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5.1: Organs and Systems of the Human Organism

  • Page ID
    11115
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    Learning objectiveS

    • Define organ and organ system, and list the organ systems in the human organization
    • Describe the functions of the organs systems, and list the main organs of each system

    An organ is a group of tissues that work together for the overall function of the organ, and an organ system is a group of organs that work together to perform a specific function. The human organism consists of eleven organ systems. They are Integumentary System, Skeletal System, Muscular System, Nervous System, Endocrine System, Cardiovascular System, Lymphatic System, Respiratory System, Digestive System, Urinary System, and Reproductive System (Female and Male).

    clipboard_eda2df8ed63396abcc7d134f1134bd543.png

    Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\) Organs and organ systems are the highest levels of complexity forming the human organism.

    Concepts, terms, and facts check

    Study Questions Write your answer in a sentence form (do not answer using loose words)

    1. What is an organ system?
    2. List all the organ systems in the human organism

    Refer to Figures \(\PageIndex{2}\) and \(\PageIndex{3}\) below to determine the organs and functions of the eleven organ systems. Note that some organs perform activities that directly participate in the functioning of more than one system. For example, the testes and ovaries both have an endocrine function (producing sex hormones) and a reproductive function (producing, cells called gametes that will fuse to make a new organism). Another example is the pancreas, which has an endocrine function (producing hormones) and a digestive function (producing juices that help digestion).

    All organ systems must work correctly for an organism, such as humans, to maintain homeostasis and health. Since all organ systems are ultimately made of ions and molecules, an understanding of the chemical and cellular organization of the body, as reviewed in this course, is needed in order to successfully master human anatomy and physiology.

    clipboard_ee22445d12aaca78ac56de4e76f948d70.png

    Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\) Organs and function of Integumentary System, Skeletal System, Muscular System, Nervous System, Endocrine System, Cardiovascular System

    clipboard_e00b138610012616c94ad553a394d4e1b.png

    Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\) Organs and function of lymphatic system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and female and male reproductive system

    Concepts, terms, and facts check

    Study Questions Write your answer in a sentence form (do not answer using loose words)

    1. What is the function of the Integumentary System?
    2. List the organs of the Integumentary System.
    3. What is the function of the Skeletal System?
    4. List the organs of the Skeletal System.
    5. What is the function of the Muscular System?
    6. List the organs of the Muscular System.
    7. What is the function of the Nervous System?
    8. List the organs of the Nervous System.
    9. What is the function of the Endocrine System?
    10. List the organs of the Endocrine System.
    11. What is the function of the Cardiovascular System?
    12. List the organs of the Cardiovascular System.
    13. What is the function of the Lymphatic System?
    14. List the organs of the Lymphatic System.
    15. What is the function of the Respiratory System?
    16. List the organs of the Respiratory System.
    17. What is the function of the Digestive System?
    18. List the organs of the Digestive System.
    19. What is the function of the Urinary System?
    20. List the organs of the Urinary System.
    21. What is the function of the Female Reproductive System?
    22. List the organs of the Female Reproductive System.
    23. What is the function of the Male Reproductive System?
    24. List the organs of the Male Reproductive System.


    5.1: Organs and Systems of the Human Organism is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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