The human appendix function has been a mystery for years. While most doctors shrug it aside as not being useful, now scientists have unraveled the mystery behind this seemingly unknown organ.
In a study conducted at Duke University Medical Centre in North Carolina on the importance of this organ researchers have finally discovered its use, they say that the appendix provides shelter to useful and good bacteria in the body.
The appendix helps the body to restart its digestive system when a person suffers from a stomach infection like cholera or dysentery.
It is believed by researchers that the appendix helps to replenish lost bacteria in the digestive system as a result of a bout of cholera or dysentery.
However, Professor Bill Parker says that though the discovery is significant it doesn’t mean that the appendix should not be removed if infected. He stated that if the appendix gets inflamed then it should be removed and people should not feel that because its use has been discovered that they should hold on to it at all cost.
An associate professor Scientists in the Department of Medical Sciences at RMIT – Nicholas Vardaxis also believes that researchers from Duke University may have cracked the mystery surrounding this organ.
Researchers made this discovery when they examined the use of the appendix of the koala an Australian animal whose appendix is longer than that of humans. The koalas diet is mainly made up of eucalyptus leaves and its appendix helps it generate the bacteria needed to properly digest the leaves.
Sources and References:
politicalblindspot.com – Original Article Source
makeyourlifehealthier.com
healthyfoodspot.com