How often is the vermiform appendix clogged?

Question

Appendicitis only occurs when the appendix is obstructed and thereby inflames. But does that mean the appendix is relatively clean otherwise? Considering that the appendix is attached the the cecum, a sort of pouch that receives waste from the ileum, how clean is the appendix really?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Gray536.png

Answer 1

Appendix is part of a system that keeps on motion; this motion moves little pieces of that waste that you say... the problems come when the pieces are not wet enough, almost like stones; they are responsibles for the obstruction (remember the short diameter of appendix).