Why do we still have an appendix today? | Function of the appendix

Why do we still have an appendix today?

As explained in the previous section, the appendix is a remnant of evolution and has hardly any function for humans today. Due to its dietary habits, humans are not dependent on the digestive capacity of fibre-rich plant food and they can manage without the contribution of the appendix to the immune defence. In medicine, the appendix has already been removed prophylactically during abdominal operations, as appendicitis can be life-threatening.

However, there is always debate in research as to whether the appendix has important functions for the human body after all. In addition, the appendix can be used for the reconstruction of other organs in cases of serious illness.