Types of Body Systems

The knee bone is connected to the thigh bone, and the thigh bone is connected to the hip bone. When we think about how our bodies are constructed, many of us may refer back to songs about the subject that we may have learned as children. This usually tends to make a complex subject easier to understand.

The Facts

• According to the "Encyclopedia Britannica," the human organism is composed of living cells and extracellular materials and organized into nine major organ systems. These systems are the integumentary system, the musculoskeletal system, the respiratory system, the circulatory system, the digestive system, the excretory system, the nervous system, the endocrine system and the reproductive system.

Significance

• As the saying goes, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. In this respect, the human organism is thought of not as merely a collection pieces, but a singular entity---all of these organ systems work together to facilitate to process of life in the body.

Identification

• Each of these systems revolve around major organ(s) or structure(s). The integumentary system is made up of the skin and its structures. The musculoskeletal system is made up of the skeletal muscles and bones. The circulatory system is made up of the heart, the blood and the blood vessels. The digestive system is made up of the mouth, the esophagus, the stomach and the intestines. The excretory system is made up of the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder and the urethra. The nervous system is made up of the sensory organs, the brain, the spinal cord and the nerves. The endocrine system is made up of hormone-secreting glands and tissues. And, finally, the reproductive system is made up of the male or female sex organs.

Function

• A particular function served by each of these systems. These functions include the integumentary system protects the body from the invasion of harmful microorganisms and chemicals. The musculoskeletal system serves to move the body. The respiratory system pulls oxygen from the air. The circulatory system circulates plasma fluid throughout the body. And the digestive system breaks food down into usable nutrients.

Benefits

• Every system has its own set of benefits that it provides the body. For instance, the musculoskeletal system houses and protects its internal organs. And the circulatory system provides the cells a supply of oxygen and nutrients; while the nervous system analyzes and transmits sensory information and also transports impulses to affect muscular and glandular responses. There are numerous other benefits these systems provide. For a more comprehensive breakdown, refer to the "American Medical Association's Atlas of the Human Body."