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Multiple Choice
Which of the following organs would most likely bleed profusely if injured?
A
Pancreas
B
Liver
C
Stomach
D
Gallbladder
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the anatomy and physiology of the organs listed in the problem: pancreas, liver, stomach, and gallbladder. Each organ has unique structural and functional characteristics that influence its vascularity and likelihood of bleeding profusely if injured.
Step 2: Recall that the liver is a highly vascular organ. It receives blood from both the hepatic artery and the portal vein, making it one of the most blood-rich organs in the body. This high vascularity means that injury to the liver can result in significant bleeding.
Step 3: Compare the liver's vascularity to the other organs listed. The pancreas, stomach, and gallbladder are also vascularized, but their blood supply is not as extensive as the liver's. For example, the gallbladder primarily receives blood from the cystic artery, which is smaller in comparison to the liver's blood supply.
Step 4: Consider the clinical implications of injury to each organ. While all of these organs can bleed if injured, the liver's extensive vascular network makes it the most likely to bleed profusely. This is why liver injuries are often considered medical emergencies.
Step 5: Conclude that the liver is the correct answer based on its anatomy and physiology. Its high vascularity and critical role in blood filtration and storage make it the organ most likely to bleed profusely if injured.