• Question: what happens to are organs when we pass away?

    Asked by ellas_boots to Carolyn, Peter, Richard, Sara, Siana on 17 Nov 2015. This question was also asked by x_lozaloo_x.
    • Photo: Carolyn Nielsen

      Carolyn Nielsen answered on 17 Nov 2015:

      If you are buried, your organs will decompose with the rest of your body and all the components will be returned to the soil in that way.

      A really amazing way organs can be used after someone passes away is to donate them. People who are really sick because one or more of their organs aren’t working, like if their kidneys have failed for some reason, can receive a transplant and go on to live much longer, healthier lives.

      Some people alternatively choose to donate their bodies to research after they die, which means medical students would practise examining the organs so that they are better able to treat living patients when they become qualified doctors.

    • Photo: Richard Unwin

      Richard Unwin answered on 17 Nov 2015:

      What Carolyn said. Great answer.

      I’m on the organ donor register. I hope you will join it too when you are old enough. It’s amazing to think that when I die my organs could help save someone else’s life.

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