Major organ systems of the human body
20 cards · science
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| Front | Back |
|---|---|
| Circulatory System | Transports blood, oxygen, nutrients, and removes wastes Heart, arteries, veins, capillaries; a closed double circuit delivers oxygen and returns CO2. |
| Respiratory System | Exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide with the environment Lungs and airways; gas diffusion occurs across alveoli with a large surface area. |
| Digestive System | Breaks down food and absorbs nutrients Tract from mouth to anus; liver, pancreas, and gallbladder aid chemical digestion. |
| Nervous System | Coordinates body activities via electrochemical signals Central and peripheral divisions; integrates sensory input and controls effectors. |
| Muscular System | Produces movement and maintains posture Skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscle; also generates heat, e.g., shivering. |
| Skeletal System | Provides support, protection, and mineral storage Bones, cartilage, ligaments; bone marrow makes blood cells and stores calcium. |
| Endocrine System | Regulates body processes via blood-borne hormones Pituitary, thyroid, adrenals, pancreas, and gonads; slower, longer-lasting signals. |
| Immune System | Defends against pathogens and abnormal cells Innate and adaptive arms; lymphocytes, antibodies, and lymphoid organs coordinate defense. |
| Reproductive System | Produces gametes and enables reproduction Ovaries and testes make gametes; ducts and glands support fertilization and development. |
| Urinary System | Eliminates wastes and regulates fluid and electrolytes Kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra; filters blood to form urine and maintain pH. |
| Integumentary System | Protects the body and regulates temperature Skin, hair, nails, glands; barrier to injury and microbes; helps synthesize vitamin D. |
| Heart | Pumps blood through systemic and pulmonary circuits Four chambers; right side to lungs, left to body; SA node sets the pace. |
| Lungs | Facilitates gas exchange between air and blood Millions of alveoli create vast surface area; diaphragm drives ventilation. |
| Brain | Central control of perception, movement, homeostasis Cerebrum, cerebellum, brainstem; uses ~20% of resting oxygen supply. |
| Liver | Metabolism, detoxification, and bile production Processes nutrients, stores glycogen, makes plasma proteins; largest internal organ. |
| Kidneys | Filters blood to form urine and balance electrolytes Nephrons reabsorb and secrete; also release renin and erythropoietin. |
| Stomach | Stores and digests food with acid and enzymes Parietal cells secrete HCl and intrinsic factor; churning forms chyme. |
| Small Intestine | Absorbs most nutrients from digested food Duodenum, jejunum, ileum; villi and microvilli vastly increase surface area. |
| Pancreas | Releases digestive enzymes and controls blood glucose Exocrine acini secrete enzymes; islets release insulin and glucagon. |
| Skin | Barrier organ and regulator of body temperature Epidermis, dermis, hypodermis; sensory receptors and sweat glands; largest organ. |