Organ Systems Lecture Notes

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the organ systems of the human body.

Organ

Structure made up of two or more kinds of tissues that can perform a more complex function than a single tissue.

Organ System

Group of organs that perform a more complex function than can any organ alone.

Integumentary System

System that includes the skin and its appendages, protecting the body and regulating temperature.

Epidermis

The outer layer of skin.

Dermis

The layer of skin beneath the epidermis containing blood vessels and nerves.

Hypodermis

The layer of tissue beneath the dermis, primarily made of fat.

Sebaceous gland

Gland in the skin that secretes oil (sebum).

Sweat gland

Gland in the skin that produces perspiration to help regulate body temperature.

Skeletal System

The organ system that supports the body and protects internal organs.

Bones

Primary organs of the skeletal system, totaling 206 in an adult human.

Ligaments

Bands of fibrous tissue that connect bones to other bones.

Joints

Connections between bones that facilitate movement.

Muscular System

System composed of muscles that enable movement of the body.

Voluntary muscles

Striated muscles that can be controlled consciously.

Tendons

Dense connective tissue that attaches muscles to bones.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Part of the nervous system that includes cranial and spinal nerves and their branches.

Nerve Impulses

Signals that allow rapid communication between body organs.

Endocrine System

System that regulates body functions through hormones secreted into the blood.

Hormones

Chemical messengers produced by glands that regulate bodily functions.

Cardiovascular System

System responsible for transporting blood, nutrients, and oxygen throughout the body.

Lymphatic System

System involved in immune responses and the transportation of lymph.

Phagocytes

Protective cells that engulf and destroy harmful pathogens.

Antibodies

Protein compounds produced by immune cells that help protect the body.

Respiratory System

System involved in the exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) in the body.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Digestive System

System that breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates waste.

Urinary System

System responsible for filtering blood and producing urine to excrete waste.

Urine

Liquid waste product produced by the kidneys.

Male Reproductive System

System responsible for producing and transporting sperm.

Female Reproductive System

System involved in producing ova and nurturing offspring.

Sperm

Male reproductive cell.

Ova

Female reproductive cell.

Nervous System Functions

Communication, integration, and control of body functions.

Protection

Primary function of the integumentary system.

Regulation of body temperature

Controlled by sweating and blood flow to the skin.

Sense Organs

Organs that respond to environmental stimuli, such as heat and pressure.

Supporting Framework

Function of the skeletal system providing structure to the body.

Movement

Function that involves the skeletal system working with muscles.

Storage of Minerals

Function of bones that involves holding minerals like calcium.

Blood Cell Formation

Process occurring in the red marrow of certain bones.

Cranial Nerves

Nerves that emerge directly from the brain.

Spinal Nerves

Nerves that emerge from the spinal cord.

Integration of Body Functions

Process of coordinating activities between different organs.

Calcium

A mineral stored in bones, crucial for many body functions.

Phosphorus

Mineral essential for bone formation.

Adrenal Glands

Glands located above the kidneys that produce hormones.

Thyroid Gland

Gland in the neck that regulates metabolism.

Pancreas

Gland that helps regulate glucose levels in the blood.

Hypothalamus

Brain region controlling the endocrine system and various bodily functions.

Thymus Gland

Gland involved in immune function located in the thoracic cavity.

Cerebrum

Largest part of the brain responsible for sensory processing and decision-making.

Cerebellum

Part of the brain involved in coordination and balance.

Spinal Cord

Structure running down the center of the back that connects the brain to the body.

Ventricles

Chambers in the brain that contain cerebrospinal fluid.

Pituitary Gland

Gland often referred to as the 'master gland' of the endocrine system.

Blood Composition

Includes red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and platelets.

Lymphatic Vessels

Vessels that transport lymph fluid throughout the body.

Lymph Nodes

Structures that filter lymph and house immune cells.

Spleen

Organ that helps filter blood and supports the immune system.

Pharynx

The throat, a passageway for air and food.

Bronchi

Branches of the trachea that lead to the lungs.

Alimentary Canal

Another name for the digestive tract.

Stomach

Organ that breaks down food using acids and enzymes.

Small Intestine

Organ where most nutrient absorption occurs.

Large Intestine

Organ that absorbs water and forms waste products.

Kidneys

Organs that filter blood to produce urine.

Urethra

Tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.

Testes

Gonads in males that produce sperm and hormones.

Ovaries

Gonads in females that produce ova and hormones.

Vas Deferens

Tube that transports sperm from the testes.

Uterine Tubes

Tubes that transport ova from the ovaries to the uterus.

Pregnancy

Period of development of offspring within the uterus.

Cesarean Section

Surgical procedure to deliver a baby through the abdomen.