I mean I hear about doctors taking your appendix out because it might rupture, but I never hear of any doctor's using something to replace it or anything. I looked on Yahoo! Health and other sources but it seems some experts don't even know. Thanks for the info.
2007-01-03 13:21:04 · 8 answers · asked by tasha7682 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
It is widely believed, however not proven, that the appendix is a "leftover" from a point in evolution where humans consumed harder to digest foods in large quantities.
I heard somewhere if you swallow a lot of gum, it will get stuck in your appendix and wind up causing it to inflame and need removal.Was told the same about watermelon seeds. I don't know if that's true, but I avoid swallowing gum and watermelon seeds at all costs anyway.
2007-01-03 13:30:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
The appendix has no known function, but it does contain a large amount of lymphoid tissue, which helps fight against local infections. The most common thing that is found inside the appendix is feces. They remove the appendix when performing other abdominal surgery because if the appendix were to become inflamed and rupture causing peritonitis ( infection) of the abdomen. which can cause gangrene. So surgeons take it out because you don't need it anyway.
My appendix and ovary both ruptured at the same time. The surgeons had to flush my abdominal cavity out to prevent peritonitis, and them I was put on penicillin, But I still ended up back in the hospital due to a mild infection. There are a number of organs that we seem to be able to live without. I don't have a gallbladder, tonsils, adenoids, ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, or an appendix.!!!
2007-01-03 14:17:53 · answer #2 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It has no known valued effect on your body. Personally though I had to relearn how to deal with passing gas after I had my appendix removed. The embarrassing sound of gas moving through intestines is something that I have never had before that surgery and gained a very short amount of time after. In my opinion the appendix has healthy effects, just not necessary ones.
2007-01-03 14:52:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
In humans, the appendix is vestigial. It used to be important for grinding up large chunks of food (still is in birds because they have to digest seeds), but now that humans cook and chew their food, it's no longer needed. In fact, it has atrophied to the point where it could rupture if it is clogged with cheese puffs.
2007-01-03 13:24:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
really nothing.
about 1year ago, my stomach started to feel weird, and i had serious pain for 1week. i couldn't walk or eat...or sleep right.
after i found out what it was by going to the docto & hospital, i needed a surgery. i almost died, because there waas sooo much puss/infection in my stomach, and it stayed there for too long. i had a huge surgery, 2 small purecedures, and 1month of hospital stay. i lost 10pounds that time. then, since i reached the point where i was about 82pounds, my hair started falling off (almost anorexia). as i got help, i got better. now i'm fine.
i got my apindix off. nothing happends after...but i heard if you have no apindix b/c of surgery... you can't go to space...lol
2007-01-03 13:25:54 · answer #5 · answered by couturevogue 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Nothing. A long time ago they thought it had something to do with female reproductive organs, and they even thought it was apart of the immune system. But now, it does absolutely nothing. Except for the occasional inflammation and having to get it removed.
2007-01-03 13:29:17 · answer #6 · answered by Stephanie P 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Nah, as far as we know, the appendix has no function, it's probably just a remnant of an organ that may have had some use at an earlier evolutionary stage.
2007-01-03 13:24:14 · answer #7 · answered by The Doc 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Nothing, its worthless.
2007-01-03 13:28:03 · answer #8 · answered by Jersey Girl 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋