What does appendix pain feel like? - David R. Flum
857,341 Views
674 Questions Answered
TEDEd Animation
Let’s Begin…
In 1961, an Antarctic expedition took a harrowing turn: Dr. Leonid Rogozov began feeling feverish, with an excruciating pain in his right side. It soon became clear that he had appendicitis. While Rogozov’s predicament was extreme, appendicitis is not uncommon; affecting roughly one in 12 people. So, what causes appendicitis? And why is this organ so prone to bursting? David R. Flum investigates.
Additional Resources for you to Explore
Interested in reading more about Dr. Leonid Regozov's emergency surgery? You can find the case report here. Though a mountainside appendectomy in the midst of a blizzard is absolutely unique, appendectomy is the world's most common abdominal surgery, used in cases when the appendix is inflamed and at risk of bursting.
Though for years it was thought that the appendix was basically useless, scientists have now found evidence that the organ works as a kind of safehouse for protective and immune response bacteria, which can aide in recovery following pathogen colonization, diarrhea, or even gut depletion post antibiotic treatment.
Part of this study to ascertain the function of the appendix had to do with just how many mammals also have one! The organ is found in several species of lorises, lemurs, New and Old World monkeys, and consistently in all apes. The appendix also variably appears in rodents, and marsupials, although different in shape.
Though for years it was thought that the appendix was basically useless, scientists have now found evidence that the organ works as a kind of safehouse for protective and immune response bacteria, which can aide in recovery following pathogen colonization, diarrhea, or even gut depletion post antibiotic treatment.
Part of this study to ascertain the function of the appendix had to do with just how many mammals also have one! The organ is found in several species of lorises, lemurs, New and Old World monkeys, and consistently in all apes. The appendix also variably appears in rodents, and marsupials, although different in shape.
About TED-Ed Animations
TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »
Meet The Creators
- Educator David R. Flum
- Director Igor Coric, Artrake Studio
- Narrator Addison Anderson
- Music Salil Bhayani, cAMP Studio
- Sound Designer Amanda P.H. Bennett, cAMP Studio
- Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
- Produced by Sazia Afrin
- Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
- Editorial Producer Shannon Odell
- Script Editor Nidhi Upadhyaya
- Fact-Checker Charles Wallace
