum), from which it develops embryologically. The cecum is a pouch-like structure of the colon. The appendix is near the junction of the small intestine and the large intestine. The term “vermiform” comes from Latin and means “worm-like in appearance”. The appendix averages 10 cm in length, but can range from 2 to 20 cm. The diameter of the appendix is usually between 7 and 8 mm. The longest appendix ever removed measured 26 cm in Zagreb, Croatia. The appendix is located in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen, or more specifically, the right iliac fossa The appendix is a closed-ended, narrow tube up to several inches in length that attaches to the cecum (the first part of the colon) like a worm. (The anatomical name for the appendix, vermiform appendix, means worm-like appendage.) In human anatomy, the appendix is a blind ended tube connected to the cecum (or caecum), from which it develops embryologically. The cecum is a pouch-like structure of the colon. The appendix is near the junction of the small intestine and the large intestine. The open central core of the appendix drains into the cecum. The inner lining of the appendix produces a small amount of mucus that flows through the open central core of the appendix and into the cecum. The wall of the appendix contains lymphatic tissue that is part of the immune system for making antibodies. Like the rest of the colon, the wall of the appendix also contains a layer of muscle, but the layer of muscle is poorly developed. The main function of the appendix is unknown. In the past, the appendix was considered an evolutionary leftover. Now however, scientists acknowledge that the appendix helps support the immune system in two ways. It helps tell lymphocytes where they need to go to fight an infection and it boosts the large intestine’s immunity to a variety of foods and drugs. The latter helps keep your gastrointestinal tract from getting inflamed in response to certain food and medications you ingest. The appendix can become inflamed. If an inflamed appendix is not treated immediately, the appendix can burst.
Wellness
51
The Human Appendix
Appendicitis and Carcinoid Syndrome are the most common conditions that affect the appendix. Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix. Carcinoid syndrome is a condition where caracinoid tumors grow in the appendix. The tumors may spread to other parts of the body. Given the appendix’s propensity to cause death via infection, and the seeming perfect health of those who have had their appendix removed, the biological purpose of the appendix has mystified scientists for some time. There have been cases of people who have been found, usually on laparoscopy or laparotomy, to have a congenital absence of an appendix. There have been no reports of impaired immune or gastrointestinal function in these people. The most common complications of appendicitis are abscess and peritonitis. The most common symptoms of appendicitis are abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, fever, and abdominal
tenderness. Appendicitis usually is suspected on the basis of a patient’s history and physical examination; however, a white blood cell count, urinalysis, abdominal X-ray, barium enema, ultrasonography, CT scan, and laparoscopy also may be helpful in diagnosis. Due to the varying size and location of the appendix and the proximity of other organs to the appendix, it may be difficult to differentiate appendicitis from other abdominal and pelvic diseases. The treatment for appendicitis usually is antibiotics and appendectomy (appendectomy or surgery to remove the appendix). Complications of appendectomy include wound infection and abscess. Other conditions that can mimic appendicitis include Meckel’s diverticulitis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), inflammatory diseases of the right upper abdomen (gallbladder disease, liver disease, or perforated duodenal ulcer), right-sided diverticulitis, and kidney diseases.
‘Exercising daily can help counteract holiday eating excesses’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 50 systems,” study co-author Jean-Philippe Walhin said in a journal news release. “But a daily bout of exercise stops most of these negative changes from taking place.” “If you are facing a period of overconsumption and inactivity, which is probably quite common around Christmastime and the festive season, then our study shows that a daily bout of exercise will prevent many of the negative changes from taking place even though you are gaining weight,” study senior author Dylan Thompson said in the news release. Dr James Betts, one of the researchers also involved, said: “This new research shows that the picture is more sophisticated than ‘energy’ alone. Exercise has positive effects even when we are actively storing energy and gaining weight.” Commenting on the findings, Dr Jean-Philippe Walhin added: “Short term overfeeding and reduced physical activity had a dramatic impact on the overall metabolic health of the participants and on various key genes within fat tissue. However, even though energy was still being stored, regular exercise prevented many of the long-term negative changes from taking place.” So for you not to gain too much weight this holiday season its best you map out a strategy on how not to gain too much weight through overeating. To maintain your level of fitness, three hard workouts are needed each week, but this standard can seem impossibly high over Christmas. If
you miss exercising for one week, it is not a problem. You won’t lose condition and you won’t gain weight. Leave it any longer, and it will hurt when you return to your usual routine. To avoid the stress of trying to get back your routine exercise after the holiday its best if you’re travelling to visit family and friends to pack a skipping rope. It weighs nothing in your luggage and skipping can be done anywhere, at virtually any time of the day or night. Below are a few tips that will help keep your weight in check while you have fun during the holidays:
Drink wise Add soda water to your white wine to make it a long drink or add it to your spirit to avoid the calories of other mixers. This will also keep you hydrated and lessen the hangover the next day. Walk it off If you’re with friends, family or a partner, consider walking home or taking a stroll after a party to burn off those extra calories and to sober up.
Eat 80/20 This is the most realistic regime that will help you maintain your weight. It involves you eating healthily 80 percent of the time and indulging 20 percent of the time.
Be the chef If you’re in charge of the meals, try to incorporate fresh vegetables and ingredients that are high in protein - these will be filling and discourage seconds.
Exercise daily Compensate the extra calories with regular exercise. It’s better to exercise in the morning as this boosts your metabolism and helps you to burn calories throughout the day.
Downsize plates Pick a smaller plate to serve your meals onto. Filling your plate will make you think it’s a larger serving than it is.
Avoid overindulging in meat Steer away from the fatty meats and opt for leafy greens over the holiday season. Fresh and light salads are a great meal that won’t leave you feeling sluggish. Stick to the healthier options such as prawns or fish.
Just dance Feeling full? What better way to enjoy the social occasion then by dancing with friends or colleagues as well as burning off a few extra calories. SOURCE: Journal of Physiology news release, MedicineNet