The Hidden Functions of the Appendix: New Discoveries Shed Light on this ‘Useless’ Organ
It was a sunny day in Phoenix, Arizona, back in 1992 when 12-year-old Heather Smith’s excitement for her family’s ski trip was abruptly interrupted by an unexpected illness. Smith woke up feeling nauseous and soon developed abdominal pain. Concerned, her father rushed her to urgent care, where she underwent emergency surgery to have her appendix removed. Little did she know that this experience would ignite a lifelong curiosity about the organ she had lost.
Fast forward to today, and Smith is now a professor of anatomy at Midwestern University and the editor-in-chief of The Anatomical Record. She has dedicated her career to studying the appendix, debunking the notion that it is a useless organ that only causes pain and requires surgery. Recent research has revealed that the appendix actually serves important functions that can benefit our overall health.
In an interview with NPR’s Short Wave, Smith shares her insights into the appendix and the potential for preventing or treating appendicitis without resorting to emergency surgery.
What is the appendix, and where is it located?
The human appendix resembles a small worm and is approximately the size of a pinky finger. It protrudes from the cecum, which is the initial part of the large intestine. To locate it, one can use a landmark called McBurney point. By drawing a line between the belly button and the protruding part of the right pelvis, approximately two-thirds of the way down, you can identify the appendix’s general location.
Why was the appendix considered useless?
The idea that the appendix was a vestigial organ without any function gained traction before Charles Darwin’s time. The fact that humans can live without it seemed to support this notion. However, advancements in technology have allowed researchers to explore the microanatomy and biofilms within the appendix, providing a better understanding of its purpose.
How has the appendix evolved over time?
By examining the distribution of appendices across different mammalian species, scientists have discovered that the appendix has independently evolved multiple times throughout mammalian evolution. This suggests that it serves an adaptive function and would not reappear if it did not provide some benefit.
What are the beneficial roles of the appendix?
Recent research has revealed two primary functions of the appendix. Firstly, it supports the immune system by containing a high concentration of immune tissue. This helps in combating harmful pathogens within the gut. Secondly, the appendix acts as a “safe house” for beneficial gut bacteria. During episodes of gastrointestinal distress, such as diarrhea, the narrow diameter and lumen of the appendix prevent the flushing out of these beneficial bacteria. Once the distress subsides, the bacteria can exit the appendix and recolonize the rest of the gut.
Why do some people develop appendicitis?
Appendicitis is more prevalent in industrialized nations with lower fiber content in their diets. One hypothesis suggests that the lower fiber content leads to food particles becoming lodged in the appendix, cutting off blood supply and causing inflammation. Another hypothesis, although less plausible today, is related to the hygiene hypothesis. This theory suggests that excessive sanitization and limited exposure to pathogens may result in an overreactive immune system, leading to inflammation in immune-rich areas like the appendix.
Could this new understanding lead to new treatments?
The emerging understanding of the appendix’s functions has opened up possibilities for alternative treatments for appendicitis. Researchers are exploring options such as antibiotics and other non-surgical approaches to treat appendicitis while preserving the organ. Studies have shown that individuals who have had their appendix removed are more susceptible to infections from harmful bacteria like C-diff. Retaining the appendix may have long-term health benefits, and it is hoped that future treatments will reflect this knowledge.
What has studying this “weird little organ” taught you?
Smith’s journey of studying the appendix has highlighted the importance of paying attention to small anatomical details. Despite the assumption that anatomy is a well-explored field, there is still much to discover. Variations, functions, and micro anatomical adaptations are waiting to be fully realized. Descriptive studies of exotic animals and in-depth examinations of lesser-known parts of our own bodies are valuable pursuits that contribute to our understanding of the intricate workings of the human body.
In conclusion, the appendix, once considered a useless organ, has now been revealed to serve vital functions in supporting the immune system and maintaining a healthy gut. The ongoing research into the appendix opens up new possibilities for treating appendicitis and highlights the importance of further exploration into the intricacies of human anatomy. As we continue to uncover the hidden functions of our bodies, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity and wonders of our own biology.