Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Cells, Microbes & Viruses => Topic started by: @budiprasetya on 27/11/2011 14:30:03

Title: What is the purpose of the appendix?
Post by: @budiprasetya on 27/11/2011 14:30:03

@budiprasetya asked the Naked Scientists:
   
What is the original purpose of appendix? Did our primate ancestor have it too?


What do you think?

Title: What is the purpose of the appendix?
Post by: bumblebee on 11/12/2011 18:25:35

originally, the appendix existed because it served the same purpose as present day herbivores- ie. it had the ability to digest the cellulose parts of plant material, and it is thought that as our diet changed, it's function was no longer essential..

scientists are finding that there is a possibility that it is a site where immunologic cells are manufactured, such as beta lymphocytes.. so they think that there is a possibility that it is more useful!

nowadays, people are removing the appendix because the build up of small materials in it can cause an infection, which is called appendicitis, and without any real function, there is no point in having it there!

Title: Re: What is the purpose of the appendix?
Post by: cheryl j on 21/12/2011 23:48:51

I also read that when the when diarhhea flushes out normal bacterial flora during illness, the appendix may possibly serve as a reservoir of healthy normal flora to repopulate the iintestine

Title: Re: What is the purpose of the appendix?
Post by: CZARCAR on 22/12/2011 18:08:31

WOW & THANX! I like my diarrhea & still have an appendix.

Title: Re: What is the purpose of the appendix?
Post by: Lab Rat on 08/10/2012 20:18:34

I have heard before that it may have the purpose of drawing pathogens, etc. away from more important internal organs, but, again, this may be what it is for (there is no hard evdence).