Spare Parts

In Praise of Your Appendix and Other Unappreciated Organs

A tribute to the parts that aren’t so spare after all . . . “A mesmerizing perspective . . . unparalleled information, both arcane and titillating” (Manhattan Book Review).
 
This book sheds light on human body parts once considered extraneous, but now proven to play an important role in our healthy survival. With wit and research-honed wisdom, health writer Carol Ann Rinzler explains in layman's language why we need “bonus” body parts such as:
 
The appendix, once derided as “the worm of the intestines,” but now believed to play an important role in our immune system
The coccyx, a.k.a. the “tailbone,” once considered the remnant of a human tail, but now considered the keystone of the boney pelvic arch where muscles meet and stabilize our seating
Wisdom teeth, that “extra” set of molars for which many “evolved” human jaws lack space, but that are still required by higher primates for extra chew power
 
Having highlighted the still-important parts, Rinzler adds a chapter on dispensables: parts that we can indeed happily give up. Along the way, Rinzler weaves in Darwin’s theories of evolution and shares insights on what the human body may be like millennia from now.
 
“Carol Ann Rinzler once again informs and entertains. She helps us see that evolution is a profound and powerful force of nature that produces things that work, but also produces some quirky and not-so-intelligently designed parts as well.” —Richard N. Gottfried, New York State Assembly Heath Committee Chair
 
“What a pleasure this book is to read! Rinzler has chosen a terrific topic, and carried it off with style and erudition.” —Sandra Opdycke, author of No One Was Turned Away