Evolutionary anatomist Heather Smith became fascinated with the appendix after having an appendectomy as a child. Despite the appendix being seen as useless and potentially causing pain and emergency surgery, recent research reveals that it actually serves important functions. The appendix is important for supporting the immune system and acts as a “safe house” for beneficial gut bacteria during gastrointestinal distress. Some hypotheses suggest that appendicitis occurs more frequently in areas with lower fiber content in diets or due to oversanitization that affects proper immune system development. New treatments, such as antibiotics, may be explored to treat appendicitis without complete removal. Smith’s study of the appendix highlights the importance of looking into small anatomical details and the presence of undocumented variations and functions in the human body.
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2024/02/02/1228474984/appendix-function-appendicitis-gut-health