The Anatomy of the Human Peritoneum and Abdominal Cavity / Considered from the Standpoint of Development and Comparative Anatomy

by George S. Huntington

4. The appendix is directed downward, pendent from the lowest point of the conical cæcal pouch, and hangs free over the pelvic brim.

This type is encountered at times in fœtal and infantile subjects ([Figs. 516] and 543).

Fig. 543.—Human fœtus at fifth month. Abdominal cavity and viscera; liver and greater part of small intestine removed. (Drawn from preparation in Columbia University Museum, No. 1814.)

Fig. 544.—Human fœtus at term. Abdominal cavity and viscera; greater part of small intestine removed. (Drawn from preparation in Columbia University Museum, No. 1813.)

Fig. 545.—Human fœtus at term. Ileo-colic junction and cæcum. (Columbia University Museum, No. 998.)

5. The position of the appendix is variant and abnormal, as e. g. placed to the right of cæcum and colon (Fig. 544) or turned up ventrad of the ileo-colic junction (Fig. 545).

These variations in the position of the appendix and the resulting peritoneal relations of the structure depend upon the following factors.

1. The influence of peritoneal adhesions established during the descent of the cæcum from the subhepatic position to the iliac fossa.

2. The inherent curve of the cæcal pouch.