Appendix: Functions, Diseases & Structure

The Appendix is an organ in the large intestine. The appendix is considered a vestigial organ because it does not have a function in the human body. The vermiform appendix or simply, the appendix, is a pouch-like structure attached to the large intestine. 

The large intestine is part of the digestive system wherein the small intestine ends. Here, it typically empties the content for final absorption and excretion. The appendix is about 8-10 cm in length, with a width of about 1.5 cm.

Key Terms: Appendix, Appendicitis, Vestigial Organ, Human Anatomy, Vermiform Appendix

---

What is Appendix? 

[Click Here for Sample Questions]

The pouch-like structure connected to the large intestine is known as Appendix. 

• The small intestine empties into the large intestine, where all the substances are further processed for final absorption and excretion. 
• Appendix or Vermiform Appendix is 1.5 cm wide and 8–10 cm long.
• It has a little cavity that narrows and shuts when it connects to the large intestine. 
• According to the appendix's anatomy, its muscular walls were intended to be used for secreting mucus.

Appendix Diagram

• Appendix is attached to the cecum, the first section of the large intestine to connect with the small intestine, according to its anatomical shape. 
• The vermiform appendix is a tiny, elongated pouch-like structure that projects from the cecum wall.

Read Also:

---

Functions of Appendix

[Click Here for Previous Year Questions]

The appendix does not have a firm role in the human body. The appendix is regarded as a vestigial organ due to this. It is possible that this organ was first used to extract intestinal flora and fauna as per many studies.

• It is believed that the appendix involved repairing the gut, thus stabilising the colonies of friendly bacteria which live in the digestive tract, following a parasiticmicrobial invasion which affected it.
• In case any digestive disorder occurred, the appendix regenerated the gut flora and fauna, helping to restore the gut functions. 
• The appendix may have served as a nursery for the development of endocrine cells during the foetal stage. The development and production of biochemical substances by the endocrine cells are crucial for the development of organs in a developing infant inside the mother's womb. 
• Many studies suggest that it also served as an organ for maintaining homeostasis.
• The appendix is also believed to function as an organ that helped restore the immune system balance by means of leukocyte production in response to antigens. The modulation of the human body's immune response may have been significantly influenced by the appendix.

However, It has served no use and exhibits no functionality in the modern human anatomy.

Future of Appendix in Human Anatomy 

The size and shape of the appendix is continuously changing from one generation to the next. Although the appendix is slowly shrinking in size and volume, it will take some time for it to completely leave the human body's digestive system.

Therefore, this pouch-shaped organ, which is attached to the cecum's wall, serves no use at all today. Despite this, it can get obstructed for any reason, leading to the inflammatory illness appendicitis.

Read More: Colon Cancer

---

What is Appendicitis?

[Click Here for Sample Questions]

When the cavity is blocked, the internal content gets trapped and cannot escape anymore. The Appendix may swell as a result of this obstruction.

• It develops a bulbous appearance and can be painful in the lower abdomen. 
• According to doctors, the main cause of this blockage is the deposition of hardened faeces in the region of the large intestine where the appendix opens.
• When the appendix is unable to evacuate its contents, the organ becomes distended and becomes painful and uncomfortable. 
• The blood vessels close and the tissue experiences necrosis if it is left in this state for a prolonged period of time. 
• When bacterial growth ruptures due to infection, it will likely result in major health problems. 
• The inflammation can be treated with the right diagnosis and care. 
• The experts advise doing invasive treatments to locate the vermiform appendix and extract it, eliminating the risk of infection in the appendix in the future.

Appendicitis, thus, is the inflammation of the Appendix. 

What are the Symptoms of Appendicitis?

Some of the symptoms of Appendicitis include:

• Pain on the right side of the lower abdomen
• Nausea and vomiting
• Appetite loss
• Low-grade fever which can worsen over time
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Abdominal bloating or Flatulence

---

Things to Remember

• Appendix is a pouch-like structure connected to the large intestine.
• Appendix is also known as Vermiform Appendix.
• Appendix is a vestigial organ since its exact functions are not known.
• Appendicitis is the disease caused due to the inflammation of the Appendix.
• Experts suggest scientific extraction of the appendix in order to prevent Appendicitis or inflammation of the Appendix in the human body. 

Read More:

---

Previous Year Questions

• During prolonged fastings, in what sequence are the following organic compounds used up by the body...[NEET 2003]
• Emulsification of fat is carried out by...[NEET 1990]
• Continuous bleeding from an injured part of body is due to deficiency of...[NEET 2002]
• Vermiform appendix arises from … [AMUEEE 2015]
• Duct leading from parotid gland and opening into vestibule is...[NEET 1998]
• The characteristic that is shared by urea...[KCET 2009]
• Which cells of "Crypts of Lieberkuhn" secrete antibacterial lysozyme?...[NEET 2017]
• Secretin and cholecystokinin are digestive hormones. They are ….[NEET 2005]