Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

To which portion of the colon is the appendix attached?

1. Ascending

2. Cecum

3. Descending

4. Sigmoid

The correct answer is: Cecum

The appendix is attached to the cecum, which is the first part of the large intestine. This anatomical relationship is significant because the cecum serves as the entry point for materials from the small intestine into the colon. The cecum is located in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen, and the appendix extends off of it as a small, tubular structure. Understanding this connection is important for surgical technologists, as procedures involving the appendix, such as an appendectomy, typically start with the cecum in view. Knowledge of gastrointestinal anatomy, including the specific orientation and relationship of the appendix to the cecum, is essential for supporting surgical teams and ensuring proper patient management.