What Side is Your Appendix on?

Many a time, people complain about abdominal pain, and worry about the possibility of appendicitis. We all know that appendicitis is a condition affecting the appendix that is situated in the abdomen. But, where exactly is it located? It is found on the lower right abdomen.

The vermiform appendix is considered a vestigial organ in the human body. The function of this finger-shaped organ found in the cecum, is still not clear. According to some experts, the vermiform appendix has lost its original function, i.e., digestion of leaves.

According to their theory, our ancestors had really huge intestines for digesting raw food, like leaves. As they started having easily digestible foods instead of raw foliage, their intestines shrunk; and this resulted in formation of the cecum and the vermiform appendix.

Even though it is tagged as an organ with no function, there are various theories that contradict this view. It is said that vermiform appendix plays an important role in the homeostatic mechanisms in developing fetuses.

In case of adults, it is said to boost the immune system. According to another theory, it produces beneficial bacteria that are vital for the digestive system.

As mentioned earlier, the appendix is a finger-shaped organ that is like a closed-end tube. It develops from the cecum, during the embryonic stage itself.

In fact, the cecum is like a pouch, into which the small intestine empties its contents; and from where, the large intestine takes those digested food particles. An average vermiform appendix in an adult is found to have a length of around ten centimeters and a diameter of about eight millimeters.

Cecum is found on the lower right part of the abdomen. The exact location of the appendix is near the junction between the small intestine and the cecum. In layman's terms, appendix is located at a point that is equidistant from the belly button and the pubic bone.

In some people, it can be found near the belly button, while in others, it may be near the pubic bone. In short, its exact location may vary from one person to another. So, it is commonly said to be located on the lower right part of the abdomen. In some rare cases, appendix can be found on the lower left abdomen.

One of the common conditions that affect this organ is appendicitis, which is the inflammation of the appendix. This causes sudden and severe pain in and around the location.

The location of the pain cannot be pinpointed in some people, as they experience a generalized pain in the abdomen. Severe cases require immediate treatment to avoid rupture of the appendix, that can be a life-threatening condition.

Make sure to seek medical attention, in case of sudden sharp pain in lower right abdomen. Even vomiting and diarrhea may accompany such pain.