Stuff You Should Know The Appendix: No Respect
May 4, 2021
The hosts dive into the misunderstood world of the appendix, the often-ignored hero of digestion. Celebrating their reunion, they share relatable weight loss stories while sipping on sparkling wine. The discussion evolves from the appendix's misunderstood status to its vital role in gut health. They humorously explore rising appendicitis rates linked to industrialization and navigate quirky anecdotes about this organ's history. Personal stories add a fun twist, making the anatomy lesson both informative and entertaining!
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Appendix Function
- The appendix, a small worm-like organ, was long considered vestigial.
- However, research suggests it plays a role in the immune system and gut health.
Appendix in Mammals
- Only about 50 of 361 mammal species possess an appendix.
- Great apes, rabbits, possums, and wombats have one, while dogs, cats, cows, horses, and sheep do not.
Darwin's Appendix Theory
- Charles Darwin theorized the appendix was a shrunken cecum, a remnant from our plant-based diet past.
- This theory was widely accepted for over 150 years until 2007.