body system

Body Systems, Functions, and Organs

The body systems, their primary functions, and some representative organs included in each system are listed below:

Body System

Primary Function

Organs Included

Respiratory

Breathing

  • Lungs

  • Trachea

Cardiovascular/Circulatory

Blood circulation

  • Heart

  • Arteries

  • Veins

  • Blood

Digestive

Processing food

  • Mouth

  • Pharynx

  • Esophagus

  • Stomach

  • Intestines

  • Accessory organs: liver, gallbladder, abdomen, appendix

Endocrine

Hormone production

A number of glands throughout the body, including but not limited to:

  • Thyroid

  • Pituitary

  • Adrenal glands

Urinary

Waste elimination

  • Kidneys

  • Bladder

Reproductive

Reproduction

  • Uterus

  • Ovaries

  • Fallopian tubes

Nervous/Sensory

Communication between and coordination of all the body systems

Nervous:

  • Brain

  • Nerves

Sensory:

  • Eyes

  • Ears

Integumentary

Protects against damage

  • Skin

  • Hair

  • Nails

Muscular/Skeletal

Provides form, support, stability, and movement to the body

  • Muscles

  • Bones

Hematopoietic/Lymphatic

Blood production, maintenance of fluid balance, and defense against disease

  • Bone marrow

  • Spleen

  • Tonsils

  • Lymph fluid, nodes, ducts, vessels