Short Wave

This Scientist Figured Out Why Your Appendix Isn't Useless

Feb 2, 2024

Heather Smith, a Professor of Anatomy at Midwestern University and editor of The Anatomical Record, dives into the surprising functions of the appendix. Once deemed useless, she reveals its potential roles in gut health and immune function. After her own appendicitis at age 12, Heather became fascinated by this overlooked organ. She discusses revolutionary ideas for treating appendicitis that could reduce reliance on surgery, emphasizing the need for continued anatomical research to reshape our understanding of the human body.

12:40

Episode guests

Heather Smith

AI Summary

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The appendix serves important functions in supporting the immune system and preserving beneficial gut bacteria during gastrointestinal distress.

The diversity of appendices across mammalian species suggests its evolutionary adaptation and highlights the need to continually update our knowledge of the human body.

Deep dives

The Appendix: More Than Just a Useless Organ

Contrary to popular belief, the appendix serves important functions that can benefit our health. Research has shown that the appendix supports the immune system and helps fight off invading pathogens in the gut. It also acts as a safe house for beneficial gut bacteria during gastrointestinal distress, allowing the good bacteria to re-colonize the gut after a diarrheal episode. The distribution of appendices across mammalian evolution suggests that it has evolved multiple times, indicating its adaptive function. While the causes of appendicitis are still not fully understood, factors such as low fiber content in the diet leading to blockages in the appendix or an overreacting immune system due to excessive sanitization have been proposed. However, advancements in antibiotics and alternative treatments may offer potential alternatives to emergency surgery in the future.

Maximizing Benefits with Apple Card and Capital One Venture X Business Card

01:26

Intro

2min

Unveiling the Hidden Functions of the Appendix

3min

The Hidden Role of the Appendix

7min

Reimagining Appendicitis Treatment and the Importance of Anatomical Research

2min

Uncovering the Functionality of the Appendix

2min

Back in the day, many of us heard that the appendix is a vestigial organ — at best, a body part that lost its purpose all those many years ago. At worst, an unnecessary clinger-on to the human body that, when ruptured, could be life threatening. But what if that narrative is wrong?

Heather Smith became obsessed with the appendix after hers was removed at age 12. After years of anatomy research, she's found that the appendix is not, in fact, useless. Reporter Selena Simmons-Duffin is in the host chair today to get the scoop on all things appendix.

Think it's time to give another part of the human body its due? Email us at shortwave@npr.org — we'd love to hear about it!

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.

Short Wave

This Scientist Figured Out Why Your Appendix Isn't Useless

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

The Appendix: More Than Just a Useless Organ

Understanding the Appendix's Anatomy and Evolution

The Potential for Future Approaches to Appendicitis

Maximizing Benefits with Apple Card and Capital One Venture X Business Card

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts