Appendix is a small sac extending from the cecum right off the ileocecal valve. One proposed function of the appendix is that it helps maintain a healthy gut microflora by replenishing the gut with pro-health strains that reside in the appendix.
Human appendix, showing the suspensory mesentery on the upper left corner. Follicles of lymphoid tissue can also be seen in the mucosa and submucosa. (TM: 20x, picture taken with an Olympus S-Plan FL 2/0.08 on Sony A7ii)Highlighting the suspensory mesentery that supplies the appendix with blood vessels and nerves. (TM: 100x, picture taken with a Nikon Planapo 10/0.4 on Sony A7ii)Highlighting the follicles of lymphoid tissue in the submucosa. Each of this follicle contain a germinal center that is ready for clonal expansion of B-cell in response to infection. (TM: 100x, picture taken with a Nikon Planapo 10/0.4 on Sony A7ii)
Kit Ng, Ph.D. 