Normal Values of Organs Weights and Measurements
Normal values of organs are necessary in order to understand the importance of alterations in weight and measurement of a diseased organ, it is important to be familiar with normal values. In the previous chapters, normal numbers are given along with the normal structure of each organ/system that precedes the discussion of the disease states that affect it. Here, the table compiles a complete list of generally accepted normal weights and measurements of most normal organs in fully developed medium-sized individuals and a normal healthy newborn.
Normal healthy newborns are compiled in Table. The single value and the value in parentheses are indicative of the average figure for that organ. The measurements have been given as width x width (thickness) x length. An alphabetical order has been followed.
Here are the Normal Values of Organs with weights in adults and at birth.
| Organ | In Adults | At Birth |
|---|---|---|
| Adrenal gland | ||
| Weight | 4–5 gm | 8–11 gm |
| BRAIN | 320–420 gm | |
| Weight (in males) | 1400 gm | |
| Weight (in females | 1250 gm | — |
| Measurements (sagittal × vertical) |
16.5 × 12.5 cm | — |
| Volume of cerebrospinal fluid |
120–150 ml | — |
| HEART | ||
| Weight (in males) | 300–350 gm | 17–30 gm |
| Weight (in females) | 250–300 gm | — |
| Thickness of right ventricular wall |
0.3–0.5 cm | — |
| Thickness of left ventricular wall |
1.3–1.5 cm | — |
| Circumference of mitral valve |
10 cm | — |
| Circumference of aortic valve |
7.5 cm | — |
| Circumference of pulmonary valve |
8.5 cm | — |
| Circumference of tricuspid valve |
12 cm | — |
| Volume of pericardial fluid |
10–30 ml | — |
| INTESTINES | — | |
| Length of duodenum | 30 cm | — |
| Total length of small intestine |
550–650 cm | — |
| Length of large intestine |
150–170 cm | — |
| KIDNEYS | ||
| Weight each (in males) | 150 gm | — |
| Weight each (in females) | 135 gm | — |
| Measurements | 3.5 × 5.5 × 11.5 cm | — |
| LIVER | ||
| Weight (in males) | 1400–1600 (1500) gm |
— |
| Weight (in females) | 1200–1400 (1300) gm |
— |
| Measurements | 27 × 8 × 20 cm | — |
| LUNGS | ||
| Weight (right lung) | 375–500 (450) gm | — |
| Weight (left lung) | 325–450 (400) gm | — |
| Volume of pleural fluid | < 15 ml | — |
| OESOPHAGUS | ||
| Length (cricoid cartilage to cardia) |
25 cm | — |
| Distance from incisors to gastro-oesophageal junction |
40 cm | — |
| OVARIES | ||
| Weight (each) | 4–8 (6) gm | — |
| Measurements | 1 × 2.5 × 4.5 cm | — |
| PANCREAS | ||
| Total weight | 60–100 (80) gm | — |
| Weight of endocrine pancreas |
1–1.5 gm | — |
| Measurements | 3.8 × 4.5 × 18 cm | — |
| PAROTID GLANDS | ||
| Weight (each) | 30 gm | — |
| PITUITARY GLAND (HYPOPHYSIS) | ||
| Weight | 500 mg | — |
| PLACENTA | ||
| Weight at term | 400–600 gm | — |
| PROSTATE | ||
| Weight | 20 gm | — |
| SPLEEN | ||
| Weight | 125–175 (150) gm | 6–14 gm |
| Measurements | 3.5 × 8.5 × 13 cm | — |
| STOMACH | ||
| Length | 25–30 cm | — |
| TESTIS AND EPIDIDYMIS | ||
| Weight each (in adults) | 20–27 gm | — |
| THYMUS | ||
| Weight | 5–10 gm | 10–35 gm |
| THYROID | ||
| Weight | 15–40 gm | — |
| UTERUS | ||
| Weight (in nonpregnant woman) |
35–40 gm | — |
| Weight (in parous woman) |
75–125 gm | — |
Organomegaly can be a sign of disease and pathological abnormality, although the standard tables that define organomegaly have not yet been established and universally accepted. This study was designed to address the problem and determine a normal weight for major organs in adult human males. A prospective study of healthy men aged 18 to 35 years who died of sudden and traumatic death was carried out. Cases were excluded if there was a history of medical illness, including the use of illicit drugs, if prolonged medical treatment was carried out, if there was a long period between the time of injury and death, if the length and body weight could not accurately be assessed, or if any disease or intoxication was identified after gross and microscopic analysis, including evidence of systemic disease. So we have discussed the Weights and Measurements in detail we hope students understood it clearly.
FAQ about Normal Values of Organs:
Is the size of organs equal or vary?
Answer: There are many factors, including body weight, height, lean body mass, and race, that cause organ weights to vary widely.
What is the heaviest organ in the body?
Answer: The skin, which represents about 16% of a person’s total body weight.
What is the big internal organ (heavy) in the body?
Answer: The Liver
