The Different Body Systems
Integumentary System
Integumentary System
This is the external covering of the body which is mainly known as skin.
Its main functions are to provide cushions, waterproof and protect the deeper
tissues from any injury. This is where temperature, pain receptors and pressure
are located. Temperature is primarily regulated from the excreted urea and
salts during perspiration.
Skeletal System
It consists with the bone, joints, cartilage and ligaments. This system
is the one that supports and provides structure to the body that is used for
movement.
Muscular System
Muscular system is composed of the muscles in the body. The main function
of this system is to contract or shorten thus, producing body movement.
Nervous System
The nervous system is known as the body’s fast-acting control system.
There are four main organs in this system- the brain, spinal cord, nerves and
sensory receptors.
Endocrine System
This system controls the activities made in the body but acts slowly.
Pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, thymus, pancreas, pineal, ovaries (women)
and testes (men) are called the endocrine glands and they secrete and regulate
hormones throughout the body. This system acts on the growth, reproduction and
metabolism through the hormones.
Cardiovascular System
The heart and blood vessels are the primary organs of this system.
Cardiovascular system mainly acts on transporting the blood which carries
oxygen, nutrients, hormones and other substances in the entire body.
Lymphatic System
The role of this system complements the function of the cardiovascular
system. Its main organs are the lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes and other
lymphoid organs like the tonsils and spleen. The lymph nodes together with
other lymphoid organs help in cleansing the blood and cells, the lymphatic
vessels, on the other hand, aids in the continuous circulation of the blood.
Respiratory System
The respiratory systems organs consist of the following: nasal passages,
pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs. This system is the one responsible
for constantly supplying the body with oxygen and removing the carbon dioxide.
Digestive System
This system is commonly referred to as a tube running all throughout the
body from the mouth to the anus. Digestive system consists of the following
organs- oral cavity (mouth), esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, and
rectum. Its functions are breaking down food and delivering its products to the
blood. This is the system that is also responsible for digesting the food.
There are two organs seen in other systems that also act as a digestive organ-
the liver and pancreas.
Liver: produces bile that helps in breaking down the fats
Pancreas: delivers digestive enzymes to the small intestines
Urinary System
The main function of this system is to remove waste products from the
body. It expels out the nitrogen-waste products, examples are urea and uric
acid, from the blood and flushes out as urine. This is commonly known as the
excretory system and is composed of the following organs- kidneys, ureters,
bladder and urethra.
Another important functions of the urinary system are to maintain the
body’s water and salt (also known as electrolyte) balance and also acid-base
balance regulation.
Reproductive System
This system exists in the body for the main purpose of producing
offspring. The male and female has different reproductive organs.
Male: testes (produces sperm), scrotum, penis, accessory glands, duct
system (carries sperm)
Female: ovaries (produces ova or also known as eggs), uterine tubes,
uterus and vagina.
Source: Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology,8th
edition,Elaine N. Marieb,Pearson Education, Inc.,2006