Have we got the appendix all wrong?

Science Weekly

The Guardian

Science

4.2 • 938 Ratings

🗓️ 13 May 2025

⏱️ 16 minutes

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Summary

For a long time the appendix was considered disposable. After all, millions of people have theirs removed each year and go on to live healthy lives. But as Heather F Smith, a professor of anatomy at Midwestern University tells Ian Sample, researchers are increasingly understanding what this small worm-shaped organ may be bringing to the table in terms of our health. Smith explains how the appendix is linked to both our immune system development and gut health, and why she thinks an increasing interest in the microbiome may bring it to greater prominence. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

Transcript

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1:38.3	It's an organ that has traditionally been thought of as pretty insignificant. I think the appendix has unfortunately had a relatively unfairly negative reputation.
1:46.0	But according to Heather F. Smith, professor of anatomy at Midwestern University,
1:51.1	this little worm-shaped pouch has been unfairly overlooked.
1:56.3	More and more research that's coming out is showing that it can be beneficial to have an appendix
2:01.9	and the appendix serves some potentially important functions in the body.
	...

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