North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

What type of organs include the kidney, liver, and spleen?

1. Hollow organs

2. Solid organs

3. Muscular organs

4. Accessory organs

The correct answer is: Solid organs

The kidneys, liver, and spleen are categorized as solid organs because they have a dense, compact structure and are not filled with air or fluid. Solid organs typically have a defined shape and are vital for various bodily functions, including filtration, metabolism, and immune responses. Unlike hollow organs, which include structures such as the stomach and intestines that have a lumen or cavity for the passage of substances, solid organs perform critical functions through their tissue and cellular composition. While muscular organs may refer to organs primarily composed of muscle tissue, like the heart, this classification does not apply to the kidneys, liver, and spleen. Accessory organs, often related to digestion, include organs like the pancreas and gallbladder; however, they do not encompass the functions performed by the solid organs in question. Thus, labeling the kidney, liver, and spleen as solid organs is appropriate due to their anatomical structure and role within the body.