What is the appendix

A.� The appendix, technically known as the vermiform, which is Latin for ‘worm like’, is a small, finger shaped projection attached to the large intestine.

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Q.� Does its removal affect humans

A.� Not at all, in fact some surgeons even recommend its removal before undertaking a long trip to avoid having an appendicitis while halfway up a mountain.

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Q.� What is an appendicitis

A.� Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, which if left untreated can lead to a, sometimes fatal, infection.

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Q.� Has the appendix always been useless

A.� Probably not, but it has become what is known as a rudimentary organ, a vestige of something that originally had a specific function

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Q.� What's a rudimentary organ

A.� There are two main types.

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Firstly, embryonic rudiments never fully develop, but can be seen in the early stages of the human embryo. For example human embryos have gill slits, a left over from millions of years ago when the human ancestor was more fish like. But since we no longer require such features they don't develop as the embryo does, into a human baby.

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The second kind of rudimentary organ actually survives in some form in the human adult. The coccyx, the small group of bones at the base of our spine, forms the stump of what would once have been a tail, an appendage that our ancestors lost millions of years ago.

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Our appendix belongs to the second group, there are various theories about its original function, but our appendix is now defunct but still present.

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Q.� Do other animals have appendices and if so do they serve a purpose

A.� Yes in some animals like the rabbit and other herbivores the appendix is a fully formed working organ. It stores vegetable cellulose until it has been broken down and is fully digested.

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Q.� What are the theories regarding the human appendices former purpose

A.� Its role in the digestive process of some herbivores has led some scientists to suggest that it may have been important in our ancestor’s wholly vegetarian diet. Evidence suggests that meat didn’t form a part of the human diet until around 2 million years ago.

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Other scientists have suggested that perhaps the appendix has some bacteria-zapping role. This theory is based on the existence of many white blood cell-containing lymph channels within the appendix that may help the colon fend off infection. The fact that postoperative patients get on fine without their appendix suggests that it is only back up protection if this is the case.

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by Lisa Cardy