Most Britons cannot name largest organ

By CATHERINE WYLIE
Published on 22/10/2012 01:56

It MAY be basic biology, but the majority of British people cannot name the largest organ in the body, according to a new survey.

Three quarters admitted they did not know it was the skin, while almost half admitted to wrongly self-diagnosing an
illness.

However, more than half would still check the internet about symptoms before consulting a doctor.

The survey of 2,000 people, commissioned to coincide with the release of the eighth series of medical drama House on DVD, showed that just under half 
believed their lungs were the largest organ in their bodies.

Demonstrating further confusion, 64 and 43 per cent were
unable able to correctly place their spleen and liver respectively.

Meanwhile, the research also revealed that nearly one in ten turned to television shows such as Embarrassing Bodies, Casualty, Doctors and House to self-diagnose medical conditions.