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The appendix

The appendix is a small tube that usually sits on the lower right side of the abdomen. It hangs off the end of the caecum, which is a pouch at the start of the large bowel. The appendix does not have a clear function, but is thought to store gut bacteria and may play a role in the immune system to help prevent disease.

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This information is reviewed by

This information was last reviewed February 2021 by the following expert content reviewers: John Henriksen, Consumer; Prof David Morris, Surgical Oncologist, St George Hospital, Sydney, NSW; Caitriona Nienaber, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA.