innards

Innards is an informal term for the internal organs contained within the bodies of animals and humans, especially those inside the chest and abdomen. The technical term used in anatomy is viscera. The word can also be applied more broadly to the inner components of machines or systems.

In anatomical use, innards include a range of organs involved in digestion, circulation, respiration, excretion, and reproduction. Common examples are the stomach and intestines; the liver, pancreas, spleen, and gallbladder; the heart and lungs; the kidneys and bladder; and various reproductive and endocrine structures. The precise organization and visibility of these organs vary among species and individual anatomy, and they are studied in anatomy and physiology, as well as in medical imaging and surgery.

In culinary contexts, innards or entrails refer to edible internal organs, such as liver, kidneys, heart, or stomach, and can include other tissues like intestines. Some cuisines prize certain organ meats for flavor, texture, or tradition, while others avoid them. Preparation methods range from braising and sautéing to curing or stuffing.

Beyond biology and cuisine, innards is also used metaphorically to describe the inner workings or essential components of a system, device, or structure. In this sense, discussing the innards focuses on how a mechanism operates rather than its external appearance.