ORGAN SYSTEMS

The human body is made up of several organ systems that work together as one unit. Organ systems fit
between the hierarchical levels of organs and the organism. Ten major organ systems of the body are
listed below along with several organs that are associated with each system. It is important to keep in
mind that these organ systems don't just exist as individual units. The final product of these cooperating
systems is one unit called the body.

Each system depends on the others, either directly or indirectly, to keep the body functioning normally.

1. CIRCULATORY SYSTEM

The main function of the circulatory system is to transport nutrients and gasses to cells and tissues
throughout body. This is accomplished by the circulation of blood. Two components of this system are the
cardiovascular and lymphatic systems.

Cardiovascular: This system is comprised of the heart, blood, and blood vessels. The beating of the heart
drives the cardiac cycle which pumps blood throughout body.

Cardiovascular organs: heart, blood vessels, blood

Lymphatic: This system is a vascular network of tubules and ducts that collect, filter, and return lymph to
blood circulation. As a component of the immune system, the lymphatic system produces and circulates
immune cells called lymphocytes.

Lymphatic organs: lymph vessels, lymph nodes, thymus, spleen, tonsils

2. DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

The digestive system breaks down food polymers into smaller molecules to provide energy for the
body.Digestive juices and enzymes are secreted to break down the carbohydrates, fat, and protein in food.

Primary organs: mouth, stomach, intestines, rectum

Accessory organs: teeth, tongue, liver, pancreas

3. ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

The endocrine system regulates vital processes in the body including growth, homeostasis, metabolism,
and sexual development.

Endocrine organs secrete hormones to regulate body processes.

Endocrine structures: pituitary gland, pineal gland, thymus, ovaries, testes, thyroid gland

4. INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM

The integumentary system protects the internal structures of the body from damage, prevents dehydration,
stores fat and produces vitamins and hormones.
Integumentary structures: skin, nails, hair, sweat glands

5. MUSCULAR SYSTEM

The muscular system enables movement through the contraction of muscles.

Structures: muscles

6. NERVOUS SYSTEM

The nervous system monitors and coordinates internal organ function and responds to changes in the
external environment.

Structures: brain, spinal cord, nerves

7. REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

The reproductive system enables the production of offspring through sexual reproduction. It is comprised
of male and female reproductive organs and structures which produce sex cells and ensure the growth and
development of offspring.

Male organs: testes, scrotum, penis, vas deferens, prostate

Female organs: ovaries, uterus, vagina, mammary glands

8. RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

The respiratory system provides the body with oxygen via gas exchange between air from the outside
environment and gases in the blood.

Respiratory organs: lungs, nose, trachea, bronchi

9. SKELETAL SYSTEM

The skeletal System: This system supports and protects the body while giving it shape and form.

Structures: bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, cartilage

10. URINARY/EXCRETORY SYSTEM

The urinary/excretory System removes wastes and maintains water balance in the body.

Structures: kidneys, urinary bladder, urethra, ureters