Overview of Human Organ Systems for Biology Assessment

Organ system

A group of organs that work together to carry out a specific function in an organism.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment in the human body.

Integumentary system

Includes skin (and related organs, such as glands), nails, and hair.

Functions of the integumentary system

Protection from environment, retention of water, sensation, regulation of body temperature, synthesis of Vitamin D.

Skeletal system

Includes bones, cartilages, tendons, and ligaments.

Functions of the skeletal system

Supports the body and helps with its movement, protects organs, stores minerals, such as calcium, and produces blood cells in bone marrow.

Muscular system

Includes skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscles.

Functions of the muscular system

Maintains body posture, moves body and certain internal organs, and produces body heat.

Circulatory system

Includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood.

Functions of the circulatory system

Transports nutrients, gases, and wastes; regulates body temperature; regulates fluid levels and pH.

Lymphatic and immune systems

Consists of lymph and structures related to its circulation, including lymphatic vessels and lymphatic organs, such as the thymus and lymph nodes.

Functions of the lymphatic and immune systems

Regulates fluid levels, defends the body from infection by removing pathogens, filters lymph, and helps to absorb lipids.

Respiratory system

Includes the lungs and structures that transport air to and from them.

Functions of the respiratory system

Regulates breathing, allows for gas exchange between blood and air, regulates pH, helps with vocalization, and helps with sense of smell.

Digestive system

Includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, and other associated organs.

Functions of the digestive system

Ingests and digests food, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates wastes.

Urinary system

Includes the kidneys, bladder, and structures that transport urine, such as the ureters and urethra.

Functions of the urinary system

Eliminates wastes and regulates fluid and pH.

Nervous system

Includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

Functions of the nervous system

Receives, interprets, and stores information; controls muscles; coordinates activity of other organ systems.

Endocrine system

Includes the glands that produce chemical signals called hormones.

Functions of the endocrine system

Helps to coordinate activity of other organ systems, helps the body respond to stress, regulates fluid and pH, and regulates metabolism.

Reproductive system (males)

Includes the testes, prostate, penis, and other associated structures.

Reproductive system (females)

Includes the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and other associated structures.

Functions of the reproductive system

Produces gametes - sperm or eggs, produces sex hormones, and in females, carries and gives birth to offspring.