11 Major Organ Systems in the Human Body

Vocabulary flashcards covering the organs and functions of the 11 major organ systems in the human body.

Integumentary organs

Skin (meaning "skin") and accessory organs including hair, nails, sweat glands, and cutaneous glands.

Integumentary functions

Protection, water retention, thermoregulation, vitamen D synthesis, cutaneous sensation, and non verbal communication.

Skeletal organs

Bones, cartilage, and ligaments.

Skeletal functions

Support, movement, protective enclosure of viscera, blood formation, mineral storage, electrolyte and acid-base balance.

Muscular organs

Skeletal muscles.

Muscle functions

Movement, stability, communication, control of body openings, and heat production.

Nervous system organs

Brain, spinal cord, nerves, and ganglia.

Nervous system functions

Rapid internal communication, coordination, motor control, and sensation.

Endocrine organs

Pituitary gland, parathyroid glands, thyroid gland, pineal gland, thymus, adrenal glands, pancreas, testes, and ovaries.

Endocrine functions

Hormone production, internal chemical communication, and coordination.

Circulatory system organs

Heart and blood vessels.

Circulatory system functions

Distribution of nutrients, oxygen, wastes, hormones, electrolytes, heat, immune cells, and antibodies; fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance.

Lymphoid system organs

Lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, thymus, spleen, and tonsils.

Lymphoid system functions

Recovery of excess tissue fluid, detection of pathogens, production of immune cells, and defense against disease.

Digestive organs

Teeth, tongue, salivary glands, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

Digestive functions

Nutrient breakdown and absorption. Liver functions include metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals; synthesis of plasma proteins; disposal of drugs, toxins, and hormones; and cleansing of blood.

Respiratory organs

Nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs.

Respiratory functions

Absorption of oxygen, discharge of carbon dioxide, acid-base balance, and speech.

Urinary organs

Kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra.

Urinary functions

Elimination of wastes, regulation of blood volume and pressure, stimulation of red blood cell formation, control of fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance; detoxification.

Reproductive organs

Male: testes, epididymides, spermatic ducts, seminal vesicles, prostate, bulbourethral glands, penus. Female: ovaries, uterine tubes, uterus, vagina, mammary glands.

Reproductive system functions

Male: production and delivery of sperm; secretion of sex hormones. Female: production of eggs, site of fertilization and fetal development, fetal nourishment, birth, lactation, secretion of sex hormones.