What is the purpose of an Appendix?

Mother Goose

The appendix in modern humans does not have a function. The current theory is that in our ancestors, it played a role in the digestion of cellulose or fibre. Animals which are herbivorous have a much more developed appendix which does help digest cellulose. It is thought that as our diet changed, its structure and function diminished. Being a blind sac, it fills easily but empties sluggishly so that materials may remain in it for long periods of time, irritating the inner wall, making it a favourable place for the growth of bacteria, leading to the infection we call appendicitis. Apr 06 02, 8:50 AM

Brainy Blonde

For years, the appendix was credited with very little physiological function. We now know, however, that the appendix serves an important role in the fetus and in young adults. http://www.sciam.com/askexpert/medicine/medicine8.html As with many questions we get here, it depends on whom you ask. I am remaining neutral, but here are two sites with opposite opinions. http://arnica.csustan.edu/Biol1010/evidence/evidence.htm http://www.angelfire.com/mi/dinosaurs/vestigial.html Apr 07 02, 12:42 AM