Organ donation facts for kids
Organ donation means that an organ is transferred from the body of one person to that of another person. This is done by a process called transplantation. The quality of life of the person who receives the organ is improved to various degrees.
The donor is the person providing the organ to the recipient, who receives the organ through a surgery called transplantation.
Organs that can be transplanted are the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas, intestine, skin, and thymus.
Tissues include bones, tendons, corneas, heart valves, and veins.
Worldwide, the kidneys are the most commonly transplanted organs, followed closely by the liver and then the heart.
The cornea, bones, and muscles are the most commonly transplanted tissues.
It is important for people to be aware that donating an organ or tissue changes the life of a fellow human being.
The field of medicine called Regenerative medicine has made scientific advances to grow or create organs or tissues from stem cells.
Still there is great demand for organs.
Iran is the only country regulating donors selling one of their kidneys for payment. There is no waiting list.
Images for kids
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The National Donor Monument, Naarden, the Netherlands
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Altruism
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NHS England Organ Donor Card
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Lung transplant rejection
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Patient receiving dialysis
See also
In Spanish: Donación de órganos para niños
