Each body system is made up of organs and body parts that work together to keep the body functioning normally. Body systems work in harmony with each other, and some body systems have the job of regulating organs from other body systems. One example of this is the nervous system. The nervous system controls the glands within the endocrine system. Each type of body system has its own set of jobs to accomplish.
Integumentary
The skin, oil glands, sweat glands, nerve fibers, hair and nails make up the integumentary system, with the skin being the largest organ in the body. There can be up 18 square feet of skin on a mature person. The layer of skin that is visible is called the epidermis. This layer of skin protects the body. The layer of skin beneath the epidermis is the dermis, and below the dermis is the subcutaneous tissue.
Musculoskeletal
The musculoskeletal system is made up of bones, tendons, joints, cartilage and muscles. This body system is responsible for flexibility and mobility. The body houses 206 bones and more than 500 muscles. Bones in the body offer protection to organs such as the brain, heart and lungs. They also act as a frame that gives form to the body. Some muscles assist the body in movement and can be controlled, while others are involuntary and cannot be controlled. Muscles are found in the face and limbs, as well as in the stomach. One extremely important muscle is the heart.
Nervous
The nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord and nerves. The brain and spinal cord regulate thoughts and mental action, and these two body parts also regulate sight, smell, taste and the ability to feel and hear. The brain and spinal cord also regulate muscle activity. A human brain can weigh as much as 48 ounces. Nerves attached to the spinal cord transmit messages to the brain and away from it.
Digestive
The digestive system breaks down and delivers nutritious matter to the body. Food is first broken down in the mouth and the small intestine is where digestion ends. Parts of the digestive system include the mouth, esophagus, stomach and the small and large intestine.
Respiratory
The main job of the respiratory system is bringing oxygen to the cells. Oxygen is crucial for survival. Parts of the respiratory system include the nose, mouth, trachea, bronchi and lungs.
Circulatory
The circulatory system delivers nutrients to the cells and eliminates impurities. It consists of a steady stream of blood that travels from the heart, through the body and back to the heart. Parts of the circulatory system include the heart, arteries, veins, capillaries and blood.
Endocrine
The endocrine system regulates hormones responsible for growth, mental attitude and metabolism. Hormones are delivered to organs in the body via the blood, and the majority of hormones are produced inside glands. The glands in the endocrine system are ductless.
Reproductive
The reproductive system is responsible for procreation. Parts of the reproductive system in women include the breasts, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix and vagina. The ovaries house eggs that can be fertilized when released. When an egg is released, it travels through a fallopian tube and to the uterus. The uterus is where a fertilized egg develops for about nine months, after which a developed baby may be delivered through the vagina. Parts of the reproductive system in men include the Cowper's glands, epididymis tubes, penis, prostate gland, seminal vesicles, scrotum, sperm, testes, urethra and vas deferens. These parts of the male reproductive system work together to fertilize eggs in the female reproductive system.
References
- Girlshealth: Get to Know Your Body
- 4Parents: Male Reproductive System
- "Miladay's Standard Textbook for Professional Estheticians", Joel Gerson, 1999
