For generations the appendix was thought to have no purpose. But now, researchers say they have discovered the true function of appendix. It is anything but redundant. Researchers now say that the appendix acts as a safe house for good, useful bacteria. When a person suffers from a bout of dysentery or cholera, with loss of good bacteria, the appendix is used by the body to "reboot" the digestive system. For years, doctors advised people to have their appendix removed. The good thing is that those who had theirs removed seem none the worse for it.