Organ donation facts for kids

Organ donation is when a body part from one person is given to another person. This special process is called a transplantation. It helps the person who receives the organ to live a better life.

The person who gives the organ is called the donor. The person who gets the organ is called the recipient. The organ is moved from the donor to the recipient through a surgery.

What Organs and Tissues Can Be Donated?

Many different organs can be donated. These include the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas, and intestine.

Besides organs, tissues can also be donated. Tissues are parts of the body like bones, tendons, corneas, heart valves, and veins.

Around the world, kidneys are the most common organs transplanted. The liver is next, followed by the heart. For tissues, the cornea, bones, and muscles are transplanted most often.

Why Organ Donation Matters

It is very important for people to know about organ donation. Donating an organ or tissue can truly change someone's life. It can help a person who is very sick get healthy again.

Scientists are also working on amazing new ways to help. A field of medicine called Regenerative medicine is trying to grow new organs or tissues. They use special cells called stem cells to do this.

Even with these new ideas, there is still a great need for donated organs. Many people are waiting for an organ that can save their life.

Images for kids

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  The National Donor Monument in Naarden, Netherlands.

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  This painting shows a feeling of Altruism, which is helping others without expecting anything in return.

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  An Organ Donor Card from NHS England.

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  This image shows what a lung might look like if a transplant is rejected.

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  A patient receiving dialysis, a treatment for kidney failure.

See also

In Spanish: Donación de órganos para niños