Many organs decrease in size or cell number with age. This isn't a single organ issue, but a process affecting several.
Organs Affected by Age-Related Cellular Decline
Several organs experience a notable decrease in cell count as we age. These include:
- Testes: The production of sperm decreases with age, leading to a reduction in the overall size and function of the testes.
- Ovaries: Similar to the testes, ovarian function declines with age, impacting hormone production and fertility. The ovaries also decrease in size.
- Liver: While the liver retains a remarkable ability to regenerate, its overall size and cellular function can decrease with age. This can affect its ability to metabolize drugs and toxins efficiently.
- Kidneys: Kidney function declines progressively with age. This often leads to a decrease in the number of functioning nephrons (the filtering units of the kidney), potentially resulting in reduced filtration capacity.
Additionally, the following organs experience age-related changes that may involve cell loss or decreased functionality:
- Muscles: Muscle mass (lean tissue) declines after age 30, a phenomenon known as sarcopenia. This is partly due to a decrease in muscle cell size and number. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003998.htm
- Endocrine Organs: The production of certain hormones declines with age. For example, growth hormone levels decrease, impacting muscle mass. https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/older-people’s-health-issues/the-aging-body/changes-in-the-body-with-aging
The process of aging affects all the body's cells, tissues, and organs, impacting the functionality of all body systems. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004012.htm, https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/special-topic/aging-changes-in-organs-tissue-cells This includes a decrease in the rate of cell turnover and overall functional decline. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556106/ Research continues to uncover the specific molecular changes associated with organ aging. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06802-1
