Which is the external largest organ in the body?

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur NO- 2019 (shift 3rd)

Explanation

The skin is the largest organ of the body, forming the complete outer covering.
The question specifically asks for the largest 'external' organ, which is the skin.
It accounts for about 16% of the total body weight and has a surface area of 1.5-2.0 square meters in adults.
Its functions are critical and include protection, sensation, thermoregulation, and vitamin D synthesis.

Option A: The intestine is an internal organ. While the small intestine is the longest part of the GI tract, it is not the largest organ by weight or surface area.
Option B: The liver is the largest internal organ and the largest gland in the body, but it is not an external organ.
Option D: The stomach is an internal organ responsible for digestion and is much smaller in size and weight compared to the skin and liver.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Identification of the largest external organ of the human body helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
A nurse's assessment of the skin is a vital part of a physical examination. As the body's first line of defense, its integrity can indicate a patient's overall health, hydration status, and risk for infection or pressure injuries.
Understanding that the skin is the largest organ emphasizes the importance of meticulous skin care, wound management, and prevention of breakdown, especially in immobile or vulnerable patients.
What if? - If the question had asked for the largest lymphoid organ, the answer would be the spleen. Nurses monitor the spleen in conditions like mononucleosis or trauma due to the risk of rupture and hemorrhage.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully read the question and identify the key terms: 'external' and 'largest organ'.
The word 'external' is the most critical clue. It means the organ must be on the outside of the body.
Evaluate the options based on this clue. The intestine, liver, and stomach are all internal organs located within the abdominal cavity. This eliminates them.
The skin is the only organ listed that covers the exterior of the body.
Confirm by recalling that the skin is, by both weight and surface area, the largest organ of the body overall. Therefore, it is the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QuMWpVbRjbXOCE_8sUcpMV

E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e pp. 497-499, 228-230

E6 Anatomy BDChaurasia V2 10e Part 2 p. 83-85

Practise the full AIIMS Raipur NO- 2019 (shift 3rd)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.