What Is An Organ?

TL;DR

Rethinking the traditional definitions of organs can lead to new discoveries and help improve treatment for various health conditions.

Transcript

Nobody knows what organs are! I mean, you probably think you know what organs are. Your brain is an organ. Your lungs are organs. They’re structured blobs made of different kinds of cells, all working together to do a unique job in your body. Like, your lungs do the job of taking in oxygen. But, as it turns out, those characteristics don’t apply to... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Definitions of organs are variable and subject to ongoing debate in the scientific community.
• 🥳 Discoveries of overlooked body parts, like tubarial glands and the mesentery, have led to better understanding and treatment of certain health conditions.
• 😷 Expanding the definition of organs can help uncover new insights into human physiology and improve medical practices.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is there no consensus on the definition of organs?

Scientists have different opinions on what qualifies as an organ and how many there are, leading to ongoing debates and discussions in the medical community.

Q: What role do tubarial glands play in dysphagia?

Tubarial glands help lubricate the upper throat area, and when damaged by radiation, they can lead to difficulties in swallowing, causing dysphagia.

Q: How does the mesentery relate to Crohn's disease?

The mesentery, when inflamed and rigid, may contribute to the symptoms of Crohn's disease, suggesting that it plays an important role in the development and progression of the condition.

Q: Why is the interstitium worth paying attention to?

The interstitium acts as a shock absorber for the body and provides a pathway for cell migration. In cases of cancer, it can facilitate the spread of tumor cells, highlighting its relevance in understanding and treating the disease.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• There is no consensus among experts on what exactly constitutes an organ and how many organs humans have.

• Tubarial glands, small clusters of cells in the head, have been overlooked but play a critical role in regulating dysphagia (trouble swallowing) after radiation exposure.

• The mesentery, a structure that runs alongside the intestines, has been debated for centuries but is now considered to be one continuous unit and may be involved in Crohn's disease.

• The interstitium, a network of fluid-filled sacs, acts as a shock absorber and may also serve as a pathway for cancer cells.