Why is appendix there

In fact, recent research into the evolution of the appendix has revealed a complex winding path through history that does not fit the old vestigial-structure storyline.

Smith and various collaborators at the University of Arizona have stated ,. Note that the fact that the appendix has a purpose in no way disproves evolution or the concept of vestigial structures. There are plenty of other vestigial structures in animals to give these concepts a sound footing. Swimming whales still have leg bones, flightless birds still have wings, various blind cave-dwellers still have eyes, and many slithering snakes still have a pelvis.

Topics: appendix , evolution , gut , vestigial. But new research supports the idea that the appendix may indeed serve a purpose: to protect beneficial bacteria living in the gut. Heather F. Smith, PhD, associate professor at Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, has studied the evolution of gastrointestinal traits across different animal species. Her new research , published in the journal Comptes Rendus Palevol , analyzed the presence or absence of an appendix in different mammals.

Furthermore, the appendix almost never disappeared from a lineage once it appeared. This suggests that the organ remains for a reason, she says—an adaptive purpose. But they did make one interesting discovery: Species who had an appendix tend to have higher concentrations of lymphoid tissue in their cecum, a pouch that connects the small and large intestine.

This type of tissue can play a role in immunity, and can also stimulate growth of healthy gut bacteria. So what does this mean for people who have had their appendix removed? Most patients with early appendicitis will go home the same day of the surgery or the next day. While some swelling, bruising and minor discomfort around the surgical incisions can be expected, Rodriguez says most people are able to walk and eat after surgery, and are back to work or school within a week.

Newer studies have shown recurrence rates of appendicitis in patients treated with antibiotics may be higher than what were initially thought, but Rodriguez says it is still a safe alternative to surgery in certain instances.

Other Common Questions Concerning the Appendix. Why do we have an appendix? The entire digestive tract helps with our immune system, but some scientists and doctors think the appendix may be a place for our body to store certain healthy types of gut bacteria that otherwise could be altered or changed during an intestinal illness or with overuse of antibiotics. The theory is that the good bacteria can hide in the appendix and then help repopulate the rest of the colon with healthy bacteria if things ever get unbalanced.

I heard that people who get their appendix removed are more likely to have their gallbladder removed — is that true? This is not true. The appendix and gallbladder are separate organs with separate functions.

People may think this because a lot of people have had their appendix or gallbladder out. Story Source: Materials provided by Midwestern University. Journal Reference : Heather F. Smith, William Parker, Sanet H. Morphological evolution of the mammalian cecum and cecal appendix. ScienceDaily, 9 January Midwestern University.

Appendix may have important function, new research suggests. Retrieved November 11, from www. The findings solidify