Uses of the Human Appendix
Throughout history, medical experts have flip-flopped on their opinions of the human appendix and its uses. It has even been listed as a "vestigial" part of the human body, along with wisdom teeth, the tail bone and the manifestation of goosebumps. But new theories have begun to surface that may give better insight into the role that the appendix plays in the human body.
-
What is the Appendix?
-
The appendix can be found in the lower, right-hand side of the human abdomen. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) explains that the appendix is finger shaped pouch that protrudes from the base of the large intestine. The length of the appendix varies; usually between two and eight inches long.
-
Darwin
-
Charles Darwin, famous during the 1800's for his theories on evolution and natural selection, believed that the human appendix was simply a remnant of a much larger organ utilized for digestion by early man. According to Darwinism Watch.com, as eating habits changed throughout history, the appendix was slowly phased out; decomposing and dwindling in size over time.
Peyer's Patches
-
In more recent history, people have been led to believe that the appendix is a useless organ that serves no purpose whatsoever. In fact, many people have held fast to the belief that the appendix is more of a nuisance than anything else. But there are a small group of scientists who theorize that the appendix plays a small role in helping out the lymphatic system. Immunology Central Online explains that the appendix, in combination with "Peyer's patches", may work side-by-side in controlling the bad bacteria in the digestive tract. Peyer's patches are small lymph nodes found in the small intestine that protect the body against digestive pathogens.
Yet Another Purpose
-
There is yet another hypothesis that lends credibility to the appendix and its uses. Professors at Duke University theorize that the appendix may be a silent member of the human immune system. It is a well known fact that the "good bacteria" provided by the immune system are a necessary part of the digestive system, but before now little was understood about their survival. In cases where good bacteria is attacked and overrun by pathogens, there appeared to be no safe haven for the good bacteria to hide---until now. Duke Professors believe that the appendix acts as a "safe house" for the good bacteria stores in our body.
So, What if you Don't Have One?
-
Living without an appendix may only be a problem if you reside in a third world country that lacks sanitation and modern health facilities. According to Science Daily, the appendix may be most necessary in areas of the world that experience a high rate of diarrhea. Reoccurring bouts of diarrhea cause the total flushing of the large bowel, which not only eliminates the bad bacteria but also the good. In such cases, the appendix may provide a back-up supply of healthy bacteria.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit "Bacteria" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: kaibara87 (Umberto Salvagnin) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
