Which of the following is considered a radiosensitive organ?

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Bone marrow is considered a radiosensitive organ because it contains a large number of highly proliferative cells that are crucial for blood cell production. When exposed to radiation, these actively dividing cells are more susceptible to damage, which can disrupt the normal function of the bone marrow and lead to serious health issues such as anemia and increased risk of infection due to the impact on red and white blood cell production.

In contrast, salivary glands, liver, and nerve tissue, while still having some sensitivity to radiation, do not exhibit the same level of radiosensitivity as bone marrow. Salivary glands can be affected by radiation exposure as well, but they are less critical for survival than the hematopoietic functions of bone marrow. The liver has regenerative capabilities and can often recover from radiation damage over time. Nerve tissue is relatively resistant to radiation, as neurons do not divide like the cells found in bone marrow. This difference in responsiveness to radiation is key in understanding the implications of radiation exposure to various organs in the body.

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