URMC / Encyclopedia / Content Search Encyclopedia Take the Appendix Quiz The human appendix is a 3- to 6-inch narrow tube located where the small and large intestines join. It's mostly known for becoming inflamed and requiring emergency abdominal surgery for thousands of Americans each year. If you want to learn more about the appendix, take this quiz, based on information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. 1. The appendix performs what vital role in the body? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Because the appendix contains some disease-fighting tissue, some researchers believe it may play a role in fighting infection. A. It acts as a filterB. It helps with digestionC. It helps absorb important nutrientsD. Its role in the body is unclear 2. The appendix is found where in the abdomen? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is It is a small pouch attached to the large intestine. A. Lower rightB. Lower leftC. Upper rightD. Mid-abdomen 3. Appendicitis (an inflamed appendix) may occur: You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Doctors don't know why some appendixes become blocked and others don't. Appendicitis is more common in teens and young adults, and more common in males than in females. A. After a bout of the fluB. After a viral infection of the digestive tractC. When the opening to the appendix becomes blocked by stoolD. B and C 4. Appendicitis can cause: You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is If you suspect you have appendicitis, get medical help immediately. A. Peritonitis (inflammation of the membranes that line the abdominal cavity)B. Irritable bowel syndromeC. Rupture of the appendixD. A and C 5. The first sign of appendicitis is: You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The pain can be in any part of the abdomen-navel area, lower left, lower right, or throughout. As the inflammation worsens, the pain becomes focused in the lower right abdomen and feels worse when coughing or taking deep breaths. Vomiting and fever also can occur in appendicitis. A. HiccupsB. Abdominal pain or discomfortC. Blood in the stoolD. Constipation 6. As the appendix becomes more inflamed, which symptom(s) might be present? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is You may have some or all of the symptoms listed. Other possible symptoms include abdominal tenderness and inability to empty the bowel. A. Loss of appetiteB. A hard abdomenC. VomitingD. All of the above 7. If you suspect you have appendicitis, what type of medicine should you not take? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Laxatives may cause the inflamed appendix to rupture. Pain relievers can mask the pain of appendicitis and make it more difficult to diagnose. A. LaxativesB. Pain relieversC. Allergy medicinesD. A and B 8. The most common treatment for appendicitis is: You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Surgery to remove the appendix (appendectomy) is the most common treatment. The surgery is sometimes done with laparoscopic tools. But some cases of appendicitis are now treated with antibiotics instead of surgery. Talk with your provider about what choice is best for you. A. AntibioticsB. Surgery to remove the appendixC. Surgery to repair the appendixD. Pain relievers Your score was: Medical Reviewers: Felson, Sabrina MD Sather, Rita, RN Wojcik, Stacey, MBS, BSN, RN