Appendix

Location:Appendix is a vestigial hollow tube which is closed at one end and is attached 

at the other end to the caecum,a blind pouch at the beginning of the large intestine 

into which the ileum opens from one side and which is continuous with the colon.

Structure:Appendix is usually 3 to 4 inches(8 to 10 cm)long and less than 0.5 inches(1.3cm)wide.The cavity of the appendix where it joins the caecum is much narrower than at its closed end.It has muscular walls that expel the mucous secretions of the appendiceal walls or any of the intestinal contents that have worked their way into the structure into the caecum.When the appendix is prevented from emptying itself or anything blocks its opening,appendicitis may occur.Swelling of the lining appendiceal walls can also block the opening and the most common obstruction in the opening is a faecalith.

Function:The appendix has no function in modern humans, however it is believed to have been part of the digestive system.New studies prove that the appendix may produce and protect bacteria that are beneficial in the function of the human colon.

Diseases:The most common diseases of the appendix (in humans) are appendicitis and carcinoid tumors.Appendicitis is a painful swelling and infection of the appendix.It is a medical emergency.

Abdominal pain is the main symptom of appendicitis.The second symptom is loss of appetite which may lead to nausea and vomiting.Nausea and vomiting occur due to the obstruction of intestine.

Appendectomy is the surgery to remove the appendix which is the standard treatment for appendicitis.