Appendix Location - Where is Your Appendix

It's amazing to see how a 3 inch organ in the human body has been a magnet of controversies all these years. Everything about the appendix, right from its location in the human body to its utility, is embroiled in controversy and confusion. Although, the fact that appendix has certain specific function in the human body, cannot be established, scientists are not willing to adjudge it as a 'useless organ'. Hence, many of them strongly oppose the idea of surgically removing the appendix from the body, due to persistent pain, which originates in the appendix. More on appendicitis surgery.

Human Appendix Location
Lower right quadrant is the exact appendix location in human body. In other words, if you divide your stomach in four regions, then appendix is located in the lower region on the right side. In human body, appendix location falls on the Ileo-cecul junction, meaning the point where ileum, a part of small intestine meets the cecum from colon. Cecum is the pouch located at the beginning of the large intestine and not at the end, as opposed to the common belief. Large intestine ends at the anus.

Variations in Appendix Location
Since, every human being is unique, the alignment and placement of organs differs slightly in each individual. Some people may have their appendix location slightly in the middle of the body. There is a medical condition called situs inversus, in which the person has some or all of his organs on the opposite side. In such condition, the human body appendix location would be on the left side. This condition does not pose any particular problem, if the person has got all his organs inverted. Thus, where is your appendix in your body would also depend upon your individual anatomy.

Facts About Appendix
As mentioned before, the function of the appendix in human body is highly questionable. It is often considered as a vestigial organ as there is no evidence that it functions as a full fledged organ in human body. However, in the past it may have been a part of digestive tract and supposedly helped in digestion of cellulose from tree barks and leaves. Moreover, it has a lining filled with lymphatic tissue, which produce antibodies. This can entitle it to be a part of immune system. Additionally, it also secretes some amount of mucus, which makes it even more confusing.

The appendix location in human body, makes it vulnerable to infections. An inflammation of appendix or appendicitis is a common disease. In such cases appendectomy i.e surgical removal of appendix is often recommended. In fact, appendicitis is the only time when, you are made aware of the appendix in your body. Hope this article helps you find out where is the appendix located in your body.