Anatomy and Physiology Resource Site

1.3 - Organ Systems

Many organ systems work together in the body of an organism to perform its life functions and to allow it to and carry out its daily activities.

There are eleven basic organ systems found in vertebrate animals.

Integumentary

Body coverings that protect the outside of the organism and deeper tissues. Contains receptors, sweat and oil glands. Produces Vitamin D.

Skeletal

Protects and supports internal organs and provides the structure needed to support movement. Forms blood cells and stores minerals.

Muscular

Creates movement, including locomotion and facial expression. Supports the body to create posture, and produces heat during movement.

Nervous

Electrical and chemical signaling system that controls body movements. Detects and responds to external and internal stimuli.

Endocrine

Chemical signaling system consisting of glands that secrete hormones. Hormones regulate body processes and metabolic activities.

Cardiovascular

Circulates gases, nutrients and wastes via the heart, blood vessels and circulatory fluid.

Lymphatic

Returns fluid from body tissues to the cardiovascular system. Plays an important role in body defenses and immunity.

Respiratory

Exchange of gases between the external and internal environments.

Digestive

Ingestion and breakdown of food to extract nutrients. Elimination of wastes.

Urinary

Elimination of nitrogenous wastes. Water, electrolyte and acid-base balance in bodily fluids.

Reproductive

Creation of offspring and the production of related hormones. Female and male reproductive systems consist of different organs and produce different hormones.

Male reproductive

Testes produce sperm and male sex hormone. Ducts and glands assist in the delivery of the male gamete (sperm) to the female reproductive tract.

Female reproductive

Ovaries produce the female gamete (egg) and female sex hormones. Site of fertilization and development of the fetus. In mammals, mammary glands produce milk.