An "eye" in the gut: the appendix as a sentinel sensory organ of the immune intelligence network.

摘要: Neural systems are the traditional model of intelligence. Their complex interconnected network wired neurons acquires, processes, and responds to environmental cues. We propose that immune system is a parallel intelligence in which gut, including appendix, plays prominent role data acquisition. The essentially virtual unwired interacting cells data. typically acquired by antigen-presenting (APCs) gather antigenic information from environment. APCs chemically digest large antigens deconstruct them into smaller packets for sampling other cells. gut performs same function on larger scale. Morsels content enter sequentially deconstructed physical chemical digestion. In addition providing nutrients, componentized contents offer mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues (MALT) relay sampled network. this framework, positioning appendix immediately after ileocecal valve strategic: it ideally positioned sample its maximally state small bowel For single-celled organisms, digestion environment has been primary way surroundings. Prior emergence sensory such as eye, even multi-cellular organisms may have relied heavily acquire information. While relative value diminished since neural intelligence, still use both integrated fashion respond appropriately ecologic opportunities challenges. Appendicitis represent momentary maladaptation evolutionary transition leadership eye. Relationships between dysfunctions cognition explored.