For a long time, the purpose of our appendix has been somewhat of a mystery. However, scientists are now convinced that they know why we do indeed have this small, thin tube that’s attached to the large intestine. Up until now, the appendix has always been considered as a pointless organ that is prone to appendicitis – a painful inflammation that often results in surgery.
But, researchers at Midwestern University, Arizona believe that the appendix may serve as a reservoir for good bacteria found in the gut. As part of a recent study on the evolution of the appendix, the intestines and environmental characteristics of over 500 different mammals were analyzed. Results showed that while certain animals like primates and rabbits have an appendix, others such as cats and dogs don’t. The team also discovered that in some species, the appendix had evolved 30 separate times and very rarely did it ever completely disappear from a lineage once there.
The scientists also discovered during the study that those animals that did have an appendix also had a higher concentration of lymphoid tissue in the gut, which plays a vital role within the immune system. Lymphoid tissue is particularly useful as it has the ability to stimulate the growth of certain bacteria that can be stored in the appendix. Associate Professor, Heather Smith, said that for some people who’ve had their appendix removed it could take, “slightly longer to recover from illness, especially those in which the beneficial gut bacteria has been flushed out of the body.”
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