Internal Organ Anatomy

The human body is comprised of 78 organs working together in harmony across 11 intricate organ systems. These organs perform vital functions essential to life, from circulating blood and processing nutrients, to regulating hormones and eliminating waste. While all organs have their unique roles, this blog will take a closer look at some of the most essential internal organs, including the brain, lungs, heart, diaphragm, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, stomach, intestines, and the bladder.

The brain is arguably the most complex and fascinating organ in the body. Located within the protective casing of the skull, it is divided into several specialised regions, each with its own responsibilities - from controlling movement and sensory input, to managing emotions and memory. The brain serves as the command centre of the nervous system, coordinating both voluntary actions (like walking and talking) and involuntary processes (such as breathing and heart rate). It communicates with every other part of the body via an intricate network of nerves, making it essential for every thought, movement, and feeling.

The lungs are a pair of soft, air-filled organs nestled within the chest cavity, shielded by the ribcage. They form the core of the respiratory system, enabling the essential exchange of gases. With each breath, oxygen is drawn into the lungs and transferred into the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide - a waste product - is expelled from the body. The right lung is typically slightly larger than the left, making room for the heart. Inside, a complex network of bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli work tirelessly to keep us supplied with life-sustaining oxygen.

The heart is a muscular, cone-shaped organ about the size of a clenched fist. Situated slightly to the left of centre in the chest, it is encased in a protective sac called the pericardium. The heart plays a pivotal role in the circulatory system, pumping oxygenated blood throughout the body and returning deoxygenated blood to the lungs. It beats rhythmically, day and night, without conscious effort.

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The diaphragm is a dome-shaped sheet of muscle located just beneath the lungs and heart. It is crucial for breathing, contracting and moving downward during inhalation to allow the lungs to expand, and relaxing upward during exhalation to push air out. Beyond its role in respiration, the diaphragm also separates the thoracic cavity (containing the heart and lungs) from the abdominal cavity.

The liver is the largest solid internal organ, weighing roughly 1.5 kilograms. It is located in the upper right portion of the abdomen, just beneath the diaphragm. Divided into two lobes, the liver is involved in hundreds of vital processes. These include detoxifying harmful substances in the blood, metabolising drugs, producing bile to aid digestion, and storing energy in the form of glycogen. It also helps regulate blood clotting and supports immune function.

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The spleen sits on the left side of the abdomen, above the stomach and behind the ribs. Though not part of the digestive system, it is a key component of the lymphatic system, playing a role in immune function and blood filtration. It helps remove damaged or old red blood cells from circulation and also produces white blood cells to fight infection.

The pancreas is a flat, elongated organ that lies behind the stomach, extending horizontally across the upper abdomen. It performs both endocrine and exocrine functions. As an endocrine gland, it produces insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar levels. As part of the digestive system, it secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine to help break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

The stomach is a J-shaped, muscular organ located in the upper left side of the abdominal cavity. It acts as a temporary holding chamber for food after it is swallowed. The stomach secretes gastric acid and digestive enzymes to begin breaking down food into a semi-liquid substance known as chyme. It also churns food mechanically, preparing it for further digestion in the small intestine.

The small intestine is a long, coiled tube measuring approximately 6 metres in length. It is divided into three parts: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. This is where most nutrient absorption takes place. Digestive enzymes and bile from the pancreas and liver aid in breaking food down so that essential nutrients can be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Also known as the colon, the large intestine is wider but shorter than the small intestine. It frames the abdominal cavity and is involved in absorbing water and salts from the remaining indigestible food matter. It also stores waste before it is expelled from the body as faeces. The large intestine includes the caecum, colon, rectum, and anal canal.

The urinary bladder is a hollow, muscular organ located in the lower abdomen, just behind the pubic bone. Its primary function is to store urine produced by the kidneys before it is excreted through the urethra. The bladder can expand significantly to accommodate increasing volumes of urine and signals the brain when it is time to urinate.

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