Search This Blog

23.12.20

What is an organ system? What is the main function of the organs systems?

Organ System

An organ system is a set of organs that work together as a biological system to attain one or more functions. Individually organ does a specific job in the body and is made up of different tissues. Different body systems include the nervous, muscular, respiratory, skeletal, immune, cardiovascular,  endocrine, integumentary, urinary, digestive & reproductive systems.

Organs involved and function of various organ systems are:-

1.      Skeletal system:

  • Support & moves body.
  • Protect organs (brain, heart, lungs, spinal cord, etc.).
  • Mineral storage (e.g., Calcium & Phosphorus).
  • Site for muscle links.
  • Site for blood cell development.
  • Organs involved in the skeletal system are bones, cartilage, ligaments, bone marrow.

2.      Muscular system:

  • Movement/ Locomotion
  • Heat production
  • Since there are three kinds of muscle- cardiac, smooth, & skeletal- there are definite functions for all of these.
  • Organs involved in the muscular system are muscles & tendons.

3.              Cardiovascular system:

  • Pump blood through the body.
  • The blood will transport oxygen, hormones, nutrients to the tissues.
  • Remove waste products.
  • The blood also functions as a part of the immune system and agrees with the white blood cells/antibodies to gain access to infected/wounded areas.
  • Organs involved in the cardiovascular system are heart, blood, blood vessels.

4.              Excretory system:

  • Produce & collect urine in the kidneys and bladder.
  • Elimination of waste.
  • Regulates pH & volume of blood.
  • Discharge urine through the urethra.
  • Organs involved in the excretory system are kidney, urinary bladder, urethra.

5.              Digestive system:

  • Digest food into nutrients that can be absorbed.
  • Processes food & absorb nutrients into the body.
  • Make vitamins (e.g., Vit. K is made in the large intestine).
  • Organs involved in the digestive system are the stomach, intestinal tract, liver, pancreas, esophagus, salivary gland.

6.              Reproductive system:

  • The main purpose is to produce offspring.
  • Produce germ cells (eggs & sperm).
  • Environment for growth of the foetus.
  • Another function-in line with the endocrine system- is to make hormones (e.g., testosterone and estrogen, which affects male and female characteristics).
  • Organs involved in the reproductive system are ovaries, uterus, mammary gland, testes, the prostate gland, external genitalia.

7.              Endocrine system:

  • Hormone production.
  • Regulates body functions by chemicals (hormones).
  • These hormones act through the body and perform different roles (e.g., blood sugar levels (insulin/glucagon), growth (growth hormone), male characteristics like facial hair (testosterone).
  • Organs involved in the endocrine system are the pituitary gland, parathyroid gland, thyroid gland, adrenal gland, thymus, pancreas, gonads.

8.              Integumentary system:

  • A Barrier to occupying organisms and chemicals.
  •  Defence from pathogens (unless you get a cut).
  • Senses at the skin level (texture, heat, pressure, pain).
  • Organs involved in the integumentary system are skin, hair, subcutaneous tissue.

9.              Nervous system:

  • Made of the central and peripheral nervous systems.
  • Co-ordinate activities of other organ systems.
  • Responds to sensations.
  • This system communicates indications from one part of the body to another and this includes your senses.
  • Organs involved in the integumentary system are the brain, spinal cord, nerves, eyes, ears.

10.          Respiratory system:

  • This mainly includes your lungs and trachea
  • The main role is the exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide)
  • Organs involved in the respiratory system are lungs, trachea, larynx, nasal cavities, pharynx.

11.          Immune system:

  • The main role is to protect the body against pathogens.

  • This is completed with the help of the cardiovascular system that has white blood cells (WBCs) and various antibodies in the circulation.
  • Defends against foreign organisms (virus, bacteria, pathogens etc.).
  • Organs involved in the lymphatic system is lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, lymphatic vessels.

No comments:

Post a Comment