2 ms·
>we still have a useless appendix This was believed in the 20th century, but we now believe the appendix is actually useful, and is basically a fail-safe in ca
by shiroiuma 8mo ago
>we still have a useless appendix
This was believed in the 20th century, but we now believe the appendix is actually useful, and is basically a fail-safe in case the intestinal flora are wiped out; some will survive in the appendix and repopulate the intestine.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appendix_(anatomy)#Functions https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appendix_(anatomy)#Functions
- XorNot 8mo agoWhich is an incredibly specious conclusion because when would the gut fauna ever be wiped out? For the evolutionary history of mankind, antibiotics did not exist, and people without an appendix (such as myself) have no medical need for any special treatment after going on antibiotics.
- RupertSalt 8mo ago> intestinal flora > gut fauna May I be excused? My macrophages are full of slime molds!
- shiroiuma 8mo ago>Which is an incredibly specious conclusion because when would the gut fauna ever be wiped out? It's called "gastrointestinal illness". From the article I linked: "Research in 2012 reported that individuals without an appendix were twice as likely to have a recurrence of Clostridioides difficile colitis. The appendix, therefore, may act as a reservoir for beneficial bacteria. This reservoir could repopulate the gut flora following a bout of gastrointestinal illness."