Dr Oz: Where Is The Appendix?
How much do we really know about the appendix? This tiny organ is probably a complete mystery to many people—unless they’ve had appendicitis, that is. That’s why Dr. Oz enlisted the help of three assistants for a game of “pin the appendix on the body!” So exactly where is the appendix?
The appendix is located on the lower right side of the body, right near the bottom of the colon. Becca was the closest, so she became the assistant of the day. Lucky Becca had the chance to feel the rubbery little organ itself, which is attached right to the colon.
When the appendix is normal, it’s no problem at all. When it’s not normal, something can become stuck in the appendix, like a small piece of poop or food. Then, the appendix becomes swollen, its walls become thin, and it eventually pops.
Dr Oz: Why Do We Have An Appendix?
So why do we have an appendix? There’s a common myth that the appendix does nothing at all. However, a new study has supported the idea that the appendix helps keep our intestines healthy, making the organ an essential part of our body.
Becca jumped into an inflatable pool in order to demonstrate how good bacteria from the colon can be easily wiped out by bad bacteria. The appendix, however, is a “storage warehouse” that stores some of this good bacteria, releasing it when it’s needed. Therefore, the appendix is an important part of the immune system.
However, if you don’t have an appendix, there’s no need to worry; if yours has been removed due to appendicitis, there are plenty of other “storage warehouses” in your body.