Organ Systems of the Human Body

The human body is only capable of functioning due to the multiple organ systems contained within it. Each of these organ systems has it's own unique purpose and carries out a specific function, crucial to the body.

Integumentary System
The integumentary system includes organs such as the skin, hair and nails. The integumentary system serves the body by offering protection, water retention, thermoregulation, sensation, non-verbal communication, and the synthesis of vitamin D.

Skeletal System
The skeletal system includes the bones, cartilage and ligaments. The skeletal system serves by offering the body support, movement, structure, protection, formation of blood, and balancing electrolytes.

Muscular System
The muscular system includes the skeletal muscles. The skeletal system services the body by providing the ability to move, stability, balance, communication, voluntary and involuntary movements, and heat production.

Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system includes the lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, thymus, spleen and tonsils. The lymphatic system serves the body by detecting pathogens, recovering excessive fluids in the tissues, producing immune cells and defending against disease.

Respiratory System
The respiratory system includes the nose, larynx, pharynx, trachea, bronchi and lungs. The respiratory system serves the body by absorbing oxygen, expelling carbon dioxide, balancing acids and bases, and aiding in speech.

Urinary System
The urinary system includes the bladder, urethra, kidneys and ureters. The urinary system serves the body by eliminating wastes, regulating blood volume and pressure, controlling fluid amounts in the body, stimulating the production of red blood cells, detoxifying the body and balancing electrolytes.

Nervous System
The nervous system includes the nerves, spinal cord, brain and ganglia. The nervous system serves the body by providing rapid internal communication between nerve cells, coordination, sensation and bodily control.

Endocrine System
The endocrine system includes the pineal gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, thymus, adrenal glands, pituitary glands, pancreas, ovaries and testes. The endocrine system serves the body by enabling internal chemical communication and coordination, as well as enabling the production of hormones.

Circulatory System
The circulatory system includes the blood vessels and heart. The circulatory system serves the body by transporting nutrients, hormones, electrolytes, wastes, antibodies, hormones, oxygen throughout the body, as well as regulating fluid, electrolyte and acid and base balances.

Digestive System
The digestive system includes the tongue, salivary glands, teeth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder and pancreas. The digestive system serves the body by breaking down and absorbing nutrients, metabolizing carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins and minerals, synthesizing plasma proteins, filtering out drugs, toxins and hormones, and cleansing the blood.

Reproductive System
In males, the reproductive system includes the testes, spermatic ducts, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and penis. In males, the reproductive system serves the body by producing and expelling sperm, and secreting of male hormones. In females, the reproductive system includes the ovaries, uterine tubes, uterus, vagina and mammary glands. In females, the reproductive system serves by producing eggs, hosting the fertilization and gestation of an egg, birth, lactation, and secretion of hormones.

References
Saladin. "Major Themes of Anatomy and Physiology." Anatomy & Physiology: The Unity of Form & Function. 4th ed. New York: Mcgraw Hill, 2007. 38, 39, 40 Print.

Bio 101N F98 Study Guide

Organ Systems