The appendix is a small finger-like projection that comes off the cecum of the large intestine and has no apparent function in the human. When the opening in the sac is blocked, it leads to an inflammation of the appendix called appendicitis. This condition occurs most commonly in the young, between childhood and young adulthood. Appendicitis is an emergency condition and requires urgent surgical removal of the appendix.

Anatomy

• The appendix is a small projection that develops from a portion of the large intestine called the cecum. As the appendix develops it lengthens and the tip can be found in almost any position about the cecum (Figure 1)

Figure 1 - The appendix is a finger-like projection from the beginning of the large bowel called the cecum. The blood supply for the appendix lies in a fatty tissue, the mesoappendix.