By the word organ we understand any special part of the body which has a particular work to do. The stomach is an organ of digestion; the eye is the organ of sight. The kidneys, lungs, heart, liver, and spleen are all organs of the body, and are all composed of tissues, which are built up of cells.
THE TISSUES Every one knows what liver looks like. Its color and general appearance when once known enable us always to tell liver from any other kind of matter. Liver material is called liver tissue. Muscle material cannot be mistaken for other material; it is called muscle tissue. So it is with skin tissue, lung tissue, brain tissue, bone tissue. Each tissue has an appearance and structure of its own. Lay side by side thin small pieces of dried beef, chicken meat, ham, and beefsteak, and notice how the tissue of each differs from that of the others.
THE CELLS If we place a very thin slice of liver or any other kind of tissue under a microscope, we shall see that it is composed of countless tiny divisions, or cells. Just as houses are made up of rooms, so tissues are made up of cells. Cut an orange in half and, on the cut surface, observe the big cells which hold pulp and juice. Orange cells are very large; the cells of our tissues, however, are so very small that it is necessary to have a microscope to see them. Notice that each orange cell is formed by walls of thin tissue, and remember that even this thin tissue is itself composed of cells.
The cells of liver tissue have a form and appearance of their own, and so have the cells of muscle tissue, skin tissue, or any other kind. Some are round, some flat and thin, some are almost square; others have many sides, and all shapes and sizes may be found.
Growth of Cells——Exercise of any kind, such as running, playing, or working, wears out the cells of the tissues, but in health they are immediately built up again. The cells in heart and lung tissues are wearing out all the time, for the heart and lungs work almost unceasingly. The only rest these organs get is to work less rapidly when we sit down, lie down, or sleep. To starve to death is to have our tissues waste away cell by cell for lack of food to build them up. Sometimes infants and very old people starve when there is no lack of food, simply because their stomachs, and other organs that build up the body, do not work properly. When cells are used up, they are cast out of the body by the skin, lungs, kidneys, and intestines. So new cells are constantly being constructed in our bodies to replace old ones.
<Callout type="important" title="Cellular Health">Maintaining proper cell health is crucial for overall organ function and preventing disease.</Callout>
PROTOPLASM Inside of the cells is a material called protoplasm, or sometimes, bioplasm. Bioplasm means life material. Each cell has also what looks like another little cell inside it. These are called nuclei. One such speck in a cell is called a nucleus. Sometimes the nucleus contains a speck in it, and this is called a nucleolus, or little nucleus.
The bioplasm is a very curious material. It is largely water, but contains little grains, and is thick like cream. Sometimes there are found granules, or grains, in the cells, little drops of oil, and little particles which have color, and are called pigment bodies. Bioplasm is alive, for it moves and is constantly undergoing change. If the nucleus of a cell disappears, the bioplasm dies. This fact leads us to believe that the nucleus is the center which directs or controls the cell.
CELL ACTIVITY It is the activity, or constant working, of the cells which causes every organ to do its special work. The liver cells are being torn down and new ones built up all the time, and in this way they do the special work which belongs to the liver. This is true of the muscles, nerves, heart, kidneys, brain, and all the other organs.
What makes the cells work? Why are they so constantly changing? This change and work is called cell life. We say it is an energy, a force. We do not know what electricity really is; we say that too is energy, or a force. We know a great deal about the way it works—that is, we see how it manifests itself—but what it is, no man knows. It is the same with life energy.
HEALTH AND DISEASE When all the organs and their cells do their appointed work on time and properly the result is health. But the organs and their cells are very sensitive and delicate. It is only under certain conditions that they perform their tasks well. For instance, it is the work of the lungs by taking in oxygen to turn blue, or impure, blood into good red blood. Give the lungs plenty of pure, fresh air, and they will do their full duty. If, however, we are in an unventilated room, and by remaining there deny the lungs the good, fresh air they should have, then they not only fail to turn the blue blood into red blood, but the lungs themselves become discouraged, as it were, and may become diseased. This happens also if we keep the windows of our bedrooms closed at night, and lie hour after hour breathing our own breath over and over.
Another example of an organ that must be treated well is the stomach. It works well provided we send down to it fresh and well prepared food, which has been thoroughly masticated, or chewed. It should not be overloaded with food, nor too much water taken into it at mealtime. These conditions must be met; if they are not, the cells of the stomach lose energy, and we suffer.
If we abuse our lungs with foul air, and at the same time abuse our stomachs by overloading them, we are certain to be sick. Persistence in this wrongdoing, moreover, will finally make these organs permanently sick—that is, they will become diseased—and then we shall find time to think how foolish we have been. These are only instances, for other organs can also become diseased by mistreatment.
Disease, then, is the opposite of health. We must in some way violate the laws of health to be made sick or become diseased. A proper attention to the laws of health will keep our tissues in good condition, so that the cells may be promptly renewed, and the organs enabled to carry on their special duties, which make and keep us well.
Key Takeaways
- Organs are composed of tissues, which in turn are made up of cells.
- Cells have unique shapes and functions depending on the tissue they belong to.
- Maintaining proper cell health is crucial for overall organ function.
Practical Tips
- Ensure you get plenty of fresh air to keep your lungs healthy.
- Chew food thoroughly before swallowing to aid digestion.
- Regular exercise helps maintain cellular health and renewal.
Warnings & Risks
- Overloading the stomach with too much food can lead to illness.
- Breathing in polluted or stale air can cause lung damage over time.
Modern Application
Understanding the structure of organs, tissues, and cells is still crucial for maintaining health. While medical knowledge has advanced significantly since 1906, the basic principles of cellular health remain relevant today. Proper nutrition, exercise, and hygiene continue to be essential for preventing disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are some examples of organs in the human body?
Examples include the stomach (for digestion), eyes (for sight), kidneys, lungs, heart, liver, and spleen. Each organ has a specific function within the body.
Q: How do cells contribute to tissue formation?
Cells are the basic units of tissues. They have unique shapes and functions depending on their type, such as muscle cells for movement or nerve cells for transmitting signals.
Q: Why is it important to maintain proper cell health?
Proper cell health ensures that organs can perform their specific tasks effectively. Without healthy cells, tissues may deteriorate, leading to organ dysfunction and disease.