Appendix (anatomy) (nonfiction): Difference between revisions
(Created page with "The '''appendix''' (or '''vermiform appendix'''; also '''cecal''' [or '''caecal'''] '''appendix'''; '''vermix'''; or '''vermiform process''') is a finger-like, blind-ended tub...") |
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* [https://boingboing.net/2019/10/17/the-appendix-is-not-a-useless.html The appendix is not a useless organ] @ Boing Boing | * [https://boingboing.net/2019/10/17/the-appendix-is-not-a-useless.html The appendix is not a useless organ] @ Boing Boing | ||
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J03A8BQCQC4 Your Appendix Isn't Useless, After All] @ YouTube | |||
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appendix_(anatomy) Appendix (anatomy)] @ Wikipedia | * [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appendix_(anatomy) Appendix (anatomy)] @ Wikipedia | ||
Revision as of 04:16, 18 October 2019
The appendix (or vermiform appendix; also cecal [or caecal] appendix; vermix; or vermiform process) is a finger-like, blind-ended tube connected to the cecum, from which it develops in the embryo. The cecum is a pouchlike structure of the colon, located at the junction of the small and the large intestines.
The term "vermiform" comes from Latin and means "worm-shaped."
The appendix has been called a vestigial organ, but that interpretation may be changing.
Useful organ
Mark Frauenfelder of Boing Boing writes:
The appendix has evolved in different animal species at least 29 times, according to this SciShow video, which means it probably serves a function. Scientists who studied appendixes in animals have come to the conclusion that it is a part of the immune system. In humans, the appendix is full of immune cells, including T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells, and good gut bacteria.
- The appendix is not a useless organ @ Boing Boing
- Your Appendix Isn't Useless, After All @ YouTube
- Appendix (anatomy) @ Wikipedia