What does the human appendix do?

Question

sources plz.

Answer 1

absolutely buggerall. the only thing it can potentially do is kill you when it becomes infected...

Answer 2

The appendix removal shows minimal side effects in the adult because it is of greater importance to a child. It helps in recovering from diarrhea. As children are more vulnerable to diarrhea, because they have not fully developed their immune system, the appendix supports the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria to speed recovery. The appendix stops functioning as the immune system develops in the child. This does not mean it is not a vestigial organ from a previous function, rather it means it is actively assuming a new role in response to selection. Research shows that our gut bacteria do more than help us digest they are involved in shaping our immune system.

http://www.childrenshospital.org/az/Site...

http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=does...

http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/vestiges...

The interaction between our commensal (living in a relationship) intestinal bacteria and gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) affects the development of the peripheral B-lymphocyte skill set.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob...

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/94278...

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob...

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/94798...

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob...

http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/article...

Answer 3

System: Unknown

Location: Attached to the first part of your large intestine

Physical description: A narrow, muscular, worm-like pouch, usually around nine centimetres long

Function: Unknown

No known function in humans as it is a vestigeal organ

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.

Rich in infection-fighting lymphoid cells

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.

Appendicitis

Indigestible food delivered from the small intestine to the large intestine flows into the appendix and is forced out by contraction of the muscular walls of the appendix. A blockage in the opening where the appendix attaches to the large intestine can lead to inflammation of the appendix, known as appendicitis. This can cause acute pain, fever, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite, but can be cured easily by removing the appendix

Answer 4

Discovery mag. reported an interesting tidbit on the appendix. When you get your friendly colony of gut bacteria messed up due to infection or wiped out by antibiotics, the appendix seems to be a storage spot for reintroducing "friendlies" A brief speculation that focused on a limited group that had a gastric event seemed to do getter, quicker if their appendix was intact.

Answer 5

nothing

Answer 6

The location of the appendix is at the cecum -- the beginning of the colon where the small and large intestines join -- which places it in a prime spot for infection. The appendix resembles a closed end tube with an opening in the middle that can allow fecal matter to enter, so it's easy to see how an infection in the appendix can quickly develop and become a health emergency

the appendix doesn't appear to have any function in the human body. Scientists theorize that the appendix is a remnant of an ancient digestive tract. They believe that it might have been used by early man to digest tough leaves and bark.

Because doctors don't really know the purpose of the appendix, they're unable to determine what system it belongs in.

It's a simple structure that's made up of two types of tissue. The outside of the appendix is muscle tissue, but given the lack of activity, the muscle is considerably weaker than the muscle tissues that make up other organs.

The lining of the appendix is filled with lymphatic tissue, which produces antibodies, leading many to believe that the appendix may be part of the immune system.

No doubt about it, the appendix is confusing.

Answer 7

In reality, it is an "end point" for the lymphatic system. That's why it can become infected to the point where it has to be removed. Other than that, scientists do ponder what its evolutionary origins were. It could have been part of the intestinal tract, or it was a more major component of the lymphatic system.

Answer 8

lol ha ha its called revoulation! youll never know whhat its for i swear youll never belive me! we have it for digusting grass so theses day we dont use it anymore. thats why people can get heres removed if theres a problem with it. seriously! you better belive me!

Answer 9

It's a vestigial organ, meaning, a part of the body that is still there but has no use.

Answer 10

The appendix does virtually nothing. It is a vestigial structure with no absolute purpose. Darwin suggested a theory that the appendix was used to help digest leaves back when humans were primates.

Answer 11

The appendix used to be a part which could digest cellulose. But in later evolution of man, as we grew to be less plant-eater, that function is lost. So the appendix is just an intestinal structure now with no significant function.

Answer 12

If you put your trust in evolutionary based publications like the 1997 Encyclopædia Britannica, you would think of your appendix this way:

The appendix does not serve any useful purpose as a digestive organ in humans, and it is believed to be gradually disappearing in the human species over evolutionary time. 1

However, even in 1976 medical textbooks were beginning to admit the appendix had functions:

The appendix is not generally credited with significant function; however, current evidence tends to involve it in the immunologic mechanism.2

And in a 1995 medical textbook, the authors are emphatic about the function of the appendix:

The mucosa and submucosa of the appendix are dominated by lymphoid nodules, and its primary function is as an organ of the lymphatic system.3

http://www.answersingenesis.org/creation...

Answer 13

Absolutely nothing. The human body has evolved so it doesn't need it, but for some reason it contains poisons.

Answer 14

Nowadays, nothing. There has been speculation that it was once used by early humans to aid in digesting grass, leaves, and the like.

Answer 15

according to my biology teacher when i was at school it is a part of the intestinal tract that was used by our predescessors to digest foods that we don't eat to day mainly grass and leaves that contain undigestiable proteins the appendix would have produced enzymes that break down the proteins as we dont eat grass or leaves anymore the appendix is not needed and so has evolved to be alot smaller and redundant

primates (chimps, apes etc...) have a much larger appendix to suit their diet

Answer 16

it does nothing, but it is thought to play a lymphatic role in humans

Answer 17

The human appendix performs no action that is needed today, although it is thought it was once useful for our predecessors since they would have had a different diet than what we have today.  The appendix doesn't contain toxins, but since it is part of the intestinal system it can collect food particles which can grow bacteria causing appendicitis.

Answer 18

there isnt any real need for the appendix in humans, we have evolved beyond the need for it. however, the appendix is huge in herbivores, like sheep. so it plays a part in the digestion of plants and grass.

Answer 19

It's a part of the lymphoid system/immune system and also serves as a storehouse for good bacteria in the gut according to recent studies and some dating back to the 1950's. It has been taught for many years and is still being taught that's it's a vestigial, useless organ which is not the case.

http://www.answersingenesis.org/creation...

http://edition.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/10/05...

http://www.google.com/search?q=appendix+...

Answer 20

The function of the appendix is unknown.  However, this article postulates an interesting answer: http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/10/05/app...

Answer 21

The apendix actually does nothing for the body whatsoever!!! It is a "sack". If it becomes infected and isn't removed it can kill you! In the olden days if a brother or sister had to have their apendix removed they would remove yours too!!!

Answer 22

The Appendix is a worm-shaped appendage that sticks out from the top portion of the large intestine. The appendix can become inflamed. If an inflamed appendix is not treated immediately, the appendix can burst.The main function of the appendix is unknown.

Answer 23

The appendix is a narrow, muscular, worm-shaped tube. One end is attached to the first part of the large intestine.  The other end is closed and its position in the body can vary from person to person.



An average adult appendix is about 4 inches (10cm) long, but can range in length from less than an inch up to 8 inches.  Its diameter is usually about 1/3 inch (7-8mm).



The function of the appendix is unknown.



Indigestible food moves from the small intestine into the appendix, and is then forced out again, as the appendix contracts its muscular walls, into the large intestine.



Because of this action, the most popular theory is that it was once used by primitive man to digest particularly tough foods, but is no longer required in modern man as we have a different diet.



Scientists have also theorized that the appendix may have lympatic, exocrine, endocrine, or neuromuscular functions.



The appendix can be surgically removed (appendectomy) without any known side effects.  The usual reason for removal of the appendix is appendicitis, where the appendix becomes inflamed...

Answer 24

The human appendix is a reduced "Cecum" (which in herbivores are large as their digestive system is made up of a lot of GREENS - these can ONLY be digested with the help of bacteria. The Cecum holds a lot of bacteria specifically to break down plants that have tough cells).

In humans (carnivores and omnivoures), because our diet doesn't consist of REALLY tough vegetation - the cecum size is smaller. What's the point of having one when you don't eat grass or something green as your main meal, right?

In humans (and other animals) the cecum has reduced as evolution progressed from our ape-like ancestors (who, waaaay back actually DID eat more vegetation than meat). Our appendix is really a reduced cecum as we don't need the bacteria to break down tough vegetation.

SO what does the appendix do now? A lot of people claim that the appendix has no known function, however earlier on this year scientists found that the appendix plays a role in our immune system -- its a storehouse for "good/helpful" bacteria that STILL plays some role in our digestive system.

Answer 25

Appendix is  a vestigial organ in human but it is digesting gland in rabbit.

Answer 26

It does have some immune function but it is vestigial in the sense that its function is highly reduced in relation to its ancestral condition.  It is a liability perhaps more than it is an asset, as it can rupture and release deadly pathogens that are stored in it and that is why appendix removal is common.

Answer 27

It does not serve any function.

Answer 28

it's a useless organ.

Answer 29

It is thought that the appendix aids in digestion.

Answer 30

Nothing. It is a vestigial organ.

Answer 31

Hi! Steph,

I have been led to believe that the appendix is an organ leftover from our very early evolution and was to do with our herbivorous diet, and now serves no function in the modern human anatomy. That is why you can live with or without it with no ill effects, as long as it does not become inflamed/infected only then it will need to be removed. If it ruptures sepsis can result and death shortly after. I hope this has been of help.

Eric.