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Appendicitis and where the appendix is located in the body

Appendicitis is a common reason for belly pain. It happens when the appendix becomes infected and inflamed.

Your appendix is a small, finger-shaped sac that is attached to your large intestine. Experts do not know what the appendix does in the body. Most of the time it does not cause problems.

Current as of: July 26, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.