Organ Systems

1. Body Coverings

a. The integumentary system, including skin, hair, nails, and various glands, covers the body, senses changes outside the body, and helps regulate body temperature. 

2. Support and Movement 

a. The skeletal system, made up of bones and ligaments, supports, protects, provides frameworks, stores inorganic salts, and houses blood-forming tissues. 

b. The muscular system consists of the muscles that provide body movement, posture, and body heat. 

3. Integration and Coordination 

a. The nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and receptors.  It integrates information incoming from receptors and sends impulses to the brain.  From the brain to muscles and glands. It integrates information, controls the response, and helps regulate homeostasis. 

b. The endocrine system, including all of the glands that secrete hormones. Hormones circulate in the body fluids and act on specific target cells to help to integrate and control metabolic functions. 

4. Transport 

a. The cardiovascular system is  made up of the heart and blood vessels that  distributes oxygen and nutrients while removing wastes.   

b. The lymphatic system, consisting of lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, thymus, and spleen, drains excess tissue fluid.  It also plays a role in the immune system.   

5. Absorption and Excretion  

a. The digestive system, made up of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, and other accessory  organs to break down and absorb nutrients.   

b. The respiratory system is responsible for gas exchange.  It takes air into the body and lungs, where gases pass into the lungs and bloodstream.   

c. The urinary system, consisting of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, removes wastes from the blood and helps to maintain water and electrolyte balance. 

6. Reproduction 

a. The reproductive system produces new organisms. 

i. The male reproductive system consists of the testes, accessory organs, and vessels that conduct sperm to the penis. 

ii. The female reproductive system consists of ovaries, uterine tubes, uterus, vagina, and external genitalia. The female reproductive system also houses the developing offspring.