does any body know what the appendix, in the human body, was once used for?
93063
I cannot believe that people still believe this. The appendix is not vestigial. Actually, there is no such thing as vestigial organs.\nThe appendix is a part of the immune system. People who have their appendix removed are subjected to a higher chance of getting quite a few diseases and sickness.\n\nBecause scientists have not understood the full function of something, they labelled it vestigial. They used to believe that you didn't need the tonsils and in the 50's, they were removed before they got infected. Later they discovered that the tonsils are also part of the immune system.\nThey also used to believe in the doctrine of humors. which meant that your blood was removed if you were sick. That also turned out to be false.\n\nThe tailbone is not vestigial either. There are 9 muscles that attach to the tailbone which you need to perform bowel movements. If you didn't have a tailbone, life would be very uncomfortable.\n\nIt's true you can live without your appendix, your tonsils, etc. You can also live without your arms, legs, eyes and ears. It doesn't mean you don't need them.
1160333
There is only one appendix, and it is usually found slightly to the left of the center of your lower abdomen. There are exceptions, however, so if you are having problems and suspect appendicitis but because it's on the right side, you dismiss that possibility, you could be making a serious mistake. Mirror twins are mirror images of each other, with the organs reversed as well as the surface features. Problem is, there are many more mirror twins than anyone realized until quite recently. You may have been a single birth, but have been part of a mirror twin pair in utero and the other twin has been lost, shortly after conception. Some scientists have suggested that the 'mirror' aspect is what produces right or left handedness as well. \nInteresting thought, isn't it?
962456
Your appendix is on the right, so it isn't appendicitis.  (There is no way that the appendix can be on the left in case you were wondering)  The spleen is on the left, but it is located right under the ribcage.  Your kidneys are low in your abdomen and are located on both sides.  I would guess that it has something to do with your intestines though.
559586
We don't really know.\n\nThe appendix may play a role in allowingthe body to identify pathogens in the gut without mounting a major defence against them and  producing an immune reaction.\n\nThe appendix may also serve a role as a safe harbour for gut bacteria during intestinal infections so that the normal gut flora is never completely removed by infection.\n\nAn enormous amount of medical research has centered on the human appendix, but to date the specific function of the appendix, if any, is still unclear and controversial in human physiology.
1057275
"The vermiform appendage—in which some recent medical writers have vainly endeavoured to find a utility—is the shrunken remainder of a large and normal intestine of a remote ancestor. This interpretation of it would stand even if it were found to have a certain use in the human body. Vestigial organs are sometimes pressed into a secondary use when their original function has been lost."\n\nGiven our current evolutionary knowledge of comparative anatomy and phylogenetics, many biological structures can be considered vestiges. In evolutionary discussions the human vermiform appendix is one of the most commonly cited, and most disputed, vestigial structures. Evolutionary vestiges are, technically, any diminished structure that previously had a greater physiological significance in an ancestor than at present. Independently of evolutionary theory, a vestige can also be defined typologically as a reduced and rudimentary structure compared to the same homologous structure in other organisms, as one that lacks the complex functions usually found for that structure in other organisms\n\nThe appendix is longest in childhood and gradually shrinks throughout adult life. The wall of the appendix is composed of all layers typical of the intestine, but it is thickened and contains a concentration of lymphoid tissue. Similar to the tonsils, the lymphatic tissue in the appendix is typically in a constant state of chronic inflammation, and it is generally difficult to tell the difference between pathological disease and the "normal" condition. The internal diameter of the appendix, when open, has been compared to the size of a matchstick. The small opening to the appendix eventually closes in most people by middle age. A vermiform appendix is not unique to humans. It is found in all the hominoid apes, including humans, chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, and gibbons, and it exists to varying degrees in several species of New World and Old World monkeys
594206
It was used in medieval times as a pain reliever. There is no documented info as to who first discovered it.
1111868
It's the BINGO! card for doctors and hospitals.\n\nWhen you need your appendix removed, they all shout, BINGO!  pay up!
379728
The Vermiform appendix is basically a tube connected to the cecum. It averages 10 cm in length, but it's size can range from 2 to 20 cm. Most physicians and scientists believe the appendix lacks significant function, and that it is a remnant of the larger cellulose-digesting cecum found in our herbivorous ancestors. However, the pineal gland was also considered a remnant and, recently,it has been found to produce important chemicals like melatonin. Possible functions for the appendix include lymphatic, exocrine, endocrine, and neuromuscular functions.
507925
The appendix can hurt when infected, but can also be a general pain, not specific... A friend recently had appendicitis, but thought it was the flu (throwing up and diarhea).  Luckily she happened to have a doctor's app. for something else and had surgery before it burst; it was double in size.\n\nOnce it ruptures, the poison from infection spreads to the bloodstream, and that is what can kill people.
989839
appendix is an important part of research paper. it is always listed in content which page no. is containing appendix. appendix is always found in the end of research paper just before the refrences.
1065549
It is considered an abnormal appendage.
434015
...no, physical activity after eating does not give you appendicitis. (Who told you that?) The actual cause is unknown because the appendix is still debated as a vestigial organ, but it's theorized that it is due to an obstruction or viral infection (which can lead to an obstruction). Blood gets cut off to the organ, bacteria begins to grow, and it becomes gangrenous.\nSome people also believe than an unhealthy diet can lead to the clotting of blood to the appendix and then from their on out the problem.
352171
The appendix has no known function in humans. Evidence suggests that our evolutionary ancestors used their appendixes to digest tough food like tree bark, but we don't use ours in digestion now. Some scientists believe that the appendix will disappear from the human body.\nThe appendix is rich in infection-fighting lymphoid cells, suggesting that it might play a role in the immune system. Whether the appendix has a function or not, it can be removed without any ill effects.
923336
Appendix--the thing at the end of a report with charts, pictures, lists, etc.
929933
This would include people that used the left hand to remove defecation in olden times.  Sorry, I know this is a bit "earthy," but it's where it comes from, added to the fact that ancient people considered the left side the "evil" or gauche side of the body.
568984
The symptoms of having your appendix taken out or the symptoms of appendicitis?  \n\n"The main symptom of appendicitis is pain that typically begins around the navel and then shifts to the lower right abdomen. The pain of appendicitis usually increases over a period of six to 12 hours, and eventually may become very severe."
1183283
Hemorrhoids OK I know of a cure that was research by a company in Florida  and they lost millions of dollars because it was impossible to patent and is a simple one .Just put tree drops of White Camphor oil inside you're bellybutton for three Weeks and it was claim to work  Even  Doctor Donal Corroe talk about this many  times before he died . When baby's are in the womb  they are fed via the bellybutton and as adults wee don't used it anymore  but the connection steel there  surgery mite be the only option for allot of people