Article: You Asked ...(diseases, role of the appendix; television viewing and eyestrain)(Brief Article)

WE ANSWERED! EXPERTS REVEAL THE SHOCKING TRUTH BEHIND THE MYSTERIES OF SCIENCE.

What is the function of the appendix? Why must it sometimes be removed?

Ashley Lo, Age 12 New York, NY

The appendix ... what a useless pain! The small finger-like pouch protruding from the opening of the large intestine has absolutely NO known function. But when it acts up, watch out.

When digested leftovers pass from the small to the large intestine, bits can fall into the little pouch. The organ then usually contracts and spews the waste back to the large intestine. But when the large intestine is jammed, food waste can block the appendix opening.

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