The appendix is an organ of the human digestive system. It is a finger-sized tube attached to the beginning of the large intestine, near the place where the small intestine empties into it. The appendix is not known to serve any function in the body. It is important only for the illness it can cause if it becomes blocked or infected.

Description

Only human beings and higher apes have appendixes, but a similar structure exists in rodents and a few other mammals. The human appendix is usually 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 centimeters) long and less than ¹/₂ inch (1.3 centimeters) wide. The tube of the appendix is much narrower where it opens into the beginning of the large intestine.

Appendicitis

In appendicitis, fluids collect and cause the appendix to swell in such a way that blood cannot circulate properly. Normal bacteria from the intestine may multiply in a harmful way. Severe swelling may cause the appendix to burst open. This can cause serious infection in the abdominal region.

Appendicitis can strike at any age but is most common in people between the ages of 10 and 30. An attack usually starts with a dull pain in the stomach area. After one to six hours the pain may worsen and move to the lower abdomen, usually on the right side. Nausea and vomiting may develop some time after the start of the pain. In such cases, a doctor should be seen immediately. To treat appendicitis, the appendix is removed during a common operation called an appendectomy.