The vermiform appendix is attached to the:

NVS- 2025

Applied Anatomy

Easy

Appeared in: NVS- 2025

Explanation

The vermiform appendix is a narrow, finger-like pouch that projects from the caecum.
The caecum is a pouch that forms the beginning of the large intestine and is located in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen.
This anatomical connection is crucial for understanding the location of pain in appendicitis, which often starts around the umbilicus and migrates to the right lower quadrant (McBurney's point).
The three longitudinal muscle bands of the large intestine, known as taeniae coli, converge at the base of the appendix, serving as a reliable landmark for surgeons.

Option B: The colon is the part of the large intestine that follows the caecum. While the appendix is part of the large intestine system, it attaches specifically to the caecum, not the main body of the colon (ascending, transverse, etc.).
Option C: The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine, connecting the stomach to the jejunum. It is located in the upper abdomen, far from the appendix.
Option D: The jejunum is the middle section of the small intestine, located between the duodenum and the ileum. It is not anatomically connected to the appendix.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract, specifically the location of the vermiform appendix as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding this anatomy is critical for nurses assessing a patient with suspected appendicitis. The location of pain at McBurney's point (one-third of the distance from the anterior superior iliac spine to the umbilicus) corresponds directly to the typical location of the appendix base on the caecum.
A key nursing responsibility is to monitor for signs of appendix rupture, such as a sudden relief of pain followed by diffuse abdominal pain and signs of peritonitis (e.g., rigid abdomen, fever, tachycardia). This is a surgical emergency.
What if? If a patient's appendix is in a retrocaecal (behind the caecum) position, the pain may be less localized and present more as a dull ache in the back or flank, making diagnosis more challenging for the clinical team.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question about basic human anatomy.
First, identify the key structure in the question: the 'vermiform appendix'.
Recall or visualize the path of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum) connects to the large intestine.
The large intestine begins with the caecum, followed by the colon. This eliminates the duodenum and jejunum as they are parts of the small intestine.
Remember that the appendix is a small outpouching at the very beginning of the large intestine. The beginning of the large intestine is the caecum.
Therefore, the appendix must be attached to the caecum.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract, specifically the location of the vermiform appendix.
Stem keywords: vermiform appendix, attached to
Lead-in keywords: BEST, MOST RELEVANT CLUE
Negative lead-in flag: false

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E6 Anatomy BDChaurasia V2 10e Part 2 p. 48-50

E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e pp. 129-131, 130-132