Regeneration is possible: our bodies have the ability to grow back lost organs.

The human body is in a constant state of renewal, replacing billions of cells every day. While this process helps maintain essential functions, cells lost due to injury or aging do not always regenerate quickly enough to prevent the deterioration of organ conditions, writes Science Alert.

Stem cells, known for their ability to transform into various cell types, have been at the forefront of regenerative medicine. However, their limited availability and slow division rates pose challenges for large-scale organ regeneration.

In rare instances, however, organs or tissues unexpectedly regrow. For instance, Kathy Golden underwent a tonsillectomy as a child, which is the surgical removal of the tonsils, but decades later, her tonsils reappeared.

This phenomenon is more common than many realize, as tonsillectomy leaves some tissue intact, leading to regrowth in approximately 6% of cases.

The liver is also known for its regenerative properties. According to research, only 10% of this organ can regenerate into a fully functional liver, making partial liver transplants possible. The spleen is another organ with excellent regenerative potential.

Injuries, particularly blunt abdominal trauma, often result in spleen removal; however, studies show that small fragments of splenic tissue can attach to other parts of the body and restore their function. This condition, known as splenosis, is observed in 66% of patients who have undergone splenectomy.

New research indicates that the lungs also possess regenerative capabilities. Exposure to pollutants and smoking damages the alveoli, tiny sacs responsible for oxygen exchange.

However, studies show that quitting smoking allows healthy cells to replace the damaged ones. In cases where one lung is removed, the other lung compensates by forming new alveoli rather than simply expanding the existing ones.

Regeneration is not limited to internal organs. The skin, the body's largest organ, is continuously renewed. Covering nearly two square meters, it sheds about 500 million cells daily, equating to a loss of over two grams of skin each day. The uterus also undergoes significant regeneration, as the endometrial lining changes approximately 450 times throughout a woman's life.

Even reproductive structures exhibit regenerative tendencies. Vasectomy, a procedure aimed at preventing sperm from entering the urethra, is sometimes corrected by the body itself. In rare cases, torn sections of the vas deferens reconnect, leading to unexpected pregnancies.

Similarly, bone regeneration is a well-documented process. Fractures typically heal within six to eight weeks, but complete recovery of bone structure and strength can take months or even years. However, this ability decreases with age, especially in postmenopausal women.

When one of a pair of organs is removed, the other can adapt to compensate. For example, one kidney may enlarge to meet increased filtration demands.

While complete organ regeneration remains a rare occurrence, these natural mechanisms provide valuable insights for medical research. Scientists continue to explore how these processes can be utilized to address the ongoing shortage of donor organs, offering hope for future advancements in regenerative medicine.

We also reported on the uniqueness of smell: it turns out to be more important than sight and hearing, according to American scientists.

This material is for informational purposes only and does not contain advice that may affect your health. If you are experiencing issues, consult a specialist.