Why dont we use our appendix anymore and what did it do?

Question

i mean come on! what is it?

Answer 1

"The vermiform appendage—in which some recent medical writers have vainly endeavoured to find a utility—is the shrunken remainder of a large and normal intestine of a remote ancestor. This interpretation of it would stand even if it were found to have a certain use in the human body. Vestigial organs are sometimes pressed into a secondary use when their original function has been lost."

Given our current evolutionary knowledge of comparative anatomy and phylogenetics, many biological structures can be considered vestiges. In evolutionary discussions the human vermiform appendix is one of the most commonly cited, and most disputed, vestigial structures. Evolutionary vestiges are, technically, any diminished structure that previously had a greater physiological significance in an ancestor than at present. Independently of evolutionary theory, a vestige can also be defined typologically as a reduced and rudimentary structure compared to the same homologous structure in other organisms, as one that lacks the complex functions usually found for that structure in other organisms

The appendix is longest in childhood and gradually shrinks throughout adult life. The wall of the appendix is composed of all layers typical of the intestine, but it is thickened and contains a concentration of lymphoid tissue. Similar to the tonsils, the lymphatic tissue in the appendix is typically in a constant state of chronic inflammation, and it is generally difficult to tell the difference between pathological disease and the "normal" condition. The internal diameter of the appendix, when open, has been compared to the size of a matchstick. The small opening to the appendix eventually closes in most people by middle age. A vermiform appendix is not unique to humans. It is found in all the hominoid apes, including humans, chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, and gibbons, and it exists to varying degrees in several species of New World and Old World monkeys

Answer 2

Currently, the function of the appendix, if any, remains controversial in the field of human physiology. The wall of the appendix contains lymphatic tissue that may be part of the immune system for making antibodies. There have been cases of people who have been found, usually on laparoscopy or laparotomy, to have a congenital absence of their appendix. There have been no reports of impaired immune or gastrointestinal function in these people.

Another explanation is that the appendix is a remnant of an earlier function, with no current purpose. Note, however, that the pineal gland, which only recently (around 1960) was found to produce important chemicals like melatonin, was once considered a vestigial remnant, as well.

A third explanation is the human appendix may serve a purpose in a diet including occasional raw meat. Specifically, it may allow bacteria useful in the digestion of raw meat to be retained, rather than flushed from the system during long intervals between raw meat meals. Thus, those lacking an appendix may be less able to digest raw meat than others. However, as raw meat is no longer a significant portion of most people's diets, this difference would be difficult to detect.

Answer 3

Researchers tend to agree that the appendix is what is left of a once large normal intestine in an ancestor common to humans, chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, and gibbons. It also plays a role in the gastrointestinal immune system of some animals (including rabbits), but direct parallels between these animal appendix models and the human intestine have not been shown.

Answer 4

There are better answers than mine here, but I thought that I add that the appendix is nature's natural time-bomb. It's only use is to swell up and burst, releasing poisons into the body which are life-threatening. I make it sound humourous, but last October, my wife's appendix had to be removed during emergency surgery. (We caught it before it burst and she's fine.)

Answer 5

I don't know! maybe it was used for the digestion of raw and heavy food. Now it has no importance, white blood it's produced by a tissue hidden in our bones. The appendix has no more importance, it's just making some people sick that it could be cured by removing it. If it's not cured it will break and acid will burn you from inside and die.

Answer 6

I've heard that humans may have been more like herbivores and the appendix was used for breaking down grass food.

Answer 7

Who says we do not use our appendix anymore? If we did not whence all these acute attacks of appendicitis and the fat earning who sometimes remove appendices even if there were no need to do so.Appendix, like the forepaws of the dinosaurs are vestigial parts of the body which have outlives their usefulness and may slowly disappear in the process of evolution.

Answer 8

It's one of those leftover organs from evolution of man. At one time it was used to digest/process very hard items. Over the centuries it's functional use became less and less. Best thing is to remove it if you have any other surgery in the vicinity. That's what I did so I don't have to worry about it anymore. I know several people who almost died from appendicitis and it's not a very pleasant experience.

Answer 9

It is used to digest tree barks and grass in the cavemen days but now it really doesn't have a function but it has lots of white blood cells which helps our body fight infections.

Answer 10

well there are theories that say that the appendix was used by cavemen to digest raw meat.