Short Wave cover image

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

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.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode