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?

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?

A. Lower rightB. Lower leftC. Upper rightD. Mid-abdomen

3. Appendicitis (an inflamed appendix) may occur:

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:

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:

A. HiccupsB. Abdominal pain or discomfortC. Blood in the stoolD. Constipation

6. As the appendix becomes more inflamed, which symptom(s) might be present?

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?

A. LaxativesB. Pain relieversC. Allergy medicinesD. A and B

8. The most common treatment for appendicitis is:

A. AntibioticsB. Surgery to remove the appendixC. Surgery to repair the appendixD. Pain relievers

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Take the Appendix Quiz