Hi Ed, Do you know why there is such a large problem with internal organs, especially the heart, when they develop

Question: Hi Ed, Do you know why there is such a large problem with internal organs, especially the heart, when they develop wounds / defunct cells in their walls? Why are the cells not able to replicate themselves through the usual ways, like mitosis? Thanks, AWood
- Keywords:
  defunct,
  ed,
  heart,
  internal,
  mitosis,
  organ,
  walls,
  wounds
Asked by awood to Ed on 24 Jun 2011.
- Ed Morrison answered on 24 Jun 2011:
  
  I’ve no idea. That’s kind of weird isn’t it?
  
  I can make a guess. Cells on the outside of our bodies are constantly being damaged so they are replaced readily. It is much rarer for internal organs to be damaged. Before the era of modern medicine, substantial damage to internal organs may have led to death commonly. From evolution’s point of view therefore, it may not be worth investing in repairing these cells.
  
  It’s a bit like if you have a car. If something goes wrong with it, you repair it. But as it gets older, more and more things go wrong with it and it becomes more expensive to repair. If it develops a really serious problem in a critical component, it may be more economical to scrap it and buy a new car instead.
  
  I’m just speculating though.

Question: Hi Ed, Do you know why there is such a large problem with internal organs, especially the heart, when they develop wounds / defunct cells in their walls? Why are the cells not able to replicate themselves through the usual ways, like mitosis? Thanks, AWood