Studies have shown that the absence of the appendix can only slightly increase the risk of contracting an infection. This brings us to the question, why do we need this organ?
Appendix – the worm-like appendage of the cecum. People who don’t have it live normal lives. Why should we have it?
The truth is that the appendix performs an important immune function – it protects beneficial bacteria living in the intestines. Time magazine wrote that this result was reached by a team of international scientists who studied the evolutionary development of the organ in various animal species.
Under the leadership of American anthropologist Heather Smith, biologists analyzed the presence and absence of the appendix in 533 mammals and came to an interesting finding: mammal species that have an appendix have a higher concentration of lymphatic tissue in it. This tissue plays a role in the development of the immune system and also stimulates the growth of healthy gut bacteria.
However, even if the appendix is removed, you need not worry; no serious consequences that could endanger you will occur.
In the worst case, its absence may only slightly increase the risk of infections and the recovery time from illnesses associated with the depletion of beneficial gut microflora will be somewhat prolonged.
