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Image Rehab: Appendix Is Good for Something After All

Long-neglected organ is far from useless, researchers say

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 24, 2009 3:08 PM CDT
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(Newser) – The human appendix has been assumed to be useless since Charles Darwin first suggested it was a vestigial organ—an evolutionary remnant from the time when our predecessors ate leaves and other now-indigestible foods. But new research suggests the organ had a much more vital function, LiveScience reports. It stored necessary bacteria with which to repopulate the stomach after diarrhea or vomiting, as well as helping to create and train white blood cells.

That’s why the appendix got its reputation, suggest Duke University immunology researchers: readily available clean drinking water and sewer systems mean contemporary humans spends a lot less time battling stomach ailments. It’s also what’s behind appendicitis—too little work for the organ renders it prone to inflammation. Rediscovering ways to challenge the appendix’s immune functions could lead to cures for autoimmune diseases like diabetes and lupus—and give a much-overlooked organ its due.

Graphic locates the appendix; 1c x 2 5/8 inches; 46.5 mm x 66.7 mm
Graphic locates the appendix; 1c x 2 5/8 inches; 46.5 mm x 66.7 mm
The human digestive system, and appendix, is seen in this artist's rendering.
The human digestive system, and appendix, is seen in this artist's rendering.   (Shutterstock)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 9 comments
riffran
Aug 25, 2009 6:01 AM CDT
excellent research idea Mr.C...I wonder if anybody has done that?
Mr.C
Aug 25, 2009 4:38 AM CDT
so in places where there is a lot of bacteria and no clean drinking water you should be able to find people with a working appendix. ..Take a trip and test it out.
Snarfeh
Aug 25, 2009 4:11 AM CDT
Dr. Andrew Weil noted this purpose of the appendix in his 1995 book "Spontaneous Healing" and he became aware of it from his studies of Eastern medicine. The appendix has just been another "victim" of Western medicine's propensity to treat symptoms instead of seeking the cause of ailments. Big Pharma: "Cut your finger? Awww, here's a pill for ya (small print: may cause diarrhea, constipation, stomach ulcers, anal bleeding and death)."

 
immune system • Charles Darwin • sanitation • immunity • diarrhea • clean water • appendix

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