Overview of Major Organ Systems

Introduction

• Purpose: Introduction to major organ systems, their major organs, and main functions.
• Detailed exploration of each system will follow in the course.

Integumentary System

• Major Organs: Skin, hair, nails, sensory receptors.
• Functions:
  • Protection
  • Regulation of body temperature
  • Environmental sensing

Skeletal System

• Components: Bones, joints, ligaments, cartilages.
• Functions:
  • Support, protection, movement
  • Storage of inorganic salts
  • Blood cell production

Muscular System

• Components: Skeletal muscles, tendons.
• Functions:
  • Movement
  • Posture support
  • Heat production

Nervous System

• Components: Brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, sensory organs.
• Functions:
  • Detect and interpret stimuli
  • Coordinate body's responses by stimulating glands or muscles

Endocrine System

• Major Organs: Pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries, testes.
• Functions:
  • Hormone production
  • Regulate bodily processes with nervous system
  • Long-term effects vs. nervous system's quick actions

Cardiovascular System

• Components: Heart, blood, blood vessels.
• Functions:
  • Transport oxygen, nutrients, hormones
  • Remove waste from cells

Lymphatic System

• Components: Lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, thymus, spleen, immune cells.
• Functions:
  • Drain and filter interstitial fluid
  • Integral part of immune system

Respiratory System

• Components: Nose, trachea, lungs, pharynx.
• Functions:
  • Gas exchange (oxygen and CO2)

Digestive System

• Components: Mouth, pharynx, stomach, small and large intestines, liver.
• Functions:
  • Breakdown and absorption of nutrients
  • Waste elimination

Urinary System

• Components: Kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra.
• Functions:
  • Filter blood
  • Maintain fluid and electrolyte balance
  • Remove waste products

Reproductive System

• Male Organs: Testes, epididymis.
• Female Organs: Ovaries, uterus.
• Functions:
  • Production and transport of gametes
  • Hormone production
  • Female: housing embryo and birth process

Conclusion

• Each organ system will be explored in greater depth in the following weeks.