5 Vestigial Characteristics of The Human Body
January 4, 2010 Animals, Health
In reseaching information for this subject, I came across at least 10 items of interest. Some are well known,such as tonsils, adenoids, appendix, sinuses and wisdom teeth.
Research shows that all these characteristics, were at some point in history actually useful to humans. Some vestigial characters still play a useful role up to certain age. These parts are not completely without its usefulness, but do not provide significant advantage to human health. Because of an unpredictable future, what we find as “no use” today, may develop into something useful in the future. The aforementioned characteristics range from detrimental to marginally useful. Opinions vary.
Plica Semilunaris
The Plica Semilunaris is like a third eyelid. It is a loose, small fold of bulbar conjunctiva on the inner corner of the eye. It is loose so eye movement is not restricted. This membrane is still visible today in sharks, lizards and even chickens. It still serves a purpose for humans to some degree. It produces a substance that collects unwanted particles from the eye. When you wake and find some “yuck” near your tear duct, you can thank your third eyelid.
Body Hair
A few million years ago, the earth was much colder than it is today. Body hair served its purpose to help insulate humans from freezing. Humans have the most heat producing metabolisms of any mammal. Migration to warmer climates, earths warming, and eventually the development of the ability to perspire, resulted in the loss of body hair. Hair on the head, is important to help maintain a constant temperature in the head. Body hair today, is much less survival oriented than it was before the advent of civilization. Some people today just have it removed by various methods, as it serves no real purpose at this time.
Coccyx
Many researchers have stated that the coccyx is a remnant of a primate tail and through evolution it has lost its relevance. Many doctors disagree. The coccyx is composed of 3 to 5 (usually four) nodular pieces of fused vertebral bones.It’s name “coccyx” means cuckoo; it was named because of its resemblance to a cuckoo’s bill. There is evidence of the coccyx being a vestigial part and contrary evidence that is is a necessary body part used to support posterior organs. This is another case of science of evolution verses modern medicine. You be the judge.
Arrector Pili
Arrector Pili is a small band of muscle fibers that connects a hair follicle to the skin/dermis. In certain instances, or stimulation, the arrector pili contracts causing your hair to “stand on end”. This creates a protuberance on the skin surface, producing a temporarily roughened condition that is often referred to as goose flesh, or goose bumps in humans. Sometimes this action can be attributed to cold or fear.
Male Nipples
Now here is an example of what many have questioned for years. This is left over from fetal development. All fetuses are non gender specific, until a flood of hormones comes along in uteri and sets the gender. Most young men, at puberty grow some breast tissue which normally subsides. There is a condition called gynecomastia where men grow breasts. This can be successfully treated by surgery. Men also can get breast cancers, which tend to get worse quicker than a woman’s. Any abnormality or lumps should be taken seriously and prompt medical attention is warranted. Let us not forget, male humans can and do produce milk. Male breasts can lactate and contain all the structures needed to produce milk. So. in summation, men have nipples because we were all concieved gender neutral.
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