Cell Sensitivity - DOE-HDBK-1109-97

DOE-HDBK-1109-97

Radiological Safety Training for Radiation-Producing (X-Ray) Devices

Instructor's Guide

Lesson Plan

Instructor's Notes

vi. Cell Sensitivity.

Some cells are more sensitive to radiation than

others. Cells that are more sensitive to radiation are

radiosensitive; cells that are less sensitive to

radiation are radioresistant.

The law of Bergonie and Tribondeau states:

The radiosensitivity of a tissue is directly

proportional to its reproductive capacity and

inversely proportional to its degree of

differentiation.

It is generally accepted that cells tend to be

radiosensitive if they are:

1) Cells that have a high division rate

2) Cells that have a high metabolic rate

3) Cells that are of a non-specialized type

4) Cells that are well nourished

The following are radiosensitive tissues:

1) Germinal

2) Hematopoietic

3) Epithelium of the skin

4) Epithelium of the gastrointestinal tract

The following are radioresistant tissues:

1) Bone

2) Liver

3) Kidney

4) Cartilage

5) Muscle

6) Nervous system tissue