VT 111 Lab 1 Functions of Body Systems

Skeletal System

• Support - scaffolding to support the animal body

• Protection - firm strength protects delicate organs and tissues by surrounding them

• Leverage - Bones act as levers for the skeletal muscle to move the body

• Storage - storage sites for minerals; primarily calcium

Muscular System

• Produce movement; function in ambulation (walking, running) and contraction of organs and tissues

Integumentary System

• Covers and protects underlying structures

• Protects against microbial infection, injury, UV rays, chemicals and toxins

• Waterproofing role and prevents fluid loss

• Temperature regulation

• Excreting waste

• Sensory input

• Engaged in the synthesis of vitamin D and storage of nutrient

Nervous System

• Rapid response, communication and control system in the animal body

• Monitors what goes on inside and outside the body

• Direct activities to maintain well-being

• Works alongside the endocrine system

Sensory System

• to detect stimuli from the environment and the body

• convert these stimuli into electrical signals

• relay this information to the brain for interpretation and processing

Cardiovascular System

• Delivers oxygen, nutrients and hormones to various parts of the body

• Transports waste products to appropriate waste removal systems

Respiratory System

• The process of bringing oxygen from the outside air into all of the body’s cells and carrying carbon dioxide out in the opposite direction

Urinary (excretory) System

• waste product removal through filtering the blood

• removes nearly all the soluble waste from blood and transports it out of the body

• Elimination of excess water from the body

Digestive System

• to break down food into smaller nutrient molecules

• absorb these nutrients into the bloodstream

• eliminate the waste products from the body

Reproductive System

• to produce offspring, ensuring the continuation of a species

Endocrine System

• Composed of ductless glands that secrete chemicals called hormones into the bloodstream and transport them throughout the body to different tissues and organs in order to regulate bodily functions