Organ Systems and Functions

All living things exhibit complexity not seen in the non-living world.The cell is the fundamental unit of all life. Cells with a specific function can form a tissue. So cardiac muscle fibers (cells) can work together to form cardiac muscle tissue. Different tissues can work together to form organs. So cardiac muscle tissue, connective tissue and nervous tissue interact to for a heart. A combination of organs with a specific function for an organ system. The tongue, teeth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine together form the digestive system. There are 11 commonly sited systems. They are described briefly below.

Organ System	Components	Functions
Cardiovascular	heart, blood vessels, blood	Transport nutrients, protection (immune interactions)
Digestive	teeth, tongue, glands, esophagus, stomach, intestine	Physically and chemically breakdown food;absorption of nutrients.
Endocrine	pancreas, adrenal, thyroid, pituitary, ovary, testis, parathyroid, pineal, thymus	Production of hormones that assist with maintenance of homeostasis
Integumentary	skin, cutaneous sense organs and glands	Protection, excretion, regulates body temperature, vitamin D production
Lymphatic/Immune	spleen, lymph nodes, thymus, tonsils, diffuse lymphatic tissue	Protects the body from invasive pathogens and rogue body cells, recirculates fluid from circulatory system.
Muscular	muscles	Moves the body, substances through the body, heat production
Nervous	Sensory cells, special senses, nerves, spinal cord, brain	Interprets internal and external stimuli; aids in maintaining homeostasis
Respiratory	lungs, trachea, pharynx, larynx, nasal cavity	Allows for the exchange of gases; assists with carbonate/bicarbonate balance.
Reproductive	ovary, testis, oviducts, uterus, vagina, prostate, penis, scrotum, 'plumbing' and accessory glands	Produces germ cells necessary for the propagation of the species. Produces hormones that produce secondary sexual characteristics.
Skeletal	bones, tendons, ligaments	Supports and protects the body and organs.Blood cell formation, calcium storage. Along with the muscles assists with movement of the body.
Urinary/excretory	kidneys, bladder, urethra, ureters	Removes metabolic toxins. Maintains water balance of the body.

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