What is a Human Body System?
A human body system is a group of organs and body parts that work together to perform specific functions.
Some of these systems interact with each other to carry out certain tasks.
There are 11 major human body systems.
Let’s dive in and learn about what these systems do!
Circulatory System
The main function of the circulatory system is to transport oxygen and nutrients throughout the body and to collect waste products from the cells.
Main Organs:
- Heart: It is a muscle that pumps blood through the body
- Blood: Carries oxygen and nutrients and waste products
- Blood Vessels: Veins, arteries, and capillaries circulate the blood throughout the body.
Respiratory System
The main function of the respiratory system is to take in oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from the body.
Main Organs:
- Lungs: The right and left lungs help to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide during breathing.
- Trachea (Windpipe): Carries air from the nose and throat to the lungs.
Digestive System
The main function of the digestive system is to take in food and break it down into nutrients that the body can absorb to give us energy.
Main Organs:
- Esophagus (Food Pipe): Carries the food from the mouth to the stomach.
- Stomach: Breaks down and digests the food
- Intestines (Small & Large): Absorbs nutrients from the digested food.
- Liver: Produces bile for digestion
Nervous System
The nervous system’s main function is to transmit signals between the brain and the rest of the body.
Main Organs:
- Brain: Processes sensory information and coordinates body functions.
- Spinal Cord: Transmits signals between the brain and the rest of the body.
- Nerves: Carries signals to and from different parts of the body.
Skeletal System
The main function of the skeletal system is to provide structure and support to the body. It also protects the internal organs.
Main Organs:
- Bones: Provides structure, support, and protection.
- Joints: Allows movement and flexibility.
- Cartilage: Provides a cushion for the joints and helps movement
Muscular System
The main function of the muscular system is to enable movement by contracting and relaxing the muscles in the body.
Main Organs:
- Muscles: Enable movement and provide support.
- Tendons: Connect the muscles to the bones.
Excretory System
The main function of the excretory system is to remove waste substances from the body.
Main Organs:
- Kidney: Filters and eliminates waste from the blood.
- Bladder: Stores and releases urine.
- Skin: Eliminates waste through sweat
Endocrine System
The main function of the endocrine system is to produce hormones to regulate and control body functions and maintain balance.
Main Organs:
- Glands: (example: Pituitary, Thyroid, Adrenal, Pancreas): Produce hormones
Reproductive System
The reproductive system’s main function is to facilitate the production of offspring.
Main Organs:
- Male (testes): Produce sperm
- Female (ovaries): Produce eggs
- Uterus: Supports the development of the baby in females
Immune System
The immune system’s main function is to protect the body from pathogens like viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
Main Organs:
- White Blood Cells: Defend the body against infections.
- Lymph Nodes: Filter harmful substances from the lymph.
Integumentary System
The main function of the integumentary system is to act as a protective barrier for the body and regulate temperature.
Main Organs:
- Skin: Provides a protective barrier against pathogens and physical injury.
- Hair: Provides insulation and protection for the skin.
- Sweat Glands: Regulated body temperature by producing sweat to cool the skin.
Fun Facts
Here are some fun facts about the organs in the human body systems!
- When laid end to end, the blood vessels in the body would go around the Earth 2.5 times.
- The skin is the largest organ in the body and sheds around 30,000 dead skin cells every minute.
- The heart pumps around 2000 gallons of blood every day.
- The brain can generate 20 watts of electric power when awake.
Review
Let’s quickly recap what we learned about the human body systems:
- Which system is responsible for transporting oxygen and nutrients throughout the body? Circulatory System
- Which system is responsible for eliminating waste products from the body? Excretory System
- Which system is responsible for fighting against infections? Immune System
- Which system produces hormones to regulate body functions? Endocrine System
- Which system is responsible for taking in oxygen and removing carbon dioxide? Respiratory System
Recent Comments