Appendix Anatomy!
What is the appendix?
A small, pouch organ hanging off your colon/large intestine on your lower right side.
What is appendicitis?
"-itis" means inflammation, so inflammation of the appendix with swelling or infection
Where is appendicitis pain felt?
Near the belly button, then moving to lower right abdomen
What causes appendicitis?
The appendix getting blocked by feces or other organ tissues so that it swells up
What are the symptoms, besides pain?
nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fever
What is the treatment for appendicitis?
Appendectomy/surgery
What does the appendix do?
We don't know! We think it helps with the immune system to fight infections in your intestines.
Why do you have to treat appendicitis instead of trying to let it go away on its own?
It can get too swollen and pop, which leaks the infection into your abdomen.
What do white blood cells indicate and how do you test for them?
An infection; blood test