A New Research States Appendix Is Not Vestigial; Appendix Help In Maintaining Immune System; Appendectomy Doesn't Cause Any Effects Though

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Jan 12, 2017 12:18 PM EST

Appendix is one of the organs a human body has, however, it is also one of the organs considered as "Vestigial parts" that is it was used by human ancestors but there is no use of Appendix in today's human being. Same goes for Wisdom Teeth, Coccyx, etc. 

A research was conducted by Midwestern University over a history of 11 million years and figure out its appearance, disappearance, and reemergence so on and so forth. Over 533 different mammals were analyzed ad the researchers found some striking data according to which the evolution of Appendix caused its genetics to evolve over 30 times over a huge period.

Appendix is known as a vestigial organ and that it sometimes ruptures or inflames which can be easily removed as it is no longer required. Earlier it was considered to be important for dietary factors which involved Cellulose. Further probing revealed that those species which possesses Appendix were found to have a concentration of lymphoid tissue in their cecum which connects large and small intestine. The Lymphoid tissues have a vital role in maintaining the immunity as it stimulates the culture for the growth of "good" bacteria.

TIME further elaborate the study thereby stating that the study conducted by Midwestern University ain't the first of its kind. Moreover, those who had removed their Appendix via a surgery called Appendectomy live a sound and healthy life without any effects relative to those who have the Appendix intact. Those without Appendix as per a research are more prone to get an infection and that they lack faster recovery. 

Science Alert stated the procedure followed for the research. First, the researchers assembled all the data and information on absence and presence of Appendix and other related traits took place over a period of 11.244 million years and total 533 mammals species were included. Then scientists studied the evolution of appendix in all species. The conclusion of the study was that the Appendix, a vestigial organ, was never lost completely. [ Also Read: Top 10 Trending Smartphones of January - Week 1 ].

The study validated the relation between lymphoid tissues in the cecum and the appendix which has been statically validated.   The study also found that appendectomy doesn't cause any effects, however, appendix tends to strengthen the immune system and much more.  

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