What exactly does an appendix do?

Question

i have no idea, what does an appendix and what is appendicitis?

Answer 1

The appendix has no known function in humans. Evidence suggests that our evolutionary ancestors used their appendixes to digest tough food like tree bark, but we don't use ours in digestion now. Some scientists believe that the appendix will disappear from the human body.

Rich in infection-fighting lymphoid cells

The appendix is rich in infection-fighting lymphoid cells, suggesting that it might play a role in the immune system. Whether the appendix has a function or not, it can be removed without any ill effects.

Appendicitis

Indigestible food delivered from the small intestine to the large intestine flows into the appendix and is forced out by contraction of the muscular walls of the appendix. A blockage in the opening where the appendix attaches to the large intestine can lead to inflammation of the appendix, known as appendicitis. This can cause acute pain, fever, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite, but can be cured easily by removing the appendix.

Answer 2

Medical literature shows that the appendix is not generally credited with significant function. The appendix is rich in infection-fighting lymphoid cells, suggesting that it might play a role in the immune system. Whether or not the appendix has a function, it is routinely removed without any ill effects or side effects.

Some experts believe that the appendix was used for digesting leaves as primates. Over time, we have eaten less vegetables and have evolved, over millions of years, for this organ to be smaller to make room for our stomach.

Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix.

Answer 3

It is a vestigial organ. It does nothing. It is a useful part of the digestive system in some animals, but during evolution, its use was lost and the remnant in human beings is of no use. It is a thin tube about the size of your little finger attached to the small intestine. If it is infected or obstructed, it gets inflamed, leading to appendicitis.There is severe abdominal pain. If it is not treated, the appendix can burst, leading to peritonitis.

Answer 4

Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix. It is not clear if the appendix has any function.