Do atheists belive that the human appendix is 'vestigal'?

Question

A left over from evolution? Or does it really have a purpose? I'm a Christian and I believe that God would not have put it there if it we did not need it. What do you think?

Answer 1

So what is its purpose? You seem to have this back to front- the onus is surely on you to suggest a purpose for it.

Answer 2

You are talking about the Vermiform appendix I suppose.

Medical literature shows that the appendix is not generally credited with significant function. The appendix is rich in infection-fighting lymphoid cells, suggesting that it might play a role in the immune system. Whether the appendix has a function or not, it can be removed without any ill effects.

The most common explanation is that the appendix is a vestigial structure with no current purpose. In The Story of Evolution Joseph McCabe argued thus:
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.

Answer 3

Robert, i have to say, this is a not a good question if you are trying to tie biology to the existence of god or for any other purpose for that matter. For one, it implies that everything in our body is necessary to life and that is totally wrong. Some people have accessory organs eg more than 1 spleen, incorrectly developed heart or bowel, extra blood vessels. That is nature. If you study the human body or any living thing for that matter, you will find that there is sooooo much variety. so you may have to go from person to person to decide why "god put something there or did not put something there"
As for the appendix, it has more immune fighting cells than other parts of the bowel in children but it seems to be vestigial because children can do without it and in adults, the immune cells atrophy as we become older and the appendix becomes more of a vestigial organ. It really has no exclusive function. It is just an out pocketing in the beginning of the large bowel.
Trust me, you cannot make sense of or prove or disprove the existence of god using biology. It will only expose to you a lot that we still do not understand

Answer 4

Vestigial means rudimentary. In herbivores, the appendix is part of the cecum, a sac where fibrous material is fermented for additional energy. It has lost that function, but has become the most concentrated immune center in the gut. This is the crux of evolution. An unneeded structure both regressed and took on a new function.

Answer 5

yes "God" put it there because our ancestors needed it... (not our hominid ancestors). It is a leftover piece from a reduced caecum. Herbivores use it to aid in the digestion of cellulose.

Google the caecum of a koala for an impressive display this organ in an organism that still uses it.

BTW.... the reduction of the appendix is an excellent example of changes caused by evolution.

Answer 6

It once had a purpose, but we have evolved beyond that need. The organ simply hangs around.

Answer 7

This atheist believes it is vestigial... mines been gone for decades with no ill effect...

Answer 8

Well, we obviously do not need it... so i think it's safe to say that you're wrong

Answer 9

How about tailbones.
Oh Lucy.....you got some splanin to do.

Answer 10

Let's remove yours and see if you really needed it?