Which organs are at the greatest risk for permanent damage during drowning?

The brain and heart are at the greatest risk for permanent damage during drowning due to the critical roles they play in sustaining life. When an individual is submerged in water, the lack of oxygen (hypoxia) can lead to serious and often irreversible damage to these organs.

The brain is particularly vulnerable because it requires a continuous supply of oxygen to function properly. During drowning, if a person is deprived of oxygen for more than a few minutes, brain cells begin to die, potentially resulting in long-term neurological deficits or death.

The heart is also at risk because it must respond quickly to the stress of hypoxia and altered blood flow conditions. Compromise in heart function can lead to arrhythmias or cardiac arrest, further exacerbating the risks associated with lack of oxygen.

While the other options mention organs that can suffer damage, they do not highlight the critical vulnerabilities present in the brain and heart during drowning situations. Therefore, considering both the oxygen dependency and the timing of irreversible damage, the correct choice identifies the brain and heart as the organs most at risk.