Why are some organs duplicated?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the anatomical and evolutionary reasons for the presence of duplicated organs in humans, such as lungs and kidneys, while other organs like the liver and heart are singular. Participants explore various hypotheses regarding the functionality and evolutionary advantages of having two smaller organs versus one larger organ.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the duplication of organs is due to the need for a "spare" organ in case of failure, suggesting uncertainty about the viability of living with one lung or heart.
  • Another participant mentions bilateral symmetry as a common trait in the evolution of life, implying it may play a role in organ duplication.
  • Some participants express disappointment with articles that provide vague explanations, feeling they do not adequately address the complexities of organ duplication.
  • It is noted that individuals can live with one lung or one kidney, and that the liver can regenerate, indicating some redundancy in organ function.
  • A participant introduces the concept of comparative anatomy and physiology, suggesting that different organisms have evolved various solutions to similar biological challenges.
  • There is a discussion about the human body's asymmetry, with specific organs like the heart and liver being positioned off-center, raising questions about the implications of this asymmetry in relation to organ duplication.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the reasons for organ duplication, with no consensus reached on a definitive explanation. Some agree on the evolutionary aspects, while others challenge the adequacy of existing explanations.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in the explanations provided by external articles, indicating that the discussion remains open to further exploration of the topic.

derek10
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Why do we have two lungs, two kidneys instead of one bigger one but one liver, heart, pancreas?
I can understand the ears and eyes' cases, to see in 3D and hear better but not in the lungs and kidneys ones
I've googled but couldn't find a definite answer to this.

Is it due to need for a "spare" organ upon failure? (even I don't know if you can live with one lung and the lack of a second heart)
Is it because two smaller lungs/kidney work better than a single bigger one?

Is there a explanation for this?
Thanks!
 
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Bilateral symmetry. A very common trait established in the deep past of life.
 
You can live with one lung, one kidney very well, they have donor surgeries now where they will take part of a person's liver to donate because the liver will regenerate, people even have lived with part of their brain removed (the brain in some instances rewired itself).

What Organs Can You Live Without?
http://www.livescience.com/27896-pope-one-lung-organs-you-can-live-without.html

Did you know that some people are born with their organs reversed? They are on the wrong side of the body.

http://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/parts/reversal-of-organ.htm
 
DaveC426913 said:
That's a really disappointing article. It essentially says 'we developed two lungs because we need them to survive.'

Yes, however barring our modern technology two lungs may have allowed us to survive to have kids.
 
derek10 said:
Why do we have two lungs, two kidneys instead of one bigger one but one liver, heart, pancreas?
<snip>

I wasn't a fan of jedishrfu's article either, but your question only makes sense in terms of comparative anatomy and comparative physiology:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparative_physiology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparative_anatomy

Different organisms have evolved different approaches to solve the same problem (adaptation). I'm not expert enough to say much more than that.
 
Thank you for your replies and links
The human body is not perfectly bilateral simmetric. (usually) heart on left side, liver on the right, off center stomach, etc..
But two almost identical lungs, kidneys, one bladder at center, etc
Why is that?
Interesting the reversed organ placement, diagnostics would be so awkward (pains on the other side, surgery...)
 

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