Components and Functions of the Eleven Principal Systems of the Human Body

Vocabulary flashcards covering the components and functions of the eleven principal systems of the human body.

Endocrine System

A system composed of all glands and tissues that produce chemical regulators called hormones, which regulate body activities when transported by the blood to various target organs.

Hormones

Chemical regulators of body functions produced by glands and tissues of the endocrine system and transported by blood.

Cardiovascular System

A system composed of blood, heart, and blood vessels; the heart pumps blood to carry oxygen and nutrients to cells and carbon dioxide and wastes away, while helping regulate acidity, temperature, and water content of body fluids.

Lymphatic System and Immunity

A system consisting of lymphatic fluid, vessels, spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, tonsils, and cells such as B cells and T cells that returns proteins and fluid to blood, carries lipids from the gastrointestinal tract, and protects against disease-causing microbes.

Respiratory System

A system consisting of lungs and air passageways such as the pharynx (throat), larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe), and bronchial tubes that transfers oxygen to blood, removes carbon dioxide, regulates body fluid acidity, and produces sounds via vocal cords.

Digestive System

A system composed of gastrointestinal tract organs (mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, rectum, anus) and accessory digestive organs (salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, pancreas) that physically and chemically breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates solid wastes.

Gastrointestinal Tract

The organs forming the continuous digestive tube, including the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, rectum, and anus.

Accessory Digestive Organs

Organs that assist in digestive processes, specifically including the salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

Urinary System

A system consisting of kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra that produces, stores, and eliminates urine, eliminates wastes, regulates blood volume and chemical composition, helps regulate acid-base balance and mineral balance, and helps regulate red blood cell production.

Reproductive Systems

Systems consisting of gonads (testes in males and ovaries in females) and associated organs that produce gametes (sperm or oocytes), release regulatory hormones, transport and store gametes, and produce milk in mammary glands.

Gonads

Primary reproductive organs (testes in males, ovaries in females) that produce gametes that unite to form a new organism and release hormones that regulate reproduction and other body processes.

LEGUMENTARY SYSTEM

A system consisting of skin and associated structures such as hair, fingernails, toenails, and glands that helps regulate body temperature, protects the body, eliminates some wastes, helps make vitamin D, and detects sensations like touch, pressure, pain, warmth, and cold.

Skeletal System

A system consisting of bones and joints of the body and their associated cartilages that supports and protects the body, provides specific areas for muscle attachment, assists with body movements, stores cells that produce blood cells, and stores minerals and lipids (fats).

Muscular System

A system specifically referring to skeletal muscle tissue (muscle usually attached to bones), which functions to bring about body movements such as walking, maintain posture, and produce heat.

Nervous System

A system consisting of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and special sense organs such as the eyes and ears that regulates body activities through nerve impulses by detecting environmental changes, interpreting them, and responding via muscular contractions or glandular secretions.