Organs that are highly active metabolically are highly vascularized. Which organs are very metabolically active?
The correct answer and explanation is:
Organs that are highly metabolically active include the brain, liver, heart, kidneys, and muscles. These organs require a constant and abundant supply of oxygen and nutrients to support their high metabolic demands. They are highly vascularized, meaning they have an extensive network of blood vessels to ensure efficient nutrient and oxygen delivery while removing waste products.
- Brain: The brain is one of the most metabolically active organs, consuming about 20% of the body’s energy despite representing only 2% of body weight. It requires a continuous supply of glucose and oxygen to maintain its complex functions such as thinking, memory, and motor coordination. The brain’s high metabolic rate is supported by a dense network of blood vessels.
- Liver: The liver plays a central role in metabolism, detoxification, protein synthesis, and storage of glycogen. It processes nutrients absorbed from the digestive system, breaks down toxins, and regulates blood sugar levels. The liver’s high metabolic activity is supported by its vast vascularization, ensuring that blood can rapidly reach it for processing.
- Heart: The heart, responsible for pumping blood throughout the body, is highly metabolically active due to the continuous demand for energy to maintain its rhythmic contractions. It requires a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood, which is provided by coronary arteries.
- Kidneys: The kidneys are involved in filtering blood, regulating electrolyte balance, and excreting waste products. They are highly vascularized to ensure efficient filtration and absorption processes. About 20% of the body’s cardiac output is directed to the kidneys to support these processes.
- Muscles: Skeletal muscles are metabolically active, especially during exercise. Muscles require a large supply of energy to contract, and this demand increases during physical activity. During intense exercise, blood flow to muscles increases to supply oxygen and nutrients while removing metabolic waste products.
The vascularization of these organs ensures that their high metabolic needs are met effectively, allowing them to carry out their essential functions.