Final answer:
Air embolism most severely affects the heart and lungs, as these organs play crucial roles in blood flow and gas exchange, leading to potential heart attack or pulmonary embolism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The organs most severely affected by air embolism are the heart and lungs. An air embolism occurs when air bubbles enter the vasculature and travel through the bloodstream. These air bubbles can obstruct blood vessels, leading to an embolism. The severity of the embolism depends on the size of the bubble and where it becomes lodged.
The heart and lungs are particularly vulnerable because the lungs are responsible for gas exchange and the heart is central to maintaining blood flow throughout the body.
If an air embolism obstructs a pulmonary artery, it could cause a pulmonary embolism (PE), leading to dangerous conditions such as lung damage or cardiac arrest. Similarly, if an air bubble travels to the heart, it can interfere with the organ's ability to pump blood, potentially resulting in a heart attack. Both scenarios are considered medical emergencies due to the critical role these organs play in survival.