Cardiovascular system
The heart and blood vessels make up this system. The heart is a pump forcing blood into a network of blood vessels allowing it to travel to organs and delivery sites requiring oxygen gas for respirationnutrients and the removal of waste substances.
Digestive system
This system resembles a long tube with attached organs. Ingested food is broken down into constituent nutrient molecules that are then absorbed into the bloodstream. Indigestible remains are then egested.
Endocrine system
Composed of a number of small organs distributed throughout the body, the endocrine system coordinates the metabolic activity of body cells by interacting with the nervous system. Endocrine glands produce hormones (chemical messengers) released into the blood and transported to target sites around the body.
Excretory system
The excretory system is composed of the kidneys (urine-forming organs), the bladder (temporary storage for urine) and channels for moving this liquid waste around. Kidneys are blood purifiers filtering liquid from the bloodstream, removing undesirable substances (such as toxins) and returning those still required to the blood.
Immune system
The immune system is a protection mechanism composed of specialised cells, cell products, tissues, organs and processes within an organism that protect against pathogens.
Integumentary system
Commonly known as the skin, this system wraps the body in a protective covering with a number of functions such as UV protection and temperature regulation, taking it well beyond being just a mere covering.
Musculoskeletal system
The skeleton provides a framework on which the human body is arranged. It is articulated to allow free movement in conjunction with the skeletal muscles. They control movement, posture and assist the body with heat generation. Our bodies are held together by connective tissue.
Respiratory system
Our bodies are made up of countless cells all requiring oxygen to carry out the important process of respiration. In this process cells use oxygen gas and produce carbon dioxide gas – a waste product that must be removed from the body. The process of breathing allows these gases to be exchanged between the blood and lungs.
Reproductive system
The human body has a system of organs that work together for the purpose of reproduction. The biological purpose of this process is the continuation of life.
Nervous system
The nervous system is made up of a network of specialised cells, tissues and organs that coordinate and regulate the responses of the body to internal and external stimuli.
