The appendix is a thin tube that forms part of the gastrointestinal tract and is found in the lower right part of the abdomen. It is a small pouch that occurs just before the large intestine and it was once thought to be a vestigial organ (left over from evolution from ancestors that ate larger amounts of plants). However, exciting new research suggests that the appendix may help in our recovery from gastrointestinal diseases. This ties in with knowledge that our immune system takes constant “samples” from our diet which promotes better digestion and immunity.
The appendix is thought to be a part of the lymphatic system (responsible for carrying the white blood cells needed for our biochemical defence system). According to a new “Safe House” theory, the appendix is home to the most pronounced biofilm (collection of microbes in mucous) which ensures that once the immune system has gotten rid of an infection or pathogen, the bacteria can be relocated from the appendix into the gastrointestinal tract for recolonization.
Given the emerging research into the importance of the gastrointestinal tract, this is truly exciting as our microbiome plays key roles in a variety of systems and diseases such as:
The appendix isn’t immune to disease and it can become inflamed and infected leading to appendicitis which may present with:
Removal of the appendix is often required swiftly before it bursts as that can lead to infection and in the most severe cases, sepsis which may be fatal if not treated aggressively by doctors.
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