How Much of Your Body Can You Lose and Still Live?

The human body is remarkably adaptable. With about 80 organs, only five are considered vital for survival:

• Brain - Controls everything
• Lungs - Move oxygen around
• Heart - Pumps blood
• Liver - Aids digestion and cleans blood
• Kidneys - Filter waste

Non-Vital but Important Parts

• Intestines
• Pancreas
• Skin

Some parts, like wisdom teeth, may not have a purpose. Eyes and tongue are crucial for quality of life but not for survival. Limbs can be lost, and people can still survive. Doctors prioritize saving arms over legs due to the importance of hands.

Blood Loss and Survival

• Adults have about 5 liters of blood.
• Losing more than 3 liters is extremely dangerous.
• Survival varies; some people defy expectations.

Living Without Parts of Vital Organs

• Liver can regrow.
• Brain can lose parts, but the brain stem must remain healthy.
• One kidney is sufficient.

If organs are damaged slowly, people can live. Some organs can be replaced with machines:

• Kidney Dialysis
• ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation)

However, the liver and brain cannot be fully replaced by machines.

Medical Science and Treatments

• Machines can assist organ function.
• Not all treatments are permanent; some are short-term fixes.
• Decisions depend on the patient's health and wishes.