Body System Flashcards
The Integumentary System
Consists of the skin (including glands such as sweat and oil glands), hair, and nails. Its primary function is protection. The skin prevents bacteria, foreign bodies, and chemicals from entering the body and allows people to feel pain, heat, cold, and pressure. Other functions of the integumentary system are temperature regulation and prevention of water loss or excessive absorption of water.
The Skeletal System
Consists of bones and joints (including cartilage and ligaments). Its primary function is support (and with the help of muscle movement). Bones also store minerals and fat, as well as produce blood cells.
The Muscular System
Consists of voluntary (striated) and involuntary (smooth) muscles. Its primary function is movement. Muscles also allow the body to maintain posture and produce heat.
The Nervous System
Consists of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and sensory receptors that allow us to see, hear, smell, taste, touch, and feel. Its primary function is to regulate the body’s control system to maintain homeostasis. The nervous system allows us to communicate, think, and coordinate body movements by producing nerve impulses.
The Endocrine System
Consists of hormone-producing glands throughout the body that regulate and affect metabolism, growth, sleep cycles, stress hormones, blood glucose levels, and reproduction.
The Cardiovascular (or Circulatory) System
Consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood. Its primary function is to transport oxygen, nutrients, hormones, water, and waste products throughout the body. Other functions of the cardiovascular system include body-temperature regulation and immune-system response
The Lymphatic System
Consists of lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, spleen, tonsils, and thymus. Its primary function is to protect the body by filtering the blood and lymph and removing toxins that can cause infection and disease. The lymphatic system also serves as a transport system for white blood cells and interstitial fluid.
The Respiratory System
Consists of the airway (nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi) and lungs. Its primary function is to provide the body with a way to take in oxygen and eliminate carbon dioxide.
The Digestive System
Consists of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, rectum, and anus. This system also includes accessory organs such as teeth, salivary glands, tongue, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Its primary function is to break down food for absorption of nutrients and elimination of waste. This system performs its function mechanically and chemically. For example, the mouth-by chewing-physically breaks down food while enzymes in saliva break it down further.
The Urinary System
consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Its primary function is to remove waste products from the blood and eliminate excess fluid from the body.
The Reproductive System
produces hormones related to sexual functions and procreation. The female reproductive system consists of internal organs (ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina) and external structures (vaginal opening, labia, clitoris). The mammary glands (breasts) also play a role in female reproduction in the form of lactation. The male system consists of the testes, epididymis, vas deferens, urethra, and penis.
