Human appendix DOES serve a purpose: Supposedly pointless organ 'could be vital for storing good gut bacteria'
The appendix is thought of as pointless, and is removed without concerns
But new study shows the organ has evolved to develop more lymphatic tissue
Lymphatic tissue is key for stimulating some types of beneficial gut bacteria
By Mia De Graaf For Dailymail.com
Published: 19:03 EDT, 9 January 2017 | Updated: 19:14 EDT, 9 January 2017
The human appendix is more important than we think, a new study claims.
Long thought of as pointless, the narrow pouch is one of the most regularly removed organs, since it has a tendency to become inflamed and to rupture, potentially causing sepsis.
But new research shows that a properly-functioning appendix may be a key reservoir for storing 'good' gut bacteria.
Scientists found the little pouch has evolved to develop more and more lymphatic tissue - ideal for stimulating growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
Experts warn the findings could have greater significance than we realize since we still know very little about how gut bacteria truly affects overall health.
A properly-functioning appendix (pictured) may be key for storing 'good' gut bacteria
More than 500 other mammal species have an appendix, including rabbits and great apes.
Most of them use it as part of their digestive system.
Until now, there have been no solid explanations for why humans have an appendix.
And yet, as we evolve, our appendices continue to adapt - remaining intact.
To investigate the pouch, Dr Heather Smith of Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, tracked the evolution of 533 mammals with an appendix.
Working with an international team, she mapped how each appendix changed over time.
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Astonishingly, it almost never disappeared from any lineage - which they believe proves it serves a purpose.
Honing in on the human appendix, they first managed to reject most previous ideas about the appendix surviving due to diet and the environment.
Instead, they found that species with an appendix have higher average concentrations of lymphoid tissue, which are key to the immune system.
Lymphatic tissue can also stimulate growth of some types of beneficial gut bacteria, providing further evidence that the appendix may serve as a 'safe house' for helpful gut bacteria.
Therefore, they concluded that the appendix isn't evolving independently, but as part of a larger complex of organs including both the appendix and cecum, the organ between the appendix and digestive system.
Supposedly pointless organ 'could be vital for storing good gut bacteria'