1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Colon Cancer

Diagram of the Appendix

From Donna Myers, About.com

Updated: September 14, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by V.K. Gadi, MD

The appendix is a narrow, dead-end tube about three-to-four inches long that hangs off of the cecum.
Diagram of the Appendix, © Donna Myers 2006 (coloncancer.guide@about.com)© Donna Myers 2006
Appendix
In the past, the appendix was considered an evolutionary leftover. Now however, scientists acknowledge that the appendix helps support the immune system in two ways. It helps tell lymphocytes where they need to go to fight an infection and it boosts the large intestine's immunity to a variety of foods and drugs. The latter helps keep your gastrointestinal tract from getting inflamed in response to certain food and medications you ingest.
About.com is accredited by the Health On the Net Foundation, which promotes reliable and trusted online health information.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Colon Cancer
  4. Colon Cancer 101
  5. Diagram of the Appendix - Appendix Diagram

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.