Learn About the Organ Systems in the Human Body

Learn About the Organ Systems in the Human Body The human body is made up of several organ systems that work together as one unit. In the pyramid  of  life  that organizes all of the elements of life into categories, organ systems are nested between an organism and its organs. Organ systems  are the groups of organs that are within an organism. Ten major organ systems of the human body are listed below along with the major organs or structures that are associated with each system. Each system depends on the others, either directly or indirectly, to keep the body functioning normally. Once you a feeling confident in your knowledge of the organ system, try a simple quiz  to test yourself. Circulatory System Dorling Kindersley / Getty Images The main function of the circulatory system is to transport nutrients and gasses to cells and tissues throughout the body. This is accomplished by the circulation of blood. Two components of this system are the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems. The  cardiovascular  system is comprised of the heart,  blood, and  blood vessels. The beating of the heart drives the cardiac cycle which pumps blood throughout the body. The  lymphatic  system is a vascular network of tubules and ducts that collect, filter and return lymph to blood circulation. As a component of the immune system, the lymphatic system produces and circulates immune cells called lymphocytes. The lymphatic organs include the  lymph vessels, lymph nodes, thymus, spleen, and tonsils. Digestive System comotion_design / Getty Images The digestive system breaks down food polymers into smaller molecules to provide energy for the body. Digestive juices and enzymes are secreted to break down the carbohydrates, fat, and protein in food. The primary organs are the mouth, stomach, intestines, and rectum. Other accessory structures include the teeth, tongue, liver, and  pancreas. Endocrine System CHRISTIAN DARKIN / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images The endocrine system regulates vital processes in the body including growth, homeostasis, metabolism, and sexual development. Endocrine organs secrete hormones to regulate body processes. Major  endocrine structures include the  pituitary gland, pineal gland, thymus, ovaries, testes, and  thyroid gland. Integumentary System The integumentary system protects the internal structures of the body from damage, prevents dehydration, stores fat, and produces vitamins and hormones. The structures that support the integumentary system include skin, nails, hair, and sweat glands. Muscular System Oliver Burston / Getty Images The muscular system enables movement through the contraction of muscles. Humans have three types of muscles: heart muscle, smooth muscle, and skeletal muscles.  Skeletal muscle is made up of thousands of cylindrical muscle  fibers. The fibers are bound together by  connective tissue  that is made up of  blood vessels and nerves. Nervous System Science Picture Co / Getty Images The nervous system monitors and coordinates internal organ function and responds to changes in the external environment. The major structures of the nervous system include the  brain,  spinal cord, and  nerves. Reproductive System DEA PICTURE LIBRARY / Getty Images The reproductive system enables the production of offspring through sexual reproduction  between a male and female. The system is comprised of male and female reproductive organs and structures which produce sex cells and ensure the growth and development of offspring. The major male structures include the testes, scrotum, penis, vas deferens, and prostate. The major female structures include the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and mammary glands. Respiratory System LEONELLO CALVETTI / Getty Images The respiratory system provides the body with oxygen via a gas exchange between air from the outside environment and gases in the blood. The major respiratory structures  include the lungs, nose, trachea, and bronchi. Skeletal System SCIEPRO / Getty Images The skeletal system  supports and protects the body while giving it shape and form. The major structures include 206  bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. This system works closely with the muscular system to enable movement. Urinary Excretory System Stocktrek Images / Getty Images The urinary excretory System removes wastes and maintains water balance in the body. Other aspects of its function include regulating  electrolytes in body fluids and maintaining normal pH of the blood. The major structures of the urinary excretory system include the  kidneys, urinary bladder, urethra, and ureters.