Lymphocytes (white blood cells) and cells which produce blood are constantly regenerating, and are, therefore, the most sensitive. Reproductive and gastrointestinal cells are not regenerating as quickly and are less sensitive. The nerve and muscle cells are the slowest to regenerate and are the least sensitive cells.
As a result of these epidemiological studies, it was found that the mammary gland, skin, and colon, etc. are tissues and organs that are easily affected by radiation and develop cancer.
The most radiation-sensitive organs include the hematopoietic system [4], the gastrointestinal (GI) system [5], skin [6, 7], vascular system [8, 9], reproductive system, and brain [10–12].
Which of the following types of blood cells is the most sensitive to radiation? Lymphocytes are white or colorless blood cells derived from lymphatic tissues. Because of their rapid cell division they are more susceptible to the affects of radiation.
The tissues most affected by radiation are those that undergo rapid replacement, such as bone marrow, the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, and skin. Slower-growing tissues, such as those of the brain and liver, require either high doses of radiation or prolonged exposure before they show symptoms of degeneration.
The least sensitive are nerve cells and muscle fibers.
The basal keratinocytes, hair follicle stem cells, and melanocytes are highly radiosensitive (Mendelsohn et al., 2002; McQuestion, 2011).
The body's nerve cells are some of the least radiosensitive of all tissues. All other choices are extremely radiosensitive tissues and have a higher average chance of developing cancer after being to exposed to ionizing radiation.
The kidney is known to be a highly radiosensitive organ susceptible to the development of nephropathy, proteinuria, and hypertension after irradiation.
Cells in late G2 and mitosis (M-phase) are the most sensitive to radiation, and cells in late synthesis (S-phase) are the most resistant (Fig. 23.10).
Adult skeletal muscle is considered to be radiation resistant, unless higher doses of radiation are applied. However, radiation directly inhibits muscle regeneration by damaging satellite cells, which can lead to mitotic failure and cell death.
Thyroid. Certain body parts are more affected by exposure to different types of radiation sources than others. The thyroid gland is susceptible to radioactive iodine. In sufficient amounts, radioactive iodine can destroy all or part of the thyroid.
Blood cells have the highest turnover rate in our bodies, so the tissue where they are produced — the rapidly dividing cells of the bone marrow — is the most susceptible to radiation damage.
In the breast it is the glandular tissue that is the most radiosensitive.
It has been known that female breast tissue is highly sensitive to the carcinogenic effects of radiation, particularly when exposure takes place at younger age.
DNA is the most radiosensitive molecule. half as much DNA is present in G1 as in G2. cell death, malignant disease, and genetic effects result from irradiation of DNA.
Radiosensitivity is the relative susceptibility of cells, tissues, organs, organisms, or other substances to the injurious action of radiation. In general, it has been found that cell radiosensitivity is directly proportional to the rate of cell division and inversely proportional to the degree of cell differentiation.
Lungs are supposed to be least damaged by harmful radiations.
Ionizing radiation particles have in common the physical ability to generate free radicals that may cause direct or indirect DNA damage, but may also provide a source of metabolic stress to which the central nervous system (CNS) is particularly susceptible as compared to other tissue types2.
Gamma rays are the most harmful external hazard. Beta particles can partially penetrate skin, causing “beta burns”. Alpha particles cannot penetrate intact skin. Gamma and x-rays can pass through a person damaging cells in their path.
In the hepatic (liver) cells, some of the ethanol is converted, or detoxified by enzymes to inactive products. This process is called metabolism, and the products are called metabolites.
The liver detoxifies numerous toxins. It also destroys drugs, such as alcohol, nicotine, and prescription medicines, because these things are not normal to the body.
If you've had radiation, you may be more likely to develop bone loss, especially near the site of radiation. “Bone loss from radiation treatments is often delayed for several years,” says Thosani. That's why screening and follow-up care are important for maintaining healthy bones.
Recent studies have proven that the brain is, indeed, sensitive to irradiation. Cranial radiation therapy impacts a wide array of brain functions, causing cognitive decline, memory deficits, fatigue, and brain tumors in exposed individuals.