An
organ is a collection of tissues that perform similar function. They
are specialized to perform one or the other function in the human body.
There are about 78 organs in the human body. They vary greatly in size,
shape and the function they perform. So, read on to find what are the
top ten largest organs in our body?
10. Prostate
Prostate gland is large pyramidal gland which lies at the base of the
bladder and surrounds first part of urethra. It provides milky alkaline
fluid for nutrition of sperms n seminal vesicle. It weighs about 20
grams (0.02 kg; 0,7 oz).
9. Thyroid
The average weight of thyroid gland in human body is 35 grams (0,035
kg; 1,2 oz). It is located in the front of the neck, below the larynx.
The function of this gland is to produce thyroxine and triiodothyronine
hormones. It requires iodine to produce the hormones. The thyroid plays
an important role in regulating body’s metabolism and calcium balance.
8. Pancreas
Pancreas is the eighth largest human organ with an average weight of
98 grams (~0,1 kg; 3,5 oz) in human body. It contain two different kind
of glandular tissue- an exocrine part(secrets pancreatic juice) and
endocrine part(secrets hormones-insulin and glucagon).
7. Spleen
Spleen is 170 grams (0.17 kg; 6.0 oz) heavy. Spleen is the largest
component of lymphatic system. Spleen acts as reservoir for red
corpuscles, helps in formation of agranulocytes, antibodies,
erythropoiesis, red blood cells pulp and white blood cells pulp.
6. Kidneys
There are two kidneys in every human being and the average weight of
both the kidneys is about 290 grams (~0.29 kg; 10,2 oz). Kidney is
excretory and homeostatic organ. The human kidney is bean shaped
excretory organs which filter wastes from the blood and excrete them,
along with water.
5. Heart
In males the average weight of heart is 315 gm (~0.3 kg; 11,1 oz)
while in females this weight is about 265 gms. Human heart is situated
in the thorax between the lungs with its apex resting on the diaphragm.
Heart is the busiest organ of the body. The major function of the heart
is to pump blood to every part of the body.
4. Lungs
The average total weight of the right and left lung in a normal human
body is about 1,090 gms (~1 kg; 38,5 oz). Lungs are soft, pinkish and
highly elastic structure lying in pleural cavities of the thorax. . The
major function of lungs is to inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide
out of the red blood cells. The lungs can hold a total of up to 5 liters
of air.
3. Brain
Its average weight in a normal human body is 1,263 grams (~1.2 kg;
49,7 oz). Brain (also called encephalon) lies protected inside the
cranial cavity of the skull and controls all the activities of the body.
Medulla oblongata, Midbrain, Hind brain, Cerebellum, Spinal cord and
Ventricle are some of the major parts of a human brain.
2. Liver
Its average weight in a normal human body is 1,560 gms (~1,5 kg; 5,.0
oz). Liver is the largest and multilobulated gland of the body. Liver
acts as hemolytic organ. It also acts as erythropoietic organ in the
embryo. In adults, this function is taken over by bone marrow.
1. Skin
The average weight of skin in human body is about 10,886 grams (~10.1
kg; 384,0 oz) which varies according to the size and weight of human
being. It is a major organ of the body, forming about 8% of its total
mass and having an area between 1.2 to 2.2 meter square. Skin is most
effective barrier against microbial invasion, mechanical, chemical,
osmotic, thermal and phobic damage.
