The procedure appendectomy involves removing which organ?

• A. Gallbladder
• B. Uterus
• C. Appendix
• D. Spleen

Answer: (C)

An appendectomy removes the appendix. The word parts show what's done: "appendix" plus the suffix "-ectomy," which means removal. The appendix is a small pouch attached near the junction of the small and large intestines, usually in the lower right abdomen. This procedure is most commonly performed to treat appendicitis, an inflamed appendix that can burst if not removed, leading to serious infection.

To contrast, removing the gallbladder is called a cholecystectomy, removing the uterus is a hysterectomy, and removing the spleen is a splenectomy.