Is there any part of the human body that is truly without use or function?
Vestigial structures do not have to be considered excess (left over) pieces of material that have completely lost all function in the body. Some are simply structures that have lost their original function and now have a very minor role in the functioning of the body. The the vermiform appendix is thought to guard against symbiotic bacteria that aid digestion. The coccyx is a portion of a lost tail that used to aid us in balancing. However it is NOT important for anchoring the muscles of the back. It was thought to anchor minor muscles but in recent years the coccyx has been surgically removed with no adverse side effects. Errector pili muscles which contract in cold weather causing goose bumps would be considered a vestigial reflex. Animals use these muscles to erect their hair to make themselves look bigger. Wisdom teeth were perhaps an evolutionary advantage. However as time has passed our mouths have shrunk and their use has faded. It was thought that by the time 18-20 came around
