Why the add -on is much more significant than we used to think

Perhaps you have heard that astronauts remove their appendix before leaving the earth. After all, people say that you can live without this organ because it has no purpose, but how much truth is in this belief?

Let’s start by locating it. The addition is a compact finger -shaped bag, in which the compact intestine joins the vast intestine in Cecum. Inflammation and infection of the appendix, known as appendicitisIt can lead to a rupture of the organ and then a widespread infection (peritonitis). If it remains untreated, it can become life -threatening.

In some long-term missions for distant and isolated areas-as Antarctica or space-earlier participants were required to undergo a worm-like removal surgery (appendix) before leaving. This was justified by circumscribed access to medical facilities and difficulties in the evacuation of people from these distant areas in the event of emergency medical accidents.

Removal of a appendix before leaving eliminated the risk of appendix and associated complications during the mission, thus helping to ensure the safety and well -being of the involved people. Apparently there were no defects, although we now know that this is not the case.

Residual bodies

For our ancestors, the appendix has probably evolved to assist them digest a diet prosperous in raw vegetables and cellulose, just like still in Many herbivorous mammals. Thousands of years ago it would act as an extension of Cecum, involved in bacterial digestion of fibrous plant materials.

When the human diet varied, becoming richer in animal proteins and more digestible cooked or fermented food, the need was a smaller one needed executioner and a functional appendix to digest cellulose digestion. As a result, the human appendix reduced the size and lost its original digestive function. For this reason, he has long been considered residual organs, the part of the body, which was useful at the time, but that we can do without today.

However, although it no longer serves its original purpose, we now know that the attachment has developed recent functions that are necessary for human health.

Read more: Rising Rising add -on among younger generations – a recent study

Microbiome regulator

The outflow was demonstrated as An important element of the immune function, especially in early life. Works like a lymphatic organ similar to Peyer’s patches in the intestine and contributes to the maturation of B lymphocytes (various white blood cells) and the production of antibodies (type A immunoglobulin), which are crucial for controlling the density and quality of intestinal microbiota.

In addition, the attachment itself contains Very diverse and diverse microfloraincluding bacteria such as Firmicutes, proteobacteria, bacteroidetes, actinobacteriaAND Fusobacteria. This diversity differs from other parts of the digestive tract, which suggests a specialized role.

Removal of a appendix is ​​associated with a decrease in the diversity of bacterial intestines. People who have passed the appendix, show a reduced number of favorable bacteria producing fatty acid, including Roseburia, Barnesiella, Budyrycicicocus, Odoribacter AND Butricimonas. This reduction in the diversity of microorganisms can lead to intestinal dysbiosis and potentially raise susceptibility to various diseases.

The switch is also associated with the raise in the diversity of fungi in the intestines. This change in the ecosystem of microorganisms suggests that the add -on can play a role in the balance between bacterial and fungal populations, potentially acting as a magazine of a commensal intestinal microflora, which recommend a colon after exposure to pathogens or antibiotics treatment.

The add -on can play a further role in protecting the digestive tract against pathogens. This would explain why the surgical removal of the appendix was associated with the worse prognosis for recurrent infection Clostridioides difficileand an increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease and ulcerative colitis.

This may even be related to the increased incidence of other conditions, such as Heart disease and Parkinson’s disease. Therefore, the role of the addition in maintaining the diversity of microorganisms seems crucial for general health.

Read more: Explaining: What is intestinal microflora and how does it affect the mind and body?

What about astronauts?

Although the removal of the appendix was quite a routine procedure until recently, we cannot ignore its potential risk.

First of all, there is a risk associated with any surgery – postoperative infections may occur in any surgery, and worm appendages are no exception. Hemorrhage is another possible complication that can arise during or after removal, and in uncommon cases postoperative bleeding may require blood transfusion. In addition, the appendix is ​​usually performed under general anesthesia, which transfers its own set of additional risks.

But as we have just seen, the appendix also plays a significant role in the regulation of the intestinal microbiome, contributing to its diversity. That is why removal as a preventive measure is no longer recommended for astronauts. NASA is aware that the potential risk associated with such an intervention exceeds its benefits and prefers to focus on maintaining the overall health of astronauts, while ensuring Necessary medical support during space missions.