visceraorgans

Visceraorgans, commonly referred to as visceral organs, are the internal organs housed within the body’s thoracic and abdominal cavities. The term denotes the soft, functional organs that carry out the body's essential physiological tasks. In the thorax and abdomen, visceraorgans include the heart, lungs, liver, stomach, intestines, spleen, pancreas, gallbladder, kidneys, bladder, and associated structures. Some viscera lie within the peritoneal cavity (intraperitoneal), such as the stomach, liver, and portions of the intestines; others are retroperitoneal, like the kidneys and parts of the pancreas. The peritoneum and mesenteries provide coverings and support for many of these organs.

Functionally, visceraorgans perform the core activities needed for life. The heart and lungs manage circulation and respiration; the liver, stomach, pancreas, and intestines handle digestion and metabolism; the spleen participates in immune function and blood filtration; the kidneys filter blood and regulate fluid balance; the bladder stores and expels urine. Each organ has specialized ducts, vessels, and nerves that enable its operation, growth, and repair, with integrated regulation by the autonomic nervous system and endocrine signals.

Development and anatomy of visceraorgans arise from embryonic germ layers, with complex layering and vascularization that establish their function and relationships. Clinically, visceraorgans are central to medicine: injuries or disease can range from acute surgical abdomen to chronic conditions like cirrhosis, kidney disease, or heart failure. Diagnostic imaging and surgical techniques frequently target these organs to diagnose, treat, or restore function.