Which bodily tissue is typically most sensitive to radiation?

Blood-forming organs are typically the most sensitive to radiation because they have a high turnover rate and are composed of rapidly dividing cells. These tissues, including the bone marrow and lymphatic system, are crucial for producing blood cells, and their cellular structures are sensitive to damage from ionizing radiation. The fast division of cells in these organs makes them particularly susceptible to the effects of radiation compared to other tissues.

In contrast, adipose tissue is more stable and less metabolically active, making it less sensitive to radiation. Bone tissue, while still sensitive, does not have the same level of rapid cell division as blood-forming organs. Nervous tissue, particularly once fully developed, is also less sensitive to radiation than blood-forming organs, as nerve cells (neurons) do not frequently divide. Thus, the heightened sensitivity of blood-forming organs to radiation exposure is well-established within radiation safety principles.