Understanding the anatomy of your body, especially the organs on the left side, is important when it comes to identifying symptoms, staying fit and avoiding possible diseases. It becomes easier to identify sources of discomfort or pain and take appropriate action once you know the position of the organs in your body.
This guide for absolute beginners examines the structure of the body organs located on the left side of the body, their functions and typical diseases associated with them, and how to keep them in good condition.
Major Body Organs Located on the Left Side
Let us examine the basic organs situated on the left side of your body and how important they are in maintaining your health.
1. Heart
While the heart is mostly at the center of the chest cavity, the left half also encloses the left atrium and left ventricle, which are import in the circulation of oxygen rich blood into the systemic circulation. The diagram shows how blood returns to the heart from the lungs and enters the left atrium which pumps it into ascending aorta that supplies blood to the tissues. In all this it is easy to see how ensuring that the heart remains healthy will help in making the whole person healthy.
Function: Pumps blood that is rich in oxygen.
Common health issues: Angina, heart attacks, pain in the left side of the chest.
2. Left Lung
The left lung is smaller than the right lung, as it is occupied by the heart, placing it at a greater disadvantage. It has two lobes rather than three as in the right lung, but still, it is an important organ in the we respiratory system. This is the process of taking in oxygen from the air and discharging carbon dioxide to the air at the level of the blood in the circulation.
Function: Helps breathing by making sure gases are exchanged.
Health issues that are common: Problems with the Left Lung, Pain in Chest.
3. Spleen
Spleen is one of the organs which are under the rib cage on the left side. Most of the spleen weight is of vascular tissue which consists of large number of macrophages and leukocytes. Spleen is not as important an organ since a person can do without it, however it is important for those who prefer to have a proven immune defense.
Function: Filtration of blood and immune function enhancement.
Common health problems: Ruptures, diseases, splenic upsurge with Spleen.
4. Stomach
The Stomach is a digestive organ found in the left side of the body’s middle section. The primary role of this organ is to assist in the mechanical extermination of solidity matter with the use of a gastric mix which consists of acid and enzymes.A large portion of the stomach lies on the left side, helping digest food and absorb nutrients.
Function: Receiving and reducing the size of food.
Common health problems: Dyspepsia, Inflammation in stomach lining, Pain in the abdomen.
5. Left Kidney
The left kidney is nursed below the left ribs and lies in front of the peritoneal cavity. Besides performing the action of purifying the blood kidneys also help in conserving electrolytes and controlling blood pressure. This is classified as one of the organs that help in maintaining a stable internal environment.
Function: Elimination of toxins and management of fluid and salt retention in the organism.
Common health problems: calculi in the kidney, pyelonephritis, chronic kidney disease.
Common Health Problems Associated with Left Side Organs
1. Left-Sided Chest Pain: When Should You Be Concerned?
Pain in the left side of the chest is most often interjected with feelings of dread, as it can be associated with such gravities as heart attack. However, other conditions which are not harmful, such as muscle strain or inflammation, gastritis, choking cough, and lung’s infection, can also be pain in the chest. The causes of the pain need to be identified if one is to solve the problem.
Potential Issues: In general, the potential causes are: a heart attack, angina, GERD, or problems with the lungs.
Action: If there is nonstop chest pain or other associated symptoms like shortness of breath or dizziness, it is advisable to visit a doctor.
2. Left Kidney Pain: Symptoms and Causes
Left side pain in the kidney can be attributed to several reasons such as the presence of renal calculi, inflammatory conditions or even trauma. This pain is commonly experienced in the lower extremities and the sides with other symptoms like alteration of the character of urine or its volume in turn present.
Potential Issues: Generally, the possible causes include: kidney stones, kidney infections, and kidney disease.
Action: If the pain continues, consult a medical practitioner for appropriate diagnosis and management.
How to Keep the Left-Side Organs Healthy
Caring for the left lateral organs within the body is also important for the well-being of an individual. Here’s how to take good care of them:
1. Heart Healthy Habits
The heart is also like every other organ of the body and therefore should be excessively taken care of in charge of its needs. For heart healthy habits people should incorporate physical workouts, balanced diets and taking care of their emotional well being. Foods which have omega three fatty acids such as fishes, nuts or even some veggies are very good for the heart.
Tips: Quit smoking, foods that are healthy for the heart should be taken, engage in physical exercises as appropriate and stress levels should be kept in check.
2. Protect Your Kidneys
Same protections are extended to the kidneys hence the need of it drinking sufficient fluids avoiding excess sodium intake and more importantly not abusing so many over the counter drugs including ibuprofen since they tend to aggravate the kidneys.
Tips: Water is taken at intervals, salt is limited and painkillers avoided unless necessary.
3. Improving One’s Immunity on the Spleen’s Protection
The spleen is also one of the internal organs that gets infected by germs but this organ whose power is to obliterate germs is not dependable. This is a good thing since there are ways to support the versatility of the immune system such as taking vitamin and antioxidant rich foods, exercising in tandem with adequate rest and so on.
Tips: Eat fruits and vegetables, engage in exercises, and use immunity boosters.
FAQs About Left-Side Body Organs
To help you better understand the organs located on the left side, here are a few frequently asked questions answered for your benefit and assistance.
Which organs are located on the left of the human body?
The most dominant organs in the left side, includes the heart (left atrium and ventricle), left lung, spleen, stomach and the left kidney.
What does it mean if I have pain on the left side of my chest?
Pain in the left side of the chest may arise from the heart, acid reflux, infection of the lung, or even overworked muscles. It is very important that you see a doctor in order to get a correct diagnosis.
What Are the Ways to Avoid Pain in the Left Side of the Kidney?
Avoiding excessive strain, remaining active and hydrated, eat a balanced diet while also restricting excess salt or some drugs will help alleviate kidney pains.
Is the liver situated on the left side?
The liver is not on the left side of the body. It mainly occupies the right side of the body but a portion of it dips into the left upper quadrant.
Conclusion
Understanding the organs on the left side of your body will help you take better care of yourself and recognize potential problems more quickly. However, understanding the purpose of those organs and their pathology allows one to take measures to reduce the risk towards their health. In addition, when experiencing atypical manifestations or sensations of any kind, seeking the help of a medical professional is essential.
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Also Read: Top Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Heart: Simple Steps to Boost Heart Health
