Where is Your Appendix?

Your appendix is one of those vestiges that Charles Darwin affectionately described as "an old friend."

Your appendix, or appendix, is a finger-sized tube located in your right lower abdomen where the large and small intestines meet. Though its purpose remains unknown, when it becomes inflamed (appendicitis) or infected, you need immediate medical attention.

It’s located in your right lower abdomen

The appendix is a small tube-shaped pouch that protrudes from the end of your large intestine in the lower right part of your abdomen. Your doctor may refer to this structure as "the appendix vermiformis," or simply the "appendix."

The appendix has no essential role, and is considered a vestigial organ. It may help regulate fecal matter or simply store beneficial bacteria for your intestines.

When the appendix becomes inflamed and filled with pus, it can cause intense abdominal pain known as appendicitis.

Appendicitis can be a serious infection if not addressed quickly. Your doctor may suggest emergency surgery to remove the appendix and cleanse out your abdomen of pustules.

Your doctor may perform an ultrasound or CT scan on your abdomen to identify where the infection lies so they can provide better treatment options.

If your doctor suspects you have a bacterial infection, you may require to undergo either a blood test or urinalysis. These tests check your white blood cell count and whether there are any signs of urinary tract trouble.

If you have a bacterial infection, your doctor likely recommends antibiotics to help combat it. They may also give you anti-inflammatory medicine in order to make you feel better.

Many people with an appendix problem experience a sharp pain that travels from their lower left abdomen to their lower right side. In some cases, this may be caused by hereditary conditions called situs inversus, where the liver and appendix are on opposite sides of your body from other organs.

However, these hereditary conditions only affect one out of every 8000 individuals.

Another common cause of pain in the lower right quadrant is a herniated disk, an emergency medical issue that could lead to heart attacks or strokes. If you experience any abdominal discomfort whatsoever - even if it doesn't originate from there - don't wait - see your doctor right away.

It’s shaped like a finger

Your appendix is a finger-shaped tube located at the intersection of your large and small intestines. This part of your digestive tract consists of muscles, hormones and enzymes that work together to break down food as it enters your system.

Though it doesn't directly assist with digestion, the appendix may still play a role in keeping your gut healthy after an infection or other issue. It also helps control bile secretions, making it an invaluable ally to the rest of your digestive system.

Appendicitis can be a serious infection of the appendix, which if left untreated can rupture and cause discomfort, swelling and blood in your stool.

The appendix, or appendix, is located in your right lower abdomen and looks like a finger. It measures four inches long and connects to the first part of your large intestine.

When visiting your doctor about an appendix problem, they're likely to prescribe antibiotics in order to prevent infection. If the appendix is causing you symptoms, surgery may be necessary in order to remove it; although this can be a painful and risky procedure, dying of an infection would be far worse.

Scientists are now discovering that the appendix is an example of a vestigial organ--something necessary for our early ancestors but lost as human development progressed. A paper published in American Medical Association journal Gut revealed that each person contains a small pinky-sized appendix which acts as a keyhole to your large intestine, allowing bacteria to colonize there. Though scientists don't yet know exactly how this function works, it remains an intriguing and captivating discovery.

It’s about four inches long

Your appendix is a finger-shaped pouch located in your right lower abdomen, connected to the first portion of your colon (rectum) and anal canal. While its exact purpose remains unknown, some experts speculate it may help beneficial bacteria recolonize after an infection in the gut. Conversely, others believe there's nothing useful in it and recommend its removal when serious issues arise such as rupture.

The appendix can become inflamed and painful, leading to a condition known as appendicitis. Signs include pain, vomiting, and fever.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is time to seek emergency care. An appendectomy is a surgical procedure to remove your appendix if it has ruptured or caused health issues. This surgery can be accomplished through one abdominal incision (laparotomy) or several small laparoscopic incisions on your abdomen (laparoscopic surgery).

During surgery, your surgeon uses a special camera and surgical tools to insert into your abdomen to extract your appendix. This type of surgery carries less risk and has a shorter recovery period than open surgery.

If your appendix doesn't rupture, you may be released to go home after a few days in the hospital. However, if it does rupture, you will require more time in the hospital for observation and strong antibiotics to combat any potential issues that might arise.

People who undergo an appendectomy typically face some restrictions after the operation, but most can resume normal activity within 2 weeks. It is best to avoid driving and operating machinery if you experience nausea or grogginess afterward.

Before scheduling the procedure, your doctor will discuss with you the necessary activities and recovery times. Additionally, avoid drinking anything that could interfere with anesthesia.

The appendix is a relatively common organ, but it can cause serious health problems if it becomes inflamed or ruptures. On the plus side, scientists are learning more about its function and developing less invasive ways to treat infections of the appendix.

It’s connected to your large intestine

The appendix is a tube-like organ located near the junction between your small and large intestines. It extends for four inches from its end point to join with the first part of large intestine, known as cecum.

Recently, scientists have noted the possible role of your appendix in maintaining immunity and connecting the brain and gut. These discoveries have opened up a whole new realm of thought about this organ.

Your gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a network of organs that break down food so it can be digested and absorbed by your body. It begins in your mouth, continues through your stomach, and finally ends at the rectum and anal canal.

Digesting food requires muscles, hormones and enzymes that work together. Your stomach breaks down meats while your small intestine helps break down vegetables and fruits.

Many people rarely give much thought to their appendix, and it may not even cross your mind unless you or someone close to you has suffered from appendicitis, a painful condition. Doctors and scientists have long said that the appendix is nothing more than a vestigial organ - an organ once essential for survival but now no longer necessary.

Scientists now believe the appendix to be a safe haven for beneficial bacteria that help your body fight infection. It has special tissue connected to the lymphatic system, which carries white blood cells essential for fighting infections. Furthermore, lymphatic tissue stimulates growth of beneficial gut bacteria which aid in digestion and disease prevention.

When your appendix becomes blocked by stool, feces or foreign objects, it can become inflamed and infected. Without treatment, your appendix could burst and allow bacteria into your bloodstream - a serious medical emergency which may lead to life-threatening complications or death.