It has long been considered a potentially problematic redundant organ, but American researchers say they have discovered the true function of the human appendix. Read on to find out what exactly that function is.
Scientists finally discover the function of the human appendix
Researchers say that the human appendix acts as a haven for good bacteria, which can be used to effectively restart the gut after a bout of dysentery or cholera.
Conventional wisdom is that the small pouch that protrudes from the first part of the large intestine is redundant and for many people who have removed it, it seems not to transcend for the worse.
Scientists at Duke University Medical Center in North Carolina say that after a severe attack of cholera or dysentery, it can purge the gut of bacteria essential for digestion, reserves of good bacteria emerge from the appendix to take over the role.
But Professor Bill Parker says the finding doesn't mean we should hold onto our appendages at all costs.
"It's very important for people to understand that if the appendix becomes inflamed, just because it has a function that doesn't mean they should try to maintain it," he said.
Attractive Theory About Human Appendix Function
Nicholas Vardaxis, an associate professor in the Department of Medical Sciences at RMIT University, says the theory proposed by scientists at Duke University makes sense.
"As an idea it is an attractive proposition, perhaps it would be a good place for these little bacteria to locate in a small cul-de-sac, away from everything else," he said.
"The thing is, if we look at what's happening through evolution, the higher up the evolutionary ladder we are, and the more omnivores animals become, then the smaller and less important the appendix becomes and human beings are a good example of it.
“The normal bacterial flora inside our appendix and inside our gut is the same, so we have lost all those specialized bacteria.
"So it doesn't have that kind of safe house function anymore, I don't think."
"It's a holdover from something that was there in previous 'incarnations', if you like."
Koala appendix
Unlike humans, the koala is famous for having a long appendage. It is believed to aid in the digestion of a diet composed exclusively of eucalyptus leaves. Professor Vardaxis says that it is not likely to change in the short term.
Unless, of course, we have a massive plague and the eucalyptus, in which the koala thrives, is made to die. So we can find some mutant koalas out there maybe, that start to eat other things, and when they start to eat other things, through generations and hundreds of thousands of years of time, surely, yes, the koala's appendage will shrink as well. ", He said.
Professor Vardaxis says that it is possible that at that time, the koalas could be affected by appendicitis and will have to have it removed at times.
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