Body Systems Flashcards
Skin
The outer protective layer of the body. Protects the interior from dehydration, microorganisms, abrasion, and radiation. Serves sensory and metabolic functions.
Skeletal System
Comprises the bones and cartilage of the body. Provides rigidity to the body and support for soft internal organs, as well as attachments for skeletal muscles, reservoirs for calcium & fat storage, and a cite for blood-cell production.
Nervous System
Comprises the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and ganglia. Processes information about the environment and the body’s interior, and it initiates movement of the limbs or changes in the body.
Muscular System
Brings about body movement, includes the voluntary muscles of the body. Muscle fibers attach either to a bone by a tendon, or to the skin, as is the case with facial muscles.
Circulatory System
Consists of the heart to pump blood and the arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venues, and veins to carry blood.
Digestive System
Concerned with the ingestion, digestion, and absorption of food and water, and the excretion of residual waste. Extends from the mouth to the anus and has associated glands (salivary, exocrine, pancreas, and liver).
Respiratory System
Comprises the nose, larynx, airways, and lungs. Concerned primarily with bringing air into the body for exchange between the air sacs and blood.
Urinary System
Comprises the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra. Primarily concerned with the excretion of nitrogenous waste (urea in urine), but is also important for control of the pH and ionic concentrations of the blood.
Endocrine System
Includes the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and endocrine pancreas glands. Made up of a series of glands that maintain homeostasis— the relatively constant internal state of the body.
Reproductive System
The male and female systems concerned with the production and nurturing of the next generation. Includes the gonads, which produce sex cells, as well as associated glands, erectile tissue, the uterus, and breasts.
