The Human Body
The Human Body Systems
Different organs can work together to perform a common function, like how the parts of your digestive system break down food. We refer to an integrated unit as an organ system. Groups of organ systems work together to make complete, functional organisms, like us! There are 11 major organ systems in the human body.
Circulatory system
The circulatory system is a body-wide network of blood, blood vessels, and lymph. Powered by the heart, it is the body’s distribution system to organs with oxygen, hormones and essential nutrients that helps it function properly.
Respiratory system
Every tissue within the body requires oxygen to function. The respiratory system, which includes air passages, pulmonary vessels, the lungs, and breathing muscles, provides oxygenated blood to the body tissues and removes waste gases.
Digestive system
The digestive system enables your body to convert food into usable nutrients through a chemical breakdown process. This occurs through a system of tube-like of organs, including the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, and intestines.
Skeletal system
The skeletal system gives the body its basic framework, providing structure, protection, and movement. The 206 bones in the body also produce blood cells, store important minerals, and release hormones necessary to life.
Muscular system
The muscular system is comprised of the sum total of muscles throughout the body that move the skeleton, maintain posture through steady contraction, and generate heat through cell metabolism. Humans have three types of muscle.
Nervous system
The nervous system allows us to perceive, comprehend, and respond to the world around us. The nervous system also operates the body’s essential physiologic functions, such as breathing and digestion.
Reproductive system (female)
The female reproductive system encompasses all necessary female organs needed to conceive and bear a child.
Reproductive system (male)
The male reproductive system consists of a series of organs used during sexual intercourse and procreation. The primary organs are the gonads, or sex glands, which produce sperm. In men, these are the testes.
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