Library · Physiology
Appendix function
Make it clearer
The appendix is part of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue: the part of the immune system, the body's defense system, that sits right up against the intestine instead of being spread out elsewhere. There the appendix takes part in sampling antigens: antigens are the markers that identify whatever is passing through inside, and sampling them means taking a portion of them in order to recognize them.
What it recognizes is what sets off adaptive immune responses in the intestinal mucosa, that is, in the lining that covers the inside of the intestine. Adaptive means the defense is not made ahead of time but built to fit whatever was found. It is the work of someone posted at the door, taking samples of what comes in so the exact response can be prepared afterward.
In brief
The appendix is part of the human gut-associated lymphoid tissue, a component of the immune system that is associated with the intestine.
This tissue samples antigens and helps initiate adaptive immune responses in the intestinal mucosa.
Sources (3)
- Mucosal Immunology via PubMedHuman gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT): diversity, structure, and functionPublished
- NCBI BookshelfThe mucosal immune systemPublished
- Clinical & Experimental Immunology via PubMed CentralThe immunology of the vermiform appendix: a review of the literaturePublished
This page explains the topic in general terms; it does not tell anyone what treatment to follow.
Updated