Appendix: a bacterial ‘safe house’
New research suggests function for appendix in maintaining good digestive bacteria
populations
by Shaun Doyle
Vermiform appendix has been shown to have a number of different functions. (Image Wikipedia.org)
The appendix, despite repeatedly being demonstrated to have functions, is still
often used as an example of a vestigial
organ (See The good, the bad and
the evolutionary). However, researchers have recently identified a new
job that the appendix has: acting as a ‘good safe house for bacteria’.1 This protects and fosters
the growth of good germs for use in the intestines, and enables digestive bacteria
system to ‘reboot’ after bouts of disease such as cholera.
The researchers point out that the very features of the appendix that caused people
to think of it as useless turn out to be important features for its function. The
appendix’s position in the intestines, as a cul-de-sac at the beginning of
the material flow of the colon, enables the bacteria cultivated in the appendix
to populate the colon with the natural flow of material through the colon. The small
worm-like shape of the appendix restricts access and allows the bacteria a ‘safe
haven’ to grow.
The researchers point out that the very features of the appendix that caused people
to think of it as useless turn out to be important features for its function.
Because of this, one of the researchers said that the appendix’s function
appears diminished today because people live closer together than in times past.
If a person’s gut flora dies, it can easily be repopulated through contact
with other people.
Appendicitis may also be the result of an overly hygienic society causing an overreaction
from the immune system, according to the researchers.
Bacteria that help in digestion are essential for our survival. Since the body possesses
more bacterial cells than human cells, one would expect the body, if it were designed,
to take care of these bacterial communities so that they are always in abundant
supply to do their job. The appendix provides the needed ‘safe haven’
for bacteria. It once again shows that the evidence from biology is wonderfully
consistent with the biblical Master Designer who created us in the beginning to
eat.
Related articles
Further reading
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References
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Purpose of appendix believed found, Associated Press, 5 October 2007.
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Published: 17 October 2007(GMT+10)
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