Body Organ Functions

LIVER

metabolizes fat, proteins and glucose; stores vitamins; recycles iron from worn-out red blood cells; degrades hormones; detoxifies alcohol and drugs; produces bile

GALL BLADDER

stores and concentrates bile

STOMACH

acts as storage site for food; begins protein digestion; absorption of lipid-soluble substances (alcohol, aspirin, drugs)

SMALL INTESTINE

major site for digestion and absorption of nutrients

LARGE INTESTINE

forms and stores feces; reabsorbs water, electrolytes, lipid-soluble vitamins

SPLEEN

destroys old red blood cells, stores platelets; acts in immune system to produce cells that produce antibodies

URINARY BLADDER

storage area for urine

OVARY

produces oocytes and hormones like estrogen and progesterone

UTERUS

site of fetal development; provides nutrients for embryo

HEART

acts as blood transport pump

LUNGS

exchange of gases occurs here

BRAIN

site of intellect, emotion, behavior and memory; center for registering sensations, integrating them and taking actions

SPINAL CORD

conducts impulses between body and brain; site of many body reflexes

TESTES

produces sperm and hormones like testosterone

BONE

supports the body; protects organs; stores fat and calcium; site of blood cell production

SKIN

protects underlying tissues from dessication, pathogens, UV light; produces vitamin D; regulates body temperature

MUSCLE

contracts to move the body or fluids through the body; generates heat

ARTERY

carries blood away from heart

VEIN

carries blood to heart

PANCREAS

regulates carbohydrate metabolism; produces digestive enzymes

KIDNEY

filters toxins and other wastes from blood to form urine; regulates blood volume and pressure; maintains pH and electrolyte balance of blood; metabolizes vitamin D to active form

LYMPH MODE

filters lymph to trap pathogens

DIAPHRAGM

contracts to aid in breathing