Body Systems and Their Functions · Organ Systems - There are 11 different organ systems in the human body. These include the (1) Integumentary (Skin); (2) Muscular; (3) Skeletal; (4) Nervous; (5) Endocrine; (6) Circulatory; (7) Lymphatic; (8) Respiratory; (9) Digestive; (10) Urinary; and (11) Reproductive. o Integumentary System – This system includes skin and hair as organs. The skin protects all of the other organs of the body from attack by germs and viruses, and helps the body to minimize water loss. Hair helps to protect the body from heat loss and protects the skin from ultraviolet rays (sunburn). o Muscular System – This system includes muscles as an organ. There are three kinds of muscle tissue: skeletal muscles that move the skeleton, smooth muscles are provide control and movement in other organs, and cardiac muscles that pump blood through the heart. In addition, the connective tissue (tendons) connects muscles to bones. o Skeletal System – This system includes bones and joints as organs. This system protects vital organs of the body, such as the lungs, heart, brain and spinal cord, and provides support for all of the organ systems. By working with the muscular system, it also allows the body to move, secure food and protect itself. o Nervous System – This system includes the brain, spinal cord and nerves as organs. It receives information from all the other body organs and then directs each organ how to operate as a team. o Endocrine System – This system includes the pancreas and pituitary gland. It controls homeostasis (under direction from the nervous system) by releasing hormones that control chemical reactions in the body. o Circulatory System – This system includes the heart, veins and arteries as organs. o Lymphatic System – This system includes the spleen and thymus. It removes dead cells and foreign bodies from body fluids. o Respiratory System – This system includes the lungs and trachea as organs. It takes oxygen from the air and transfers it into the blood stream, and takes carbon dioxide from the blood stream and exhales it out of the body.
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