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More information and help with installing the Flash Player can be foundon the BBC's Webwise pages. If you can see the Flash movie then please ignore this message. APPENDIX System: Unknown



Location: Attached to the first part of your large intestine



Physical description: A narrow, muscular, worm-like pouch, usually around nine centimetres long



Function: Unknown No known function in humans 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. Back to top

