Five Organs You Can Live Without

1. Spleen

Location: Left upper quadrant of abdomen, tucked between the stomach and diaphragm.
Functions:
- Largest lymphatic structure in the body.
- Acts as a blood filter, removing pathogens and old red blood cells.
Risks without it:
- Increased risk of blood-borne infections.
- Liver takes over the role of filtering old red blood cells.
- People might require pre-surgery antibiotics.

Ovaries:
- Located in the lower abdomen, release eggs and secrete hormones (progesterone and estrogen).
- Removal doesn't significantly affect daily routine but may necessitate hormone replacement therapy.
Testes:
- Located in the scrotum, produce sperm and testosterone.
- Removal may require hormone replacement therapy.
- Prosthetic testes are an option for cosmetic purposes.

Anatomy: Right and left lungs in the thoracic cavity.
Function (without one lung):
- Reduced lung capacity but possible to live a relatively normal life.
- Remaining lung can expand, achieving up to 70% of original lung capacity.

Locations:
- Palatine tonsils (back of throat archway).
- Pharyngeal tonsils (adenoids, in nasopharynx).
- Lingual tonsils (back of the tongue).
Functions: First line of defense against pathogens.
Risks without them: Minimal; people generally live normal lives post-removal.

Anatomy: Part of the large intestine, includes ascending, transverse, descending, sigmoid colon, rectum, and anus.
Functions: Propels feces, absorbs water and salt.
Removal:
- Partial removal (segmental): Reattachment possible, relatively normal bowel habits.
- Total removal: Chronic watery stools or use of a colostomy bag (temporary or permanent).
- Colostomy bag use: May be necessary for healing or if the rectum/anus is unsalvageable.
- Patients can adapt to life with a colostomy bag using supportive belts to engage in activities like sports.