Main image via Pixabay
If anybody needed to see the epitome of resilience, they should have a look at themselves. No, really. Just take a look at the human body. For example, we can lose 3.5 trillion red blood cells when we donate a pint of blood, which our body quickly replaces. Some people even live relatively normal lives with half a brain. Here are other organs that can be removed, yet won’t have too much of an impact on one’s life.
- Spleen
Image via Livescience
The spleen is used to store and recycle red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Most commonly removed because of injury, you can live comfortably without it as the liver also recycles red blood cells and their components.
- Reproductive organs
The testes and ovaries in male and female respectively, these structures are paired and people can still have children even with only one functioning. Cancer or trauma can be the cause of the removal. In females, the uterus may also be removed.
- Colon
The colon or large intestine is used to absorb water and prepare faeces by compacting it together. Some people have some or all of their colon removed due to cancer or other diseases. Most people recover well after surgery, although a diet of soft foods is recommended to aid the healing process.
- Stomach
Image via The Irish Times
The stomach does four main things: mechanical digestion, chemical digestion, absorption, and secretion. It’s sometimes removed as a result of cancer or trauma. When it’s removed, surgeons attach the oesophagus (the long tube that connects the mouth to the stomach) directly to the small intestines.
- Appendix
The appendix is a worm-like structure at the junction of the large and the small bowel. When intestinal contents enter it, and because it’s a dead end, it causes inflammation and appendicitis. If this happens, a removal is needed.
- Gallbladder
Image via Healthline
The gallbladder stores bile needed to break down fats during digestion. Excess cholesterol in bile can form gallstones, which can block the movement of the bile. This is why people need it removed.
- Kidney
Most people have two kidneys, but you can survive on just one, or even none (with the help of dialysis). The kidneys act as a filter for the blood to maintain water and electrolyte balance, letting the rest pass through as urine. People have kidneys removed because of drug and alcohol implications, infections and other diseases.
Just because we can live without them, doesn’t mean we should! Live a healthy lifestyle, keep out of harm’s way, and we’ll be just fine 😉
Image via Pexels
Article via The Independent
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