Skip to content

Why do we have an appendix?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: May house beneficial gut bacteria

May house beneficial gut bacteriaCorrect! While often called 'useless,' the appendix may serve as a safe house for beneficial gut bacteria. After illness disrupts gut flora, these bacteria can repopulate the intestines. However, people can live normally without it.

Filters toxins from foodWrong. The appendix doesn't filter toxins—that's mainly the liver's job. The appendix is a small pouch connected to the large intestine.

Has no function at allWrong. While we can survive without it, research suggests it may help maintain healthy gut bacteria populations as a bacterial reservoir.

🚀 Play today's quiz — new questions daily

More Human Biology questions