Radiation Safety Practice Exam

What organ does depleted uranium primarily accumulate in?

1. Liver

2. Kidneys

3. Thyroid glands

4. Bone marrow

The correct answer is: Kidneys

Depleted uranium primarily accumulates in the kidneys due to its chemical properties and the way the body processes heavy metals. When exposed to depleted uranium, it can be taken up by the body and may be retained particularly in renal tissues. This accumulation can lead to potential nephrotoxicity, which highlights the kidneys as critical organs for monitoring in cases of exposure. Understanding the routes of exposure and the resultant distribution of heavy metals like depleted uranium in the human body is essential for ensuring proper health surveillance and implementing safety measures in environments where exposure might occur. The kidneys serve an essential role in filtering waste products from the blood, making them particularly susceptible to the effects of toxic substances including heavy metals. This knowledge is vital for professionals in radiation safety and health physics.