Why are young children more prone to liver and spleen injuries compared to adults?

Young children are more prone to liver and spleen injuries primarily because these organs extend well below the rib cage. In adults, the rib cage provides a protective barrier for the liver and spleen, which are located in the upper abdomen. However, in young children, the anatomical structure is such that these organs are positioned lower in the abdominal cavity, making them more exposed to trauma, especially from blunt force impacts or falls.

This anatomical difference means that in a child, even minor injuries or impacts that may not cause significant harm to an adult could result in serious injuries to the liver or spleen. The combination of their position and the developmental characteristics of children contributes to their increased vulnerability in this area.

In contrast, while other factors do play roles—such as mobility or size—it's primarily the positioning of the organs that accounts for the heightened risk of injury as children grow and explore their environments.