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Appendiceal function and dysfunction: what are the implications for inflammatory bowel disease?

Nature Clinical Practice Gastroenterology & Hepatology volume 2, pages 338–339 (2005)Cite this article

The ultimate function of the appendix remains a mystery. Increasing evidence suggests that the immune system plays an essential role in the pathogenesis and natural course of a variety of intestinal and extraintestinal diseases. As the appendix is the site of many immune-competent cells, it is now time to focus on its function and dysfunction, and relevance to the investigation of these diseases.

The human appendix develops from the cecal bud of the midgut during the sixth week of gestation. Its adult structure differs from that of the colon by the presence of lymphoid tissue in the mucosa, and by the different composition of the surface and crypt epithelium.

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  1. Professor of Pathology and Clinical Head of the Gastrointestinal Pathology Unit, KU Leuven University Hospital, Leuven, Belgium

    Karel Geboes

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  1. Karel Geboes
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Correspondence to Karel Geboes.

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The author declares no competing financial interests.

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Geboes, K. Appendiceal function and dysfunction: what are the implications for inflammatory bowel disease?. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2, 338–339 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/ncpgasthep0238

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