Appendix??

Question

why do we use/need the appendix? or why did we use/need the appendix?

Answer 1

Good question!  The appendix used to be considered a completely vestigial organ--that it was just hanging on and that it only used to have a purpose.  Surgeons even used to routinely remove the appendix during any other abdominal surgery on the grounds that the appendix was useless and this way it could never cause a problem.  That's no longer the case.

The appendix definitely contains some immunological tissue and probably acts as a lymphatic organ.  It's possible that it was more important in times when parasitic infections were more prevalent, and you can certainly manage without it, but it definitely does seem to have some function in the immune system, maybe even a relatively important one.   Some people even think that it may have a role in hormone production--that's not certain yet, though.

Additionally, the tissue of the appendix is sometimes used in rebuilding structures that are being operated on either in the GI tract or in the genitourinary system.  It's much better to transplant part of your own body if they need to rebuild a sphincter or a bladder.

So hang on to your appendix unless it causes real problems.  You never know when it may come in handy.  *g*

Answer 2

It just stores substances that our bodies dont use. Usually harmful things like poisons. You dont really need it because you have a liver. If your appendix ruptures then toxens will be relesed into your body and it can kill you.