Appendix

Your appendix is a tiny pouch shaped like a finger, hanging off your large intestine.

Follow the bite from your mouth, down the food pipe, round the stomach and along the intestines. Tap any part!

A little pouch

Your appendix is a thin pouch about the size and shape of a finger. In a grown-up, it's about 3 to 4 inches long.

It hangs off the very beginning of your large intestine, in the lower right part of your belly.

Its full science name means worm-shaped add-on, because it looks a bit like a little worm.

What does it do?

For a long time, people thought the appendix had no job at all. Now many scientists think it does help.

The appendix may be a safe hiding place for helpful gut bacteria. If a tummy bug washes lots of good bacteria out of your intestines, the ones in the appendix can come out and move back in.

It also has germ-fighting cells, so it may help your immune system, especially when you're young.

Appendicitis

Sometimes the appendix gets blocked and swollen. This is called appendicitis (uh-pen-dih-SY-tis). It happens most often to older kids, teens and young grown-ups.

It usually causes a tummy ache that may start near the belly button and move to the lower right side. Someone might also feel sick to their tummy or have a fever.

If your belly hurts a lot, especially on the lower right, tell a grown-up right away. A doctor can check, and if it is appendicitis, doctors can take the appendix out. People get better and do just fine without it.

🤩 Wow facts

Scientists think your appendix may be a safe house for helpful gut bacteria.
You can live a healthy life without your appendix.
The appendix's science name means worm-shaped.
Rabbits have an appendix too, and theirs is big for their size.

💚 Look after it

Eat fiber from fruits, vegetables and whole grains to keep your gut healthy.
Tell a grown-up if your belly hurts a lot or the pain won't go away.

🩹 When something goes wrong

Appendicitis. If the appendix gets swollen, your belly can hurt, often on the lower right side. Tell a grown-up right away. Doctors know just what to do and can take it out, and you'll be fine without it.

🙋 Questions kids ask

Do I need my appendix?

It's helpful, but you don't need it. Lots of people have theirs taken out and stay healthy.

Does everyone get appendicitis?

No. Most people never do. If it happens, doctors can help quickly.

🧠 Quick quiz

Question 1 of 2Where is your appendix?