During my medical training in my surgical rotation I heard many discussions and ideas about the purpose of the organ known as the vermiform (”worm-like”) appendix. It seemed it was always becoming diseased and there seemed to be an endless stream of patients in the middle of the night and all day in need of removal of this vexing organ. It became quite perplexing to consider what the actual purpose of this organ might be. Was it a vestige of some common ancestor, as Charles Darwin thought? It wasn’t until some 15 years later that I stumbled on this article that explains what I think is the true case.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ar.21357/full
It seems the appendix is present for a protection in case of a severe diarrheal illness as a “safe-house” or “seed holder” to repopulate the microbiome (gut bacteria). If the gut is unfortunately populated with a virulent strain of bacteria or a virus as in the case of gastroenteritis, the gut flora may be wiped out as well as the virulent strain. Both good and bad bacteria are then depopulated as the body treats the disease. However, the appendix can then be utilized as the seeds of life are protected, and then released after such an illness, from which the gut can then be repopulated.
In the book, The Black Swan, by Nassim Taleb, it is mentioned that certain “Black Swan” events can occur which are catastrophic in nature. They are quite unanticipated and can wipe out those creatures or persons who are unprepared. Fortunately, we have an appendix as a hedge against a severe life-threatening plague. I think it is quite fascinating that an organ that was esteemed as “worm-like”, and worthless, is actually one that can be lifesaving. One such plague that still is pertinent today is that of clostridium difficile enterocolitis. This disease can be quite a challenge to rid a patient of. In fact, a risk factor common in difficult cases is….lack of an appendix. Nevermore consider the appendix as a thing of naught.