What is the name of the small dead-end tube of the cecum that is often subject to inflammation?

The correct answer is the appendix, which is a small, tubular structure attached to the cecum, the beginning of the large intestine. The appendix can become inflamed, a condition known as appendicitis, which often requires medical attention. The structure's narrow and blind-ended design can sometimes trap fecal matter or bacteria, leading to inflammation and infection. Understanding the anatomy of the digestive system, specifically the role and location of the appendix in relation to the cecum, is crucial for recognizing its susceptibility to inflammation.

The other options represent different parts of the gastrointestinal system or organ systems that don't share the same characteristics as the appendix. The colon is a longer part of the large intestine and is not a dead-end tube. The rectum serves as the final section of the large intestine, leading to the anus, and does not have the same potential for inflammation characterized by appendicitis. The gallbladder is part of the biliary system, responsible for storing bile, and is not directly related to the cecum or inflammation in this context.