Science
Understanding Organs: Your Body's Vital Machinery
An essential guide to organs, the vital structures that perform specific functions in the body, and why their health is crucial for survival.
What is it?
In biology, an organ is a collection of different tissues that work together to perform a specific function within an organism. These self-contained units are the next level of organization after tissues and are often grouped into larger organ systems to carry out complex bodily processes. Common examples in the human body include the heart, which pumps blood; the lungs, which handle gas exchange; the liver, which filters toxins; and the skin, which acts as a protective barrier. The human body has approximately 79 distinct organs, each playing a vital role in maintaining life.
Why is it trending?
Advances in science and technology have brought a renewed focus on organs. Researchers are now growing "organoids," which are miniaturized, simplified versions of organs in a lab, to study diseases and test new drugs. The field of artificial organs and bionics is also rapidly expanding, offering new hope to those on transplant waiting lists by creating technological replacements for failing organs. Furthermore, recent breakthroughs include using AI to extend the viability of donor organs for transplantation and developing blood tests that can determine the biological age of specific organs, potentially predicting disease risk decades in advance.
How does it affect people?
The health of our organs directly dictates our overall health and survival. Five are considered vital for life: the brain, heart, kidneys, liver, and lungs. The failure of any of these organs is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical intervention, such as life support or an organ transplant. A person's lifestyle choices significantly impact organ health. Maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and avoiding harmful substances like tobacco can prevent organ damage and related diseases like heart failure or liver disease.