After reading an article about a woman who had eight organs removed due to illness, I wondered what you could do without.

Here are some organs you can miss, what they do, and why you can live without them:

1. Cecum (appendix)

  • Function: The appendix plays a role in the immune system and may serve as a repository for good bacteria.
  • Why can you do without? If the appendix is removed (for example due to appendicitis), this has no noticeable impact on your health.

2. Gallbladder

  • Function: Stores bile, a fluid made by the liver that helps digest fats.
  • Why can you do without? If the gallbladder is removed (in case of gallstones), the liver takes over the role by draining bile directly into the intestines.

3. spleen

  • Function: Helps filter blood and fight infections.
  • Why can you do without? Other organs, such as the liver and lymph nodes, can partly take over the functions of the spleen. However, you run a slightly higher risk of infections.

4. Kidney (one kidney)

  • Function: Filters waste products from the blood and regulates fluid balance.
  • Why can you do it with one kidney? One healthy kidney can take over the work of two kidneys.

5. Stomach (partial or complete)

  • Function: Breaks down food and starts digestion.
  • Why can you do without? When removed (eg due to cancer), the esophagus can be connected directly to the small intestine. The intestines take over the digestion process.

6. Colon (partial or complete)

  • Function: Absorbs water and forms stools.
  • Why can you do without? In a stoma, the small intestine can remove waste products to the outside. This does require lifestyle adjustments.

7. Ovaries or testes

  • Function: Produce sex hormones and reproductive cells.
  • Why can you do without? They are not essential for survival, but removal can affect hormone balance.

8. Pancreas (partially)

  • Function: Produces insulin (for blood sugar regulation) and digestive enzymes.
  • Why can you do without een deel? After partial removal, the rest of the pancreas can often continue to produce sufficient insulin and enzymes. Complete removal requires insulin therapy and enzyme replacement.

9. Thyroid

  • Function: Regulates metabolism by producing hormones.
  • Why can you do without? After removal (for example due to illness), you can take thyroid hormones in tablet form.

10. Parts of the lungs

  • Function: Ensuring oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide emissions.
  • Why can you do without een deel? You can live with one lung or part of a lung. The remaining lung (s) can often adequately take over the respiratory function.

11. Prostate

  • Function: Produces part of the seminal fluid (in men).
  • Why can you do without? The prostate is not essential for survival. Removal (for example due to cancer) does affect fertility and sometimes urine control.

12. Womb

  • Function: Reproduction; carries a pregnancy.
  • Why can you do without? The womb is not essential for life. Removal (hysterectomy) does not affect hormonal functions unless the ovaries are also removed.

13. Parts of the liver

  • Function: Filters toxins from the blood, produces bile and stores nutrients.
  • Why can you do without een deel? The liver has an exceptional regenerative capacity. Even if a large portion is removed, the liver can grow back and restore its functions.

14. Parts of the brain

  • Function: Controls the body and processes information.
  • Why can you do without een deel? In brain surgery (such as tumors), part can be removed without loss of all functions. Other parts of the brain can take over some functions.

15. Tonsils (tonsils)

  • Function: Help fight infections.
  • Why can you do without? In chronic inflammations, they are often removed. Other parts of the immune system take over their roles.

16. Veins and arteries (partially)

  • Function: Transporting blood through the body.
  • Why can you do without sommige? Bypass surgery involves replacing or diverting blood vessels. The body can also form new blood vessels to support blood flow.

While many of these organs or parts of them may be missed, their removal often involves medical adjustments, therapies, or lifestyle changes.

#health #organs #body #health #humanbody #yoors

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