Appendix, termed as “Useless”, Works silently!!!
The appendix is a tube like structure,
which is connected to the cecum. It develops in the embryo. The exact position of cecum
is at the junction of the large and small intestine.
 |
| Human Appendix Image, microbes world |
Human appendix is 9 cm in length. It usually can range from 2 to 20 cm. In human, 26 cm long appendix was removed which
the longest appendix ever. It usually located in the lower right quadrant of
the abdomen, which near to the hip bone.
The immune tissue has the role to
cover up the appendix and gut. This kind of tissues is called gut associated lymphoid tissue. A numerous
number of significant function is carried out by it . Lacking for the
distinctive shape of the appendix and specific importance and functions, it is
removed from the human body. In the year of 2007, a group of scientists of Duke
University suggested that for useful bacteria the appendix serves as a haven when
illness washes out the bacteria from the rest of the intestines. On the other
hand, it is showed by another group of researchers of Winthrop-University
Hospital that individuals without an appendix were four times more likely to
have a recurrence of clostridium difficile colitis. Again, they act as a ‘safe
house’ for beneficial bacteria in the recovery from diarrhea.
 |
| Safe House Image, microbes world |
The appendix which works as an important
component mammalian mucosal immune system. The structure of appendix helps to
remove the waste material in the digestive system. They contain lymphatic
vessels which produce early defenses that prevent deadly diseases. They provide
more immune defenses against pathogens which invade into the host.
The human appendix has a
vestigial structure. It has lost all of its original function or has evolved to
take a new function. It was suggested by great scientist, Charles Darwin that the
appendix was once used for digesting leaves. It shows the evolution occurred in
human. This organ of ancient human has degraded, lost its original purpose and
evolved to take a new purpose. The very long cecum of horse appears to support
this theory. Their cecum enables their gut bacteria to break down cellulose.
When human began to eat more easily digested food, the appendix became
workless. The less necessity for digestion occurred mutation. The lost their
appropriate function but survives for a new purpose and work silently for human
immune system.
References:
Blog written by: Maksudur Rahman Shihab
B.Sc. Student in Microbiology, Jagannath University,
Bangladesh
No comments