The location of the appendix is attached to the first part of your large intestine. It has an unknown function and belongs to an unknown system.

No known function in humans

The appendix has no function known to humans.

Rich in infection-fighting lymphoid cells

The appendix has manyinfection-fighting lymphoid cells, suggesting that it possibly could play a role in the immune system. Whether the appendix has a function or not, it can be removed without any ill effects via an appendectomy.

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 via a simple operation.