Location & Purpose of the Appendix
You probably don't give much thought to your appendix until you've been told you have appendicitis. There is little known about this small organ that is part of the digestive tract, other than that it can become infected and create a life-threatening medical emergency.
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Location
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The appendix is a small organ attached to the large intestine. It is located on the right side of the body. If you imagine a clock face on the stomach, with the belly button the center of the clock, the appendix would be located between the seven and eight o'clock hours.
Purpose
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There are conflicting theories regarding the purpose of the human appendix. Some scientists believe it is generally a useless organ that is a leftover of the evolutionary process. A recent study, published in the "Journal of Theoretical Biology" in December of 2007, theorizes that the appendix is a parking place for beneficial bacteria found in the digestive tract. The study claims that when bacteria levels are low, the appendix will reintroduce the beneficial bacteria to the digestive tract.
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Complications
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The appendix attaches directly to the large intestine. When the opening of the appendix becomes blocked, harmful bacteria can build up inside the appendix. Eventually, the appendix will swell and explode, spreading the infection to other organs or into the bloodstream. This condition is called appendicitis.
Removal
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When a person is diagnosed with appendicitis, the only treatment available is removal. This will usually happen very soon after diagnosis because if left too long, an infected appendix will burst and create further complications. There is no negative impact on the body by having the appendix removed, although there are surgical risks associated with any type of surgery.
Warning
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Appendicitis is a serious condition and requires immediate treatment. If you are experiencing pain and tenderness on the right side of your stomach, seek medical attention immediately. A burst appendix can lead to other serious infections and side effects, including death.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Arnout Van Scherpenzeel, www.sxc.hu/profile/arnout66
