Organ System

Integumentary system

• Forms the external body covering (skin) and includes hair and fingernails

• Waterproofs the body

• Cushions and protects deeper tissue from injury

• Produces vitamin D with the help of sunlight

• Excretes salts in perspiration

• Help regulate body temperature

• Location of cutaneous nerve receptors

Skeletal system

• Consists of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and joints

• Provides muscle attachment for movement

• Protects vital organs

• Site of blood cell formation

• Stores minerals

• Anchor for the muscular system

Muscular system

• Skeletal muscles contract (or shorten)

• Produces movement of bones

Nervous system

• Fast-acting control system

• Consists of brain, spinal cord, nerves, and sensory receptors

• Responds to internal and external stimuli

• Sensory receptors detect changes

• Messages are sent to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord)

• Central nervous system assesses information and activates effectors (muscles and glands)

Endocrine system

• Secretes chemical molecules, called hormones, into the blood

• Body functions controlled by hormones include growth, reproduction, and use of nutrients

• Endocrine glands include pituitary gland, thyroid and parathyroids, adrenal glands, thymus, pancreas (produces insulin which regulates blood sugar), pineal gland, ovaries (females) and testes (males)

Cardiovascular system

• Includes heart (pumps blood) and blood vessels (transports blood to tissues)

• Blood transports oxygen and carbon dioxide, nutrients, and hormones

• Blood also contains white blood cells and chemicals that provide protection from foreign invaders

Lymphatic system

• Includes lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and lymphoid organs

• Complements the cardiovascular system by returning leaked fluids back to bloodstream

• Lymph nodes and other lymphoid organs cleanse the blood

• Houses white blood cells, which are involved in immunity

Respiratory system

• Includes the nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs

• Gases are exchanged with the blood through air sacs in the lungs

  • Supplies the body with oxygen

  • Removes carbon dioxide

Digestive system

• Includes the oral cavity (mouth), esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, rectum, and accessory organs

• Breaks down food

• Allow for nutrient absorption into blood

• Eliminates indigestible material as feces

• Liver produces bile to break down fats

• Pancreas delivers enzymes to small intestine and have both endocrine and digestive functions

Urinary system

• Includes the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra

• Eliminates nitrogenous wastes (from when the body breaks down proteins and nucleic acid (genetic info))

• Maintains acid-base balance

• Regulates water and electrolyte balance

• Helps regulate normal blood pressure

Reproductive system

• For males, includes the testes (produces sperm), scrotum, penis, accessory glands, and duct system (carries sperm to exterior)

• For females, includes the ovaries (produce eggs), uterine tubes, uterus (provides site of development for fetus), and vagina