On which side is the appendix located? Functions of the appendix

The article was professionally consulted by Doctor Gastroenterologist, Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

The appendix is ​​a small, finger-shaped tube-shaped structure that arises from the first part of the large intestine called the cecum. When the appendix is ​​inflamed, it will swell and in some cases will rupture.

The appendix is ​​a part of the human alimentary canal, the base of the appendix empties into the cecum about 3 cm below the ileocecal angle, where 3 longitudinal muscle bands converge. The appendix is ​​shaped like a finger, in an adult about 3 - 13 cm long, the diameter of the appendix lumen is about 0.5 - 1 cm.
The appendix is ​​usually located in the right lower abdomen, but the appendix has mesentery and is very mobile, so it can be located in many other locations, such as mid-abdominal, right subhepatic region, between the loops small intestine or, more rarely, on the left side of the lower abdomen (in the case of people with visceral inversion).

The appendix was a previously overlooked organ, so its function was not well understood for a long time. Recent studies show that the appendix plays an important role in human immunity because it contains a lot of lymphoid tissue in the mucosa and submucosa, forming a continuous layer with lymphoid follicles. plays a role in fighting infections), and the lining of the appendix contains a biofilm including beneficial bacteria, which can restore the human digestive system after intestinal infections. .

During a person's life, the appendix is ​​mostly "resting". However, when there is some other reason for the obstruction of the appendix: fecal stones, enlarged lymph tissue, inflammatory process, benign or malignant tumor. In some cases, however, for no apparent reason, the appendix becomes inflamed and causes an emergency.

When appendicitis may appear the following manifestations:
The most typical symptom of appendicitis is abdominal pain, usually starting around the umbilicus, then localized in the right iliac fossa (located in the right iliac fossa). Right lower quadrant), with the pain nature of dull pain, continuous and increasing pain. Mild fever. Nausea, vomiting. Anorexia, indigestion. Diarrhea

Appendicitis is a surgical emergency, if not treated promptly, it will lead to many dangerous complications that can be life-threatening (such as total peritonitis due to ruptured inflamed appendix, appendicitis, etc.). ..). When detecting symptoms of appendicitis, the patient needs to see a specialist for examination and treatment as soon as possible.