For more than a century the appendix carried a reputation as the body’s most useless part, a leftover pouch that seemed good ...

The evolution of the appendix is a fascinating phenomenon. Learn about the original function of the appendix and why having one may cause more trouble than it’s worth. Most of us are familiar with the ...

It was the first day of spring break in 1992 in Phoenix, Ariz. and 12-year-old Heather Smith was excited for her family's upcoming ski trip. But before Smith and her family had even packed their snow ...

While it is possible to survive without the appendix, the organ helps maintain gut health by protecting the gut microbiome, explains Dr Sood. The appendix is a very small finger-like tissue attached ...

You may have heard that astronauts have their appendix removed before leaving Earth. After all, people say you can live without this organ because it serves no purpose, but how much truth is there in ...

Why do humans have an appendix? New research is reshaping our understanding of this overlooked organ and its antiquated role in our biology. The appendix has been treated as little more than an ...

I’ve just had my appendix removed. My surgeon told me I wouldn’t miss it because it no longer serves a purpose in humans. But does it serve a purpose in some animals? What exactly? • The equivalent of ...