PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What is the role of the tenia coli in relation to the appendix?

1. It helps in digestion

2. It defines the position of the appendix on the cecal apex

3. It supplies blood to the appendix

4. It produces lymphocytes

The correct answer is: It defines the position of the appendix on the cecal apex

The role of the tenia coli in relation to the appendix is primarily anatomical. The tenia coli are three longitudinal bands of smooth muscle that run along the length of the colon. They play an essential role in defining the structure and positioning of the large intestine, including the location of the appendix. Specifically, the tenia coli converge at the cecal apex, which is where the appendix is attached. This point of convergence helps to indicate the exact position of the appendix on the cecum. Since the appendix is situated at the cecal apex, the orientation provided by the tenia coli is crucial for identifying its location, especially during surgical procedures or anatomical studies. In contrast, other options refer to functions that are not attributed to the tenia coli. For example, while digestion is a function of the gastrointestinal tract, it is not directly aided by the tenia coli. Blood supply to the appendix comes from specific vessels like the appendicular artery rather than from muscular bands. Although the immune system does involve lymphocytes, their production is not a function of the tenia coli but rather occurs in the lymphoid tissues throughout the body. Thus, the defining anatomical role of the tenia coli makes it significant in understanding the location of the appendix.