Critical organ: what is it and how does it affect our health?
Critical organ (OC) is a term used in medicine to describe the organ that is most sensitive to the effects of ionizing radiation. As a result of such an effect on the OC, pathological changes may occur that determine the nature and severity of radiation pathology in a given person or animal.
Examples of Critical organs are the bone marrow, ovaries, thyroid gland, lymph nodes and skin. It is these organs that are most sensitive to the effects of ionizing radiation, so when irradiated they can be damaged faster and to a greater extent than other organs.
Damage to the OC can lead to serious diseases such as cancer, dysfunction of the immune system, infertility and other pathologies. That is why protection of OCs during radiation exposure is the most important task in radiology and oncology.
There are several ways to protect OCs during irradiation. One of them is the use of special anti-radiation agents that can protect Critical organs from damage. In addition, when planning radiation therapy, doctors try to minimize the dose of radiation that reaches the OC and prefer to use more precise methods of radiation therapy, such as intensive modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and Cyberknife (gamma knife).
Thus, the Critical Organ plays an important role in assessing the risk of radiation sickness and planning treatment. When exposed to radiation, it is necessary to take into account its characteristics and apply protective measures to minimize the risk of damage and the development of radiation pathology.
A critical organ is an organ in which pathological changes occur when exposed to ionizing radiation. These changes determine the nature and severity of radiation sickness in a person or animal exposed to radiation.
Ionizing radiation is one of the most dangerous factors affecting human and animal health. It can cause various diseases, including cancer, genetic mutations and other damage to organs and tissues.
A critical organ is the organ that is first exposed to ionizing radiation and begins to react to it. As a result of this, various pathological changes can occur, which then spread to other organs and systems.
For example, irradiation of the brain can cause changes in nerve cells, which can lead to disruption of brain function and other diseases. When the lungs are irradiated, fibrotic changes can occur, leading to breathing problems and other problems.
It is important to note that exposure to ionizing radiation in humans or animals can be very dangerous, especially if it occurs in large doses. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures to protect against this factor, for example, use personal protective equipment and limit the time spent at radiation hazardous facilities.