The appendix, a vestigial organ, is often removed due to appendicitis, with millions of surgeries yearly. It once helped digest plant-based food but is now redundant. The US sees 300,000 appendectomies annually, while India reports 500,000 to 700,000 cases.
In a remarkable testament to the intricacies of human evolution, certain organs within our bodies have become redundant. Among these, the appendix stands out as the most discussed.
This small, pouch-like structure attached to the intestine once played a crucial role in digesting plant-based food. However, in modern humans, whose diets are predominantly meat-based, it has lost its significance. Medical professionals readily remove the appendix in cases of appendicitis, as its absence causes no harm.
According to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, there are 17 million new cases of appendicitis globally each year, with millions undergoing appendectomy surgery. This procedure not only eliminates the risk of infection but also allows individuals to maintain normal lives.
The appendix is classified as a vestigial organ, meaning it is a remnant of evolutionary history. As per Wikipedia, it is among the body parts that were beneficial to our ancestors but are now obsolete.
Historically, when humans subsisted on grass and leaves, the appendix stored bacteria aiding in digestion. With the advent of the agricultural revolution and subsequent dietary changes, the appendix became redundant.
Britannica's report identifies the appendix as one of the seven major vestigial features, noting that its inflammation can be fatal. In India, millions of appendectomies are performed annually, particularly among the youth.
The surgery is straightforward for doctors, taking approximately 30-45 minutes, with full recovery within a week, as highlighted in a 2023 report by Live Science. Symptoms of appendicitis, such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever, necessitate immediate surgery to prevent complications like gangrene or perforation.
WHO data indicates that appendicitis is more prevalent in developing countries, affecting 8% of the population at least once in their lifetime. In the US, about 300,000 appendectomies are performed each year, while in India, the number ranges between 500,000 and 700,000.
Medical experts affirm that removing the appendix does not cause digestive issues like diarrhoea, though it may slightly impact immunity. Recent studies suggest it may harbour beneficial bacteria, but this is a subject of debate. Beyond the appendix, other vestigial organs include the coccyx or tailbone, which historically served as a tail but now can cause pain when sitting.
As per Business Insider's 2023 list, it is among nine useless body parts, occasionally removed to alleviate severe pain. Similarly, wisdom teeth, often extracted, are another example of redundant human anatomy. However, the appendix remains the most frequently excised organ, as noted in a 2008 report by New Scientist, which described it as the quintessential example of a dispensable body part.