5/8/13
Organ Systems
- [ S IGN IN ]
Anatomy & Physiology (Open + Free)
Sy lla bu s
Unit 1:: Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology
Introduction
Module 2 /
| Ou t lin e
| Help
|
Mor e
This course is not led by an instructor
Search this course
Introduction of Sy stem s
Organ Systems
11
List the organ sy stem s of the
hum an body , and identify the
m ain organs for each.
Now that you have reviewed ways to describe location and orientation, you will learn about the organ
systems that are necessary for the vital functions of life. You will also get a chance to practice using body
planes and directional orientations to explain the anatomical integration and relative location of structures
within organ systems. The next section will systematically describe the organ systems of the body, as well as
the major anatomical structures and functions.
Organ System
(definition) An organ system is an integrated collection of organs in the body that work together
to perform a vital function. This course will organize the organ systems of the body based on the
vital functions defined earlier.
The major organ systems of the body are shown in the table below.
Major Organ Systems of the Body Grouped by Primary Function
Function
Exchange with the Environment
Organ System
Digestive System
Respiratory System
Urinary System
Fluids and Transport within the Body
Cardiovascular System
Lymphatic System and Immunity
Structure, Support, Protection and Movement
Integumentary System
Skeletal System
Muscular System
Control and Regulation
Nervous System
Endocrine System
EXAMPLE
https://oli.cmu.edu/jcourse/workbook/activity/page?context=b880ec9e80020ca6016e07f4cf6a5732
1/2
5/8/13
Organ Systems
Skeletal System
As an example of how the components of an organ system work together, let’s look at the skeletal
system. The most obvious components of this system are the bones, which form a rigid framework for the
body. The bones contribute to our ability to stand upright and move around, but they can’t do it alone.
Ligaments and
cartilage are also parts of the skeletal system. Ligaments connect the bones to
each other. Cartilage cushions the spaces between the bones, allowing for smooth movement. And the
bones couldn’t move at all without the skeletal muscles, and
tendons that connect muscles to bones
(parts of the muscular system). The bones provide the muscles with something to pull against.
If one component of an organ system is damaged or malfunctions, the function of the organ system will be
affected. Think about a broken bone. If the femur breaks, it will be much harder to maintain an upright
posture, or to walk or run. These might also be more difficult if the cartilage of the femur is destroyed by
arthritis or a ligament in the knee is injured while playing a sport. If any component of the skeletal system
is damaged—bone, ligament or cartilage—the knee will not function properly.
The sections that follow will describe the details of the organ systems that perform the vital functions of life.
You will learn how they contribute to homeostasis and how imbalances in homeostasis lead to various disease
states.
Open Learning Initiativ e
11
Unless otherwise noted this work is licensed under a Creativ e Com m ons Attribution 3 .0 Unported License.
https://oli.cmu.edu/jcourse/workbook/activity/page?context=b880ec9e80020ca6016e07f4cf6a5732
2/2