appendix; vermiform appendix
Anatomical term for the vermiform appendix. In everyday conversation, 盲腸 (もうちょう) is often used loosely for the appendix or appendicitis, but strictly 虫垂 refers to the appendix itself.
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix.
The appendix is a part of the large intestine.
appendicitis
appendectomy
From 虫 (insect/worm) + 垂 (dangle/hang), referring to the worm-like shape of the appendix. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the kanji are conventionally associated with the anatomical structure.