VESTIGIAL STRUCTURES

WHAT IS A VESTIGIAL STRUCTURE?

Biology (of an organ or part of the body) degenerate, rudimentary, or atrophied, having become functionless in the course of evolution

However, some of these structures could be functional...or we have simply just not understood or determined the function yet .

EXAMPLES OF VESTIGIAL STRUCTURES IN HUMANS

• Vomeronasal Organ (VNO)
• Goosebumps (Arrector Pili)
• Darwin's Point
• The Tailbone (Coccyx)
• Wisdom Teeth
• The Appendix
• Sinuses
• Plica Semilunaris

IS AN EPICANTHIC FOLD A VESTIGIAL STRUCTURE?

EPICANTHIC FOLD

An epicanthic fold is a fold of skin from the upper eyelid covering the inner angle of the eye, typical in many people of Eastern Asia (as well as some European and African people)

Hypothesis:
The epicanthic fold is a vestigial structure, and was once used to block wind from the eyes in Asian habitats

The epicanthic fold was found more in the Northern parts of Asia where it was colder and windier; the fold blocked the eyes from the wind, snow, and glare from the sun off of the snow

The fold also contains more fat, which helped insulate the eyes during the cold winter.

Some may consider this vestigial as it is no longer needed, others may say that it comes "in handy". Therefore, the epicanthic fold being a vestigial structure is up for debate, just as many other vestigial structures are.

But they sure are cute in babies.