American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

What constitutes an organ in the body?

1. A single type of tissue

2. Two or more kinds of tissue together

3. A group of cells of the same type

4. A system of organs working independently

The correct answer is: Two or more kinds of tissue together

The correct response highlights that an organ is defined as a structure composed of two or more different types of tissues working together to perform specific functions. In the human body, organs are essential components that carry out vital processes; for instance, the heart comprises muscle tissue, connective tissue, and nerve tissue, all collaborating to facilitate blood circulation. This understanding is crucial as it emphasizes the complexity and functionality of organs, distinguishing them from simpler structures. Single types of tissue or groups of similar cells do not constitute organs because they lack the organizational diversity needed for the specific roles that organs fulfill in the body. Additionally, while systems of organs can operate together to maintain overall health, they do not function independently in the manner described in the option referring to systems of organs, which does not align with the definition of an organ itself.