Is the appendix on the left or right?

People who have never had appendicitis often ask whether the appendix is ​​on the left or right side? Where does the pain indicate the possibility of appendicitis? This is a confusion of many people. When they feel pain on one side of the abdomen, they think it might be appendicitis, but they don’t know where the appendix is. This is very embarrassing. Because they don’t have this basic knowledge, it is not easy to distinguish. Sometimes, appendicitis is delayed in treatment due to lack of this basic knowledge. So does appendicitis occur on the left or right side of the abdomen?

1Where is the appendix?

The appendix is ​​located in the lower right corner of the abdomen, between the cecum and ileum. The appendix, also known as the lumbar process, is a long, thin and curved blind tube located in the lower right corner of the abdomen, between the cecum and the ileum. Its root is connected to the posterior inner and outer walls of the cecum, and the distal end is mineralized and locked, but can extend in all directions of the abdomen. The average length of the appendix is ​​about 7 to 9 centimeters, and it can vary between 2 and 20 centimeters. It opens onto the cecum at the top, and there are inconspicuous crescent-shaped mucosal wrinkles at the interface. The diameter of the appendix is ​​close to 0.5 to 1.0 centimeters, and the inner diameter of the lumen is narrow, only 0.2 centimeters when at rest. The appendix is ​​located in the abdomen at the same position as the cecum. It is located on the posterior inner and outer walls of the cecum. It varies with the position of the cecum and is usually located in the right lower abdomen.

2The role of the appendix

The appendix is ​​a lymphoid organ that participates in the body's immune function and is responsible for two major functions: immune cells and cellular immunity. It can metabolize cells, various substances and various proteases, as well as hormones that promote intestinal motility and growth-related hormones. The appendix helps in the development of B lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that produces an antigen called immunoglobulin A (I-gA). In addition, the appendix also participates in the production of a molecule that directly helps reticulocytes move to other parts of the body. In addition, the appendix can also have an effect on the gastrointestinal tract. It can help inhibit blood antigen reactions with potential destructive effects, such as food, medicines, etc., maintain the balance of intestinal bacteria, and prevent people from food poisoning. Therefore, we should respect the appendix and not remove it casually.

3What is appendicitis?

When appendicitis occurs, people usually treat it by removing the appendix. So, what is appendicitis? Appendicitis is a common and frequently occurring disease of the abdomen. It is an inflammatory change caused by a variety of factors. It is more common in young people, and more common in men than in women. Clinically, it is generally acute appendicitis, which may occur in people of all ages, including pregnant women. Chronic appendicitis is less common.

Causes of subacute appendicitis: Appendicitis has nothing to do with occupation, region and season. It is mostly caused by gastrointestinal disorders, such as overeating, irregular daily life, overwork and acute enteritis. In addition, some patients suffer from appendicitis caused by respiratory tract infections. Appendicitis can be very painful and you should go to the hospital for examination and treatment immediately.