FUNCTION OF THE APPENDIX

As published in an article, courtesy Scientific American, Loren G. Martin, professor of

physiology at Oklahoma State University states that appendix does have a function, despite
contrary belief. He says research reveals that the appendix plays a role in the fetal stage. Around
the 11th week of development, the appendix in the fetus' body features appearance of endocrine
cells. These endocrine cells produce several biogenic amines and peptide hormones, which are
compounds assisting homeostatic mechanisms in the fetal body.
As far as adults are concerned, the appendix is believed to play a role in the immune system of
the body. Research reveals that the lymphoid tissue begins accumulating in the appendix shortly
after birth. This lymphoid tissue accumulation continues and reaches its peak by the time a
person reaches his twenties or thirties. This accumulation enables the appendix to act as a
lymphoid organ and assists with the maturation of one kind of white blood cells called B
lymphocytes. It is also linked to the production of antibodies called immunoglobulin A (IgA).
And if this wasn't enough, research also reveals that the appendix is involved in production of
molecules, that directly assist in lymphocyte movement to other parts of the human body.
Some other researchers from Duke University Medical School have also found that the appendix
produces and protects good bacteria for the gut, thereby acting as a reservoir for good bacteria. If
you are aware of the product life cycle, you would know that after a peak comes decline.
Similarly, after the peak thirties, lymphoid tissue accumulation decreases rapidly and nearly
vanishes by the age of 60. This makes sense because the immune system levels become very
weak as old age sets in.
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What Are the Functions of the Human Appendix?

By an eHow Contributor

Following Darwin's theory of evolution, scientists considered the appendix a leftover vestigial
organ, meaning an organ previously more fully developed in the human species that currently
serves no function. Studies prove otherwise. Appendix function warrants further research, but
strong evidence substantiates this 80-million-year-old body part's role in health and development.
Have a question? Get an answer from a Medical Professional now!

1. Features

A finger size, slimy, dead-end sac, the appendix measures between 2 and 8 inches
long and a half-inch wide. According to Talkorigins.com, "The 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."

Fetal Development
o

The appendix assists in fetal development. According to Christopher Wanjek on

Livescience.com, "As quickly as 11 weeks after conception, the appendix starts
making endocrine cells for the developing fetus. Endocrine cells secrete useful
chemicals, such as hormones, and the appendix endocrine cells secrete amines
and peptide hormones that help with biological checks and balances as the fetus
grow."

Immune Function
o

The appendix helps create and train white blood cells. Acting as a lymphoid organ
after birth, the appendix wards against disease. According to LiveScience.com,
"Lymphoid organs, with their lymphoid tissue, make white blood cells and
antibodies. The appendix, by virtue of its lymphoid tissue, is part of a complicated
chain that makes B lymphocytes (one variety of white blood cell) and a class of
antibodies known as immunoglobulin A antibodies." The location of the appendix
exposes white blood cells to a bounty of drugs, viruses and bacteria that cells
learn how to fight. Chemicals also originate in the appendix that dispatch white
cells to needed locations throughout the body.

Biofilms
o

According to Medical News Today, "Different microbes that help the digestive
system break down foods inhabit the gut. The gut rewards these microbes by
feeding them and keeping them safe." William Parker, research immunologist for
Duke University Medical Center, and his team looked at the relationship between
the bacteria and found what is called a biofilm. Medical News Today explains it is
"a thin and delicate layer of microbes, mucous and immune system molecules
living together on the lining of the gut." The scientists say the immune system
looks after these microbe colonies in the biofim. Parker states, "By protecting
these good microbes, the harmful microbes have no place to locate. We have also
shown that biofilms are most pronounced in the appendix and their prevalence
decreases moving away from it."

Safe House
o

Immunologist William Parker explains in the Journal of Theoretical Biology, that

the appendix protects important bacteria. Parker's report states,"the human
appendix is well suited as a ''safe house'' for commensal bacteria, providing
support for bacterial growth and potentially facilitating re-inoculation of the colon
in the event that the contents of the intestinal tract are purged following exposure
to a pathogen." (See Reference 4) In the event of illnesses causing diarrhea, the
appendix harbors good bacteria until the system cleanses the body completely.
Uncontaminated, the bacteria leave the appendix, rebooting the digestive system
and repopulating the gut.

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