Without which organs can a person live a full life: this information will definitely surprise you

There are 78 organs in the human body - at least, this is the most commonly accepted figure. However, it has long been known that not all of them are absolutely necessary. A great example is the appendix - some studies show that we would be better off without it.

This was reported by SSPDaily.

Researchers have discussed the minimum number of organs we need to survive and which ones we could say goodbye to without batting an eye.

Organs we can live without

Appendix

For most people, the appendix is a small strip of tissue located in the intestines and has almost no function. However, some studies show that this organ is actually less useless than we thought.

However, if it becomes inflamed, it requires urgent medical attention. Note that inflammation is most common in children and young adults, but researchers still don't know why this happens. Fortunately, we are quite capable of living without this organ, so the only treatment is its removal.

Tonsils (and adenoids)

Tonsils and adenoids are related areas of tissue located in the back of the nose. Sometimes they can cause breathing problems during sleep, and therefore doctors advise removing them, often at an early age.

It should be noted that tonsils actually play a role in our immune system. Unfortunately, their removal is not always able to eliminate chronic throat infections, and therefore scientists are still debating whether removing them is a good option. However, as a rule, we can live without this tissue.

Kidneys and liver

We couldn't really survive the complete removal of the liver, but removing part of it - the left lobe in children and the right lobe in adults - falls into the same category as kidneys. That is, we can donate part of the liver or one of the kidneys to someone else.

Obviously, no surgical intervention is without risk, but many living donors have no long-term side effects after transplantation.

Gallbladder

This organ performs the function of storing bile, which is necessary for the liver, but the digestive system can do without it. It is known that gallstones and the problems associated with them can be extremely painful, and therefore doctors often recommend the removal of this organ.

Reproductive organs

Scientists note that it is possible to live without both male and female reproductive organs, but the consequences of their removal will be different. For example, a woman who does not want to have children can have her uterus removed without any noticeable consequences, and preserving at least one ovary will allow the normal hormonal cycle to continue, although menstruation will stop. At the same time, removal of both ovaries will lead to immediate menopause.

In men, the testicles can be surgically removed, and if only one of them is removed, sexual function and fertility should not be affected.

Organs without which we cannot live

Lungs

Removing a single lung will not actually kill a person, but people with only one lung can expect to regain only 70% of their previous function. It's not a death sentence, but it does mean that you won't be able to exercise and you'll be able to do things more slowly.

Spleen

This organ plays an important role in the human immune system, and its removal will make us more susceptible to infections.

At the same time, a diseased or damaged spleen can cause a number of negative consequences, and therefore doctors may recommend its removal. It should be noted that in this case, many of the functions of this organ will be transferred to neighboring organs, but the impact on the immune system will remain throughout life.

Pancreas

Technically, a person can also live without this organ, but its removal will still change your life. Partial or complete removal of the pancreas can usually be performed in the treatment of cancer or other serious diseases.

However, this organ is responsible for insulin production, which means that a person will immediately develop diabetes. This means that patients will need to be injected with insulin for the rest of their lives, as well as take replacement digestive enzymes that their body can no longer produce without the pancreas. In addition, they will have to radically change their lifestyle.

Intestines and bladder

The colon, small intestine, or bladder can be removed in whole or in part to treat conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease or cancer. However, in some cases, it is necessary to create a stoma - an opening on the surface of the abdomen that allows digestive system waste to pass into a special bag that the person will have to wear. They can be temporary or permanent, but they allow people to live without large parts of the digestive system.

Stomach

A person can also survive without this organ, but complete removal of the stomach is usually only used in cancer treatment.

However, people will have to change their diet. In addition, vitamin supplements may be needed, especially vitamin B12, as it is difficult for the body to absorb it without the stomach. But in recovery, over time, this organ can certainly be dispensed with.