Our Body's Instinctive Organ Systems

Did you know that there are a total of 11 organ systems that make up our bodies? Each of these organ systems have very specific roles in the body, but they also work together in a fascinating way in order to keep us going. In this article, we will identify these 11 systems, as well as highlight the main organs involved in each and what their roles are.

Integumentary System

The integumentary system is the external covering of our body, our skin. It waterproofs the body and cushions and protects the deeper tissues from injury. It also excretes salts and urea through perspiration and helps regulate body temperature. Our skin is what absorbs and produces vitamin D. Receptors in the skin alert us to temperature, pressure and pain.

Skeletal System

The skeletal system is made up of bones, cartilages, ligaments and joints. These provide support and protection for body organs. Skeletal muscles use this framework in order to cause movement. The formation of blood cells takes place within the cavities of our skeleton. Additionally, our bones act as storage for minerals.

Muscular System

The muscular system is made up of muscles that contract or shorten. The muscles in our body allows for movement. When they contract, we are able to stand, walk, leap, grasp, swim, throw, smile, etc. Our muscles maintain our posture. They also produce heat and a thermal covering for the internal organs of our body. These are separate from muscles of the heart and of other hollow organs that move fluids or other substances through the body.

Nervous System

The nervous system is the body’s fast acting control system. It consists of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and sensory receptors. The sensory receptors detect changes in and around the body and send messages to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). The central nervous system then assesses this information and responds accordingly by activating the appropriate muscles and glands.

Endocrine System

The endocrine system also controls body activities, but is much slower than the nervous system. The endocrine glands include the pituitary thyroid, parathyroids, adrenals, thymus, pancreas, pineal, ovaries (in the female) and testes (in the male). These glands produce and secrete hormones that affect every cell in the body. Metabolism is regulated primarily by these hormones.


Cardiovascular System

The primary organs of the cardiovascular system are the heart and blood vessels. The blood vessels transport oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, hormones, and other substances to and from the tissue cells where exchanges are made. The heart acts as a blood pump, pushing blood in the blood vessels to be transported to and from all body tissues.

Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system includes lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and other lymphoid organs such as the spleen and tonsils. The lymphatic system complements the cardiovascular system in that it returns fluid leaked from the blood back to the blood vessels so that blood can be kept continuously circulating through the body. The lymph nodes and other lymphoid organs cleanse and dispose of debris in the lymphatic stream. These organs also hold cells involved in immunity.

Respiratory System

The respiratory system consists of the nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs. Its job is to keep the body constantly supplied with oxygen and to remove carbon dioxide. Within the lungs are tiny air sacs. It is through the thin wall of these air sacs that gases are transported to and from the blood.

Digestive System

The digestive system is basically a tube running through the body from mouth to anus. The organs included are the oral cavity (mouth), oesophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, and rectum. The role of these organs is to break down food into absorbable molecules and to deliver these to the blood for distribution to body cells. The breakdown of food that begins in the mouth is completed in the small intestine. Once in the large intestine, it is its job to reclaim as much water as possible. The undigested food that remains in the tract leaves the body through the anus as feces.

Urinary System

The urinary system is composed of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Its main job is to flush wastes from the body in urine. One type of waste contains nitrogen, which results when the body cells break down proteins and nucleic acids. Other important functions of this system include maintaining the body’s water and electrolyte balance and regulating the acid-base balance of the blood.

Reproductive System (Male & Female)

The male reproductive system includes the testes, scrotum, penis, accessory glands, and the duct system. The female reproductive system includes the ovaries, uterine tubes, uterus, and vagina. The main purpose of these systems is to produce offspring.

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Instinct

Isn’t our body’s instinct amazing? Whether or not we are aware of the different organ systems that make up our body, these still keep everything running smoothly. It is vitally important to not take this for granted. We should do everything we can in order to assist these systems in doing their job. A healthy, happy and active lifestyle is a great way to do this.

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