Students’ perception of rudimentary organs - Is the vermiform appendix a vestigial structure?

Sven Schumann*

Abstract

Vestigial anatomical structures or rudimentary organs are considered to have lost much or all of their function through evolution. In this survey, we asked medical students (n = 220) to define the terms “rudimentary organ or vestigial structure” and name up to three corresponding structures. 46 students completed the survey. With 21 times, the vermiform appendix was the most commonly mentioned organ. According to this pilot study, anatomists should be (more) careful in discussing and teaching vestigial structures so that students do not get confused in the context of highly functional organs.