Why do we have an appendix

As most of us are aware that there are a lot of people going around today who have had their appendix removed due to medical conditions related to it, a question may arise in one’s mind about the real use of the appendix, especially if we are able to survive problem free without it. The appendix is usually surgically removed due to an inflamed condition of the organ known as appendicitis and patients are seldom heard complaining of any issues after the surgery. The appendix is believed to be a vestigial organ. What that means is that the appendix is an organ that does not have a practical use in the way the human body functions today, but may have served an important function at some stage of human evolution. In other words, the appendix is a non-functioning small sac that is located right in between the small intestine and the large intestine. The appendix is of importance to the herbivores as it helps them to digest and it is believed by scientists that the appendix found inside the human body is a residual organ that is proof to the fact that we had an herbivorous antecedent at some stage of our evolution.

Attached to the bowel, the appendix is held by some of the researchers to possibly serve a function or two even today. This group thinks that the high amount of lymphoid cells which the small sac contains is a testament to the fact that it serves in boosting the power of the immune system. It is also suggested that the appendix even serves in restarting the digestive system when required. There are certain types of bacteria that are not only harmless for us, but are also necessary for us to digest our consumed food and the appendix a good place for such bacteria to breed.

Although nothing is beyond doubt yet, it would seem after observing all the facts that the appendix is not an entirely useless organ after all. It empowers and boosts our immunity towards diseases, provides a proper breeding environment for the helpful microbes and may even assist in digestion indirectly from time to time.