Which of the following cells/tissues are the most sensitive to radiation?

Blood-forming tissues are the most sensitive to radiation due to their high rate of cell division and turnover. This includes tissues such as bone marrow, lymphoid tissues, and the spleen, which are responsible for producing new blood cells. Rapidly dividing cells are more susceptible to the damaging effects of radiation because the cellular processes that are disrupted during cell division can lead to significant damage, including mutations or cell death.

In particular, the hematopoietic system, which is crucial for maintaining the body’s blood supply and immune function, is significantly affected by radiation exposure, leading to potential consequences like anemia, increased infection risk, and impaired clotting ability due to the loss of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, respectively. Therefore, understanding the sensitivity of blood-forming tissues to radiation is critical for radiology and radiotherapy practices, as it shapes protocols for protecting these tissues during medical imaging and treatment procedures.