Question

Which is the vestigial structure in man?
A. Caecum
B. Wisdom tooth
C. Muscles of glottis
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: During the course of evolution, some structures present in an organism lost their functions completely or partially. These organs are now referred to as the vestigial organs.

Complete answer:
With the migration of human species out of Africa, a habitat of diverse populations was obtained which eventually led to the development of human civilization. In the course of events human species modified their eating habits also and started consuming food that was soft and processed. This led to the elimination of the need for jaws that were large and powerful. This reduced the jaw size of human beings leading to impaction of molars, in particular the third molars which are also known as the wisdom teeth. Consequently, the wisdom teeths are not inborn and hence now they are considered as vestigial structures of the human body.
On the other hand, Caecum forms a part of the large intestine. It absorbs the remaining salts and fluids left after the complete digestion and absorption of the food by the intestine thus mixing it with the mucus which is a lubricating substance while muscles of glottis functions to manage the opening of glottis as per the need.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Note: Other vestigial organs in humans include the vermiform appendix, the auricular muscles (muscles of the ear), body hair, the coccyx and the nictitating membrane (semilunar fold in the corner of the eye).