Translated from Latin, “rudimentary” means “residual,” “germinal,” “underdeveloped.” For us, vestigial organs are those that have lost their functions and significance over millions of years of evolution. Once we needed them for survival, but now we can do without them. We do not even pay attention to them and do not notice, but some of these "extra" organs can be harmful to health and have to be removed. So, here are 10 human organs that can safely be called useless.
10
Appendix
The appendix is located between the large and small intestines and is considered a useless organ. Previously, when a person was mainly a vegetarian, this organ helped to absorb a large amount of fiber. Although it enters the digestive system, the appendix does not participate in the digestion of food. But some biologists still find useful functions in it. It is assumed that it serves as a kind of reservoir for the propagation of beneficial bacteria.
Along with its insignificance, this body can still bring a lot of problems. Inflammation of the appendix can lead to its rupture, and this is very dangerous.
9
Male nipples
Have you ever wondered why men need nipples if they do not perform any function? We also know that all mammals of both sexes have nipples, but why? The whole reason is that the nipples are formed at a very early stage in the development of the fetus, when gender is still unknown. Then hormones and chromosomes come into play. If the fetus has a Y chromosome, then the male hormone testosterone is secreted.
Although male nipples are considered vestigial organs, isolated cases have been recorded in the world in which men breast-fed their babies. Maybe this is such a survival program, embedded in us by nature?
By the way, on our site thebiggest.ru you will find a very interesting article about 50 entertaining facts about the human body.
8
Wisdom tooth
The wisdom tooth is called the most useless of all the useless organs of man. Moreover, it can cause us so much pain. Wisdom teeth appear in a person between 17 and 25 years old, so this is the name. But he just doesn’t add any mind. Our jaws are not designed for this extra tooth, so there is discomfort, pain and bleeding. It all ends with a trip to the dentist.
It is believed that the jaw of our ancestors was larger. Teeth helped grind plant and animal food. The modern man has a smaller jaw and we simply have no room left for these teeth.
According to another version, the wisdom tooth grows already in adulthood because our distant ancestors had few teeth left by this time. Thus, the wisdom tooth filled the empty space from the lost teeth. After all, it is known that teeth can move slightly in the jaw. Perhaps this is how an ancient man and his ancestors could live with their teeth without the use of modern medicine.
7
Coccyx
The tailbone is a continuation of our spine. It is also called the tail bone, because it is actually the rest of the tail that we once had. Previously, the tails of people served for balance, but when a person became upright, he ceased to be needed and gradually disappeared. The remaining tailbone is now a vestigial organ.
Also in history, cases of the birth of people with tails are known. There are many such children in India who are revered as messengers of the gods. But still, it’s just an anomaly related to human genetics. In fact, we all have tails when we are in the womb. During fetal development in the early stages, the tail can be observed in the embryo.
6
Arrector pil
You have noticed that when you feel cold or something irritates your skin, your body hairs stand on end and goosebumps appear. Muscle fibers called arrector pili give us this effect. They are attached to the hair follicles.
For animals, these muscles undoubtedly play an important role. In the cold season, animals reel their fur to retain more heat. They also use this effect as a defense mechanism to appear visually larger in the eyes of the opponent.
But how this helps people is unknown. Our scarce and barely noticeable hairline is unlikely to scare anyone. And to keep warm, we have been using clothes for a long time.
5
Third eyelid
In the corners of the eyes closer to the nose, you can notice the remains of the third century. You can’t say for sure that this is a completely unnecessary organ for a person. Our third eyelid serves as a kind of tourniquet for a smooth turn of the eyes, it is also a filter for tear fluid. The third eyelid is well developed in animals, especially in birds and fish. If you have a cat, then looking closely, you will notice a third eyelid.
Initially, it served us as a way to wet and protect our eyes. Gradually, the need for this decreased and the third, in the end, disappeared. But not really.
4
Grasping reflex
Sometimes it is surprising how in nature everything is calculated and thought out to the smallest detail. From the moment of birth to six months, the infant has a very developed grasping reflex. With their tenacious handles, they can hold onto a finger or something else. Babies can even calmly stay on the bar for a while. But in fact, this reflex is not needed by modern man.
Once upon a time, people had dense vegetation all over their bodies. Infants clung tightly to their hair, thereby escaping or moving on the body of their parents.
3
Darwin's tubercle
Darwin's tubercle is a small bulge on the upper part of the auricle. In modern humans, this rudimentary formation is found with a frequency of only 10%, but it is present in most mammals and in some primates. Previously, this shape of the auricle helped us better capture sounds. Now we do not need such a function, but the tubercle remains. A certain gene is responsible for its formation, but it does not give an absolute guarantee of the appearance of the Darwin tubercle.
2
Plantar muscle
The plantar muscle is a rudimentary muscle that starts from the femur and knee joint and attaches to the calcaneus tendon. In humans, it is not developed and weak, since we do not use it. With the help of this muscle, monkeys lift various objects with their feet, therefore it is developed in them.
The plantar muscle is so rarely used by us that in 9% of people it is completely absent. This means that over time, it will completely disappear in all people. But in some people, due to their occupations or characteristics, this muscle is developed. This applies to some athletes, acrobats and those people who for some reason cannot use their hands. It is the plantar muscle that then allows such people to eat, drink, and even draw pictures and embroider with their feet. So it's not such a useless muscle.
1
Paranasal sinuses
The sinuses are a kind of air pockets inside our skull that communicate with the nasal canal. In addition to air, mucus is formed in these sinuses, which flows into the nasal cavity with the help of small cilia. Bacteria and infections can cause sinusitis or sinusitis, leading to headaches and cranial pressure. The sinuses are filled with mucus, which only accumulates and does not come out. Many people suffer from these diseases all their lives.
Biologists can not say exactly about the purpose of these sinuses. Perhaps these cavities strengthened the sense of smell of our ancestors. Or maybe they played the role of a kind of pressure regulator when diving to a depth. One thing is clear, we can do without them, only our voice will change, as the volume will be lost. Would you sacrifice your voice?
Finally
So our article about the most unnecessary organs for humans has come to an end. Now we want to see feedback from you in the comments. Share your opinion on the topic of the article. Perhaps you would like to add a few organs that you consider more useless.
Author: Altenko Sergey