Let's Clear This Up
Both the gallbladder and the appendix have known functions in Western medicine. The gallbladder stores and secretes bile, a substance made by the liver and used to digest fats. The appendix is at the inferior end of the ascending colon. It is similar to a lymph node, helping with immunity by clearing out bad nasties going through the large intestine. Appendicitis occurs when the Bad Nasties get caught in the appendix and cause inflammation. Your appendix is about the size and shape of your little finger. Its small, narrow shape makes it vulnerable to blockage and therefore inflammation.
Thank you.
posted by kStyle @ 2:27 PM
6 Comments:
Did you write this in response to someone's saying otherwise, or just to the general perception that both these organs are unnecessary?
(Disclosing a conflict of interest: my gallbladder was surgically removed two years ago, so I'm predisposed toward believing it wasn't crucial. Please don't tell me I need it after all. I'm pretty sure they threw it away...)
One of my coworkers needs her gallbladder revoed, and I was subject to an inane conversation (not that the question of obscure organs' function is inane, but the conversation was: sales reps) about how the gallbladder doesn't do anything--oh wait is that the appendix that doesn't do anything--but isn't the gallbladder just useless, too?--until I chimed in to defend the little troopers, at which point one conversant expressed disgust at the functions of her very own organs (it was interfering with her enjoyment of cake, but good luck digesting that without your gallbladder) and another was weirdly awed that I would know such a thing.
The human body is remarkably adaptable and can make do without many organs. For example, I believe the liver takes on some of the gallbladder's function when the gallbladder is removed, BUT that doesn't mean it's a good idea to just cut organs out willy-nilly. It taxes the system.
That NOVA special sounds cool, Ann. Tell me more about the cervix. I'm not sure what its purpose is, really.
PS but appendicitis is a good reason to remove the appendix.
Yeah, we can manage without the spleen, but it's still a good organ to have. Blood cells and all.
Wow, no vagina or uterus, but a clitoris. The human body is an endless surprise.
Ann, you asked about the liver. It is possible to remove a diseased lobe or two, but I don't think a person could survive without any liver.
Wow. I wish I had a cervix.
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