Britannica AI Icon

tissue transplantation

medicine

Quick Summary

Tissue transplantation involves transferring tissue from one part of the body to another, or from one individual to another, to restore function or appearance. Historically, techniques for reconstructing noses using skin flaps date back to ancient India. Modern applications include skin grafts for burns, corneal grafts to restore sight, and bone marrow transplants to treat blood disorders.12

Organ transplantation, a more complex form, involves donating organs like kidneys, livers, hearts, lungs, and pancreases. Organs can be donated by living individuals or deceased donors, with brain death or cardiac death determining eligibility. The demand for organs often exceeds the supply, leading to ongoing efforts to increase donation rates. Ethical considerations, legal frameworks, and medical evaluations are crucial for both donors and recipients.3

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.