Understanding the Biology of Bodily Organs: Real vs Fake Perspectives

  • Thread starter darkchild
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In summary: Isn't it reasonable to consider a transgender vagina to be a real vagina if it is functionally equivalent to a non-transgender vagina?
  • #1
darkchild
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Someone recently asked me why I didn't consider surgically constructed vaginas to be "real" vaginas. I said that a vagina was a biological organ, and that the discipline of biology included an implicit definition of biological organs as being products of nature only (as opposed to surgery, through which they could only be altered, not created).

Do you guys think that is an accurate characterization of the biological conceptualization of bodily organs?
 
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  • #2
I can't agree with that. So long as the organ is made of biological tissue (and not of, say, aluminum) and it is fully functional, why shouldn't we consider it a real organ? There were stories of scientists growing and then implanting fully functional bladders. People are working on hearts, livers and pancreases.

The real problem with your example is that transgender vaginas are not fully functional. Surgeons try to make something that resembles "the real thing", but nerve endings will not be in the right places, some muscles will be wrong, self-lubricating function will be completely absent.
 
  • #3
hamster143 said:
I can't agree with that. So long as the organ is made of biological tissue (and not of, say, aluminum) and it is fully functional, why shouldn't we consider it a real organ?[\QUOTE]

I don't know if this was clear or not, but I was not suggesting that it isn't a real organ, just not a vagina.

There were stories of scientists growing and then implanting fully functional bladders. People are working on hearts, livers and pancreases.

Yes, but they aren't surgically constructed, so that's an entirely different situation.

The real problem with your example is that transgender vaginas are not fully functional. Surgeons try to make something that resembles "the real thing", but nerve endings will not be in the right places, some muscles will be wrong, self-lubricating function will be completely absent.

I don't quite understand the point you're making here.
 

1. What are the main differences between real and fake bodily organs?

The main difference between real and fake bodily organs is their origin. Real organs are natural and originate from within the body, while fake organs are typically man-made and may be composed of synthetic materials.

2. Can fake organs function the same as real organs?

No, fake organs cannot function the same as real organs. While they may be able to perform certain functions, they lack the complex biology and interconnected systems of real organs that allow them to function properly within the body.

3. How are fake organs created?

Fake organs are created through a variety of techniques, including 3D printing, tissue engineering, and biofabrication. These methods involve using artificial materials or cells to mimic the structure and function of real organs.

4. Can fake organs be used as replacements for real organs in medical procedures?

In some cases, fake organs can be used as temporary replacements for real organs in medical procedures. However, they are not currently advanced enough to fully replace the complexity and functionality of real organs in the long term.

5. Are there any ethical concerns surrounding the use of fake organs?

There are ethical concerns surrounding the use of fake organs, particularly in terms of their safety and potential impact on the body. Additionally, there may be concerns about the accessibility and affordability of fake organs for those in need of organ replacements.

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