2007-03-13 20:25:30 · 12 answers · asked by thomasreaney051092 1 in Health ➔ Other - Health
Scientific research shows that the appendix was used to help digest tough food back when we more 'animal' like. Obviously food sources were few and far between then, let alone being soft, chewy and easily digested. It's quite like our tail bone at the base of our spine. As a fetus develops the tail bone lengthens before reverting back and shrinking, to nearly completely disapearing. Yet it's something we dont use, but it still develops before rectifing itself, kinda like our appendix's, only they are just there. Obviuosly medical/theatre procedures to remove it in every human isn't necessary unless it is ruptured. The appendix contains high levels of acidic fluid, (the main helper in the break down of tough foods) should this 'leak' into our blood stream, it could poison you which may lead to serious consequences. That is when it is neceesary for it be removed. The stomach has a lower level of acid to break down food which is available today. It can also be controlled to a healthy level to, should it cause problems.
The human body is amazing, and there are many facts about it which are still being researched into, but still, never the less, very interesting stuff.
2007-03-13 23:16:12 · answer #1 · answered by Need_to_know 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The appendix used to have a reason, its thought that it released juice into the stomach to help digest food when man ate a mainly vegetarian diet. As we evolced, we had a more varied diet and more efficient stomach and bowel so the appendix wasnt needed any more. Evolution has just not stopped making human bodies without it yet....maybe we will need it again in the future?
2007-03-14 07:05:49 · answer #2 · answered by Catwhiskers 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The human appendix may have had a useful function in the ancient past of humanity - no one is one hundred percent sure what it's function was.
One supposes that with genetic engineering it would be possible to bread humans without an appendix - but what if?
2007-03-13 20:37:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The appendix has no known function in humans. Evidence suggests that our evolutionary ancestors used their appendixes to digest tough food like tree bark, but we don't use ours in digestion now. Some scientists believe that the appendix will disappear from the human body.
2007-03-13 20:30:32 · answer #4 · answered by richard_beckham2001 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It may be a vestigal second stomach. Early humans ate a diet very high in fiber and may have needed a second, though rudimentary, stomach to process food that was much harder to digest than fruits, nuts, meat and the like. I'm talking grasses or unhusked grains here. As diet changed, so to the digestive tract... That works for me. How about you?
That is just a wild guess. I am not a medical professional, just a deep thinker.
2007-03-13 20:34:07 · answer #5 · answered by voodooprankster 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We know that the appendix is rich in infection - fighting lymphoid cells which may suggest that it helps out the immune system. Other than that, there is no real reason for the appendix.
2007-03-13 20:41:31 · answer #6 · answered by WolfsLW 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Its redundant but if there is no evolutionary pressure to get rid of it, a redundant organ will still continue to be part of the body.
Sometimes I wonder if my brain is redundant too. I don't seem to need it much at the moment...
2007-03-13 20:31:31 · answer #7 · answered by Well, said Alberto 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know what these other people are talking about digestion for. I still use mine as a wallet and change purse.
2007-03-13 20:39:20 · answer #8 · answered by misfitfiend085 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it used to aid digestion in the past but no longer needed now we have evolved!
2007-03-13 20:32:05 · answer #9 · answered by rose_merrick 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Mine turned on me, so I had it removed. I'm fine though.
2007-03-13 23:09:53 · answer #10 · answered by Anon 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋