Human Organ Systems and Functions

Vocabulary flashcards defining the major component organs and functions of the eleven primary organ systems.

Integumentary system

Organ system composed of skin, hair, nails, cutaneous sense organs, and glands; protects deeper organs from mechanical, chemical, and bacterial injury, and drying out, excretes salts and urea, aids in regulating body temperature, and produces vitamin D.

Skeletal system

Organ system consisting of bones, cartilages, tendons, ligaments, and joints; provides body support and protection of internal organs, levers for muscular action, cavities for blood cell formation, and mineral storage.

Muscular system

Organ system made of muscles attached to the skeleton; primary function is to contract or shorten to allow locomotion, grasping and manipulation of the environment, facial expression, and heat generation.

Nervous system

Organ system comprising the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and sensory receptors; allows the body to detect internal and external changes and respond by activating muscles or glands, helping maintain homeostasis via rapid electrical signals.

Endocrine system

Organ system containing the pituitary, thymus, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, and pineal glands, as well as ovaries, testes, and pancreas; produces hormones that travel in blood to maintain homeostasis and promote growth and development.

Cardiovascular system

Organ system composed of the heart and blood vessels; acts primarily as a transport system carrying blood containing oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, wastes, ions, and hormones, while antibodies and proteins in blood protect the body.

Lymphatic system

Organ system consisting of lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, spleen, and thymus; picks up fluid leaked from blood vessels to return to blood, cleanses blood of pathogens and debris, and houses lymphocytes for immune response.

Respiratory system

Organ system comprising the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs; keeps blood supplied with oxygen while removing carbon dioxide, and contributes to the acid-base balance of blood.

Digestive system

Organ system including the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, and accessory structures (teeth, salivary glands, liver, pancreas); breaks down foods for blood absorption and removes undigested residue as feces.

Urinary system

Organ system consisting of kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra; rids the body of nitrogen-containing wastes (urea, uric acid, ammonia) and maintains water, electrolyte, and acid-base balance of blood.

Reproductive system

Organ system consisting of male components (testes, prostate gland, scrotum, penis, duct system) and female components (ovaries, uterine tubes, uterus, mammary glands, vagina); provides gametes (sperm and eggs) for perpetuation of the species, houses the developing fetus, and provides infant nutrition.