Human Physiology Summary

Human Physiology Summary

Circulatory System

  • Purpose: Transports blood, oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste.

  • Components:

  • Red Blood Cells (RBCs): Carry oxygen using hemoglobin.

  • White Blood Cells (WBCs): Fight infections.

  • Platelets: Aid in blood clotting.

  • Plasma: Liquid component for carrying hormones/nutrients.

  • Heart: Muscular organ with four chambers (right/left atriums, right/left ventricles) for pumping deoxygenated/oxygenated blood.

  • Blood Vessels:

  • Arteries: Carry oxygen-rich blood (excluding pulmonary artery).

  • Veins: Carry oxygen-poor blood (excluding pulmonary vein).

  • Capillaries: Tiny vessels for substance exchange.

  • Types of Circulation:

  • Pulmonary: Heart to lungs and back.

  • Systemic: Heart to body and back.

  • Coronary: Supplies heart muscle with blood.

Integumentary System

  • Purpose: Body's largest organ system; protects internal body.

  • Components:

  • Skin (epidermis, dermis, hypodermis).

  • Hair, Nails, Glands (sweat, sebaceous).

  • Functions:

  • Protection against pathogens, sensation, temperature regulation, vitamin D synthesis, excretion, wound healing.

Digestive System

  • Purpose: Breaks down food for nutrient absorption and waste elimination.

  • Components: Mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, gallbladder, pancreas.

  • Functions:

  • Ingestion: Taking in food.

  • Digestion: Breakdown of food into nutrients.

  • Absorption: Nutrients into blood.

  • Elimination: Removal of waste.

Respiratory System

  • Purpose: Responsible for breathing and gas exchange.

  • Components: Nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs, diaphragm.

  • Functions:

  • Breathing (inhalation/exhalation), gas exchange, oxygen transport, speech production.

Excretory System

  • Purpose: Removes waste and maintains fluid balance (homeostasis).

  • Components: Kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra.

  • Functions:

  • Eliminates waste, maintains water balance, regulates pH, controls blood pressure.

Nervous System

  • Purpose: Controls and coordinates body activities through electrical signals.

  • Components: Brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, sensory organs.

  • Functions:

  • Sensory input, decision making, motor output, cognitive functions.

Musculoskeletal System

  • Purpose: Enables movement and provides structure/protection.

  • Components: Bones, muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments.

  • Functions:

  • Movement, support, protection, mineral storage, blood cell production.

Reproductive System

  • Purpose: Produces offspring for species survival.

  • Components:

  • Male: Testes, epididymis, vas deferens.

  • Female: Ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina.

  • Functions:

  • Gamete production, fertilization, hormone production, development and birth, species continuation.