Theappendixhas long been thought to have no significant function in the human body.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
What Is the Appendix?
The appendix is a small, finger-shaped organ that branches off thececum.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
The appendix is usually located in the lower right side of the abdomen, near the right hip bone.
What Is the Purpose of the Appendix?
Historically speaking, the function of the appendix was never really clear.
To this day, there is debate on what role the organ plays in human health, if any.
In recent years, those beliefs have shifted.
Many scientists say that the appendix plays a significant role in our immune and digestive health.
Appendicitis is characterized by stomach pain that starts around the belly button and moves to the lower right abdomen.
A ruptured appendix is a medical emergency that can become life-threatening if not decisively treated.
Appendix Tumors
Less commonly, the appendix is vulnerable to cellular changes that can lead to cancer.
This most often involves slow-growingcarcinoid tumors.
Even less common, are appendicealadenomas.
These benign (non-cancerous) tumors may not pose any harm or cause any symptoms.
Get Emergency Medical Help
Appendicitis is a medical emergency.
you gotta see a healthcare provider or go to an emergency room immediately when symptoms develop.
Reasons for an Appendectomy
An appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix.
Do You Need an Appendix?
You do not need an appendix to survive and can live a perfectly normal life after an appendectomy.
when you obtain had an appendectomy, you will probably recover pretty quickly.
Most people who undergo the procedure can leave the hospital in one to two days.
For centuries, the medical community believed it served no purpose and had no function.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the appendix is not useless.
Recent research shows that the appendix is an important organ that affects your immune system and gut health.
Scientists continue to learn more about the appendix.
2019;9(s2):S345-S358.
2019;133(1):1-8. doi:10.1042/CS20180956
National Cancer Institute.Appendiceal cancer.
Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons.Appendix removal (appendectomy) surgery patient information from SAGES.
2020;159(2):697-705. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.05.059
