Major Human Body Systems: Components & Functions

Respiratory (list components & functions)

nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs; absorption of oxygen, discharge of CO2, acid-base balance, speech

Circulatory (list components & functions)

heart, blood vessels; distribution of nutrients, oxygen, wastes, hormones, electrolytes, heat, immune cells and antibodies, fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance

Female Reproductive (list components & functions)

ovaries, uterine tubes, uterus, vagina, mammary glands; egg production, site of fertilization & fetal development, fetal nourishment, birth, lactation, secretion of sex hormones

Male Reproductive (list components & functions)

testes, epididymides, spermatic ducts, seminal vesicles, prostate, bulbourethral glands, penis; production and delivery of sperm, secretion of sex hormones

Lymphatic (list components & functions)

lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, thymus, spleen, tonsils; recovery of excess tissue fluid, detection of pathogens, production of immune cells, defense against disease

Endocrine (list components & functions)

pituitary gland, pineal gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, thymus, adrenal glands, pancreas, testes, ovaries; hormone production, internal chemical communication and coordination

Urinary (list components & functions)

kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, urethra; elimination of wastes, regulation of blood volume & pressure, stimulation of RBC formation, control of fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance, detoxification

Muscular (list components & functions)

skeletal muscles; movement, stability, communication, control of body openings, heat production

Skeletal (list components & functions)

bones, cartilages, ligaments; support, movement, blood formation, mineral storage, electrolyte & acid-base balance, protective enclosure of viscera

Integumentary (list components & functions)

skin, hair, nails, cutaneous glands; protection, water retention, thermoregulation, vitamin D synthesis, cutaneous sensation, nonverbal communication

Nervous (list components & functions)

brain, spinal cord, nerves, ganglia; rapid internal communication, coordination, motor control and sensation

Digestive (list components & functions)

teeth, tongue, salivary glands, esophagus, stomach, small & large intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas; nutrient breakdown & absorption, liver functions (metabolism of macro/micro nutrients), synthesis of plasma proteins, disposal of drugs, toxins, and hormones, cleansing blood