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11 organ systems

Systems Overview: Organs and Functions

This guide simplifies the 11 human organ systems, focusing on their main organs and core functions.

1. Support and Movement Systems

  1. Integumentary System

    • Organs: Skin, Hair, Fingernails.

    • Function: Protection, temperature regulation, sensation, vitamin D synthesis (PTSD).

  2. Skeletal System

    • Organs: Bones, Joints (fibrous, cartilaginous, synovial), Ligaments (connect bone to bone).

    • Function: Structural support, levers for muscles, protection of vital organs, blood cell production (in bone marrow), mineral storage (calcium, phosphate).

  3. Muscular System

    • Organs: Skeletal Muscles, Tendons (connect muscle to bone).

    • Function: Movement, posture, heat production.

2. Integration and Coordination Systems

  1. Nervous System

    • Organs: Brain, Spinal Cord, Nerves, Sensory Receptors, Sensory Organs (eyes, ears).

    • Function: Fast communication and control, sensory processing, coordination of body functions (e.g., breathing, heart rate).

  2. Endocrine System

    • Organs: Hypothalamus, Pituitary Gland, Pineal Gland, Thyroid Gland, Parathyroid Glands, Thymus Gland, Adrenal Glands, Pancreas, Ovaries (females), Testes (males).

    • Function: Long-term communication and regulation using hormones.

3. Transport Systems

  1. Cardiovascular System

    • Organs: Heart, Blood Vessels (arteries, veins, capillaries), Blood (red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets).

    • Function: Transport oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, hormones, and waste throughout the body.

  2. Lymphatic & Immune System

    • Organs: Lymph Nodes, Lymphatic Vessels, Spleen, Thymus, Bone Marrow.

    • Function: Reduce swelling (drain excess fluid), absorption of lipids, immune response (fight pathogens).

4. Absorption and Excretion Systems

  1. Respiratory System

    • Organs: Lungs, Diaphragm, Nasal Cavity, Pharynx, Larynx, Trachea, Bronchi, Bronchioles, Alveoli.

    • Function: Gas exchange (bring oxygen in, send carbon dioxide out).

  2. Digestive System

    • Organs: Oral Cavity (mouth, salivary glands), Esophagus, Stomach, Small Intestine, Large Intestine, Rectum, Anus.

    • Accessory Organs: Liver, Gallbladder, Pancreas.

    • Function: Digestion (breaking down food), absorption of nutrients, elimination of waste.

  3. Urinary System

    • Organs: Kidneys, Ureters, Bladder, Urethra.

    • Function: Remove waste from blood to produce urine, regulate water, electrolyte, and pH levels in blood.

5. Reproductive System

  1. Male Reproductive System

    • Organs: Testes, Epididymis, Vas Deferens, Seminal Vesicles, Prostate Gland, Bulbourethral Gland, Penis.

    • Function: Produce and transport sperm, produce testosterone.

  2. Female Reproductive System

    • Organs: Ovaries, Oviducts (Fallopian Tubes), Uterus, Vagina.

    • Function: Produce and transport egg cells, nurture a developing fetus, produce estrogen and progesterone.