BODY SYSTEMS

INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM
MUSCULAR SYSTEM
SKELETAL SYSTEM
CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
NERVOUS SYSTEM
LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
URINARY SYSTEM
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
CELLS
TISSUES
ORGANS
Our body structures are arranged into several different systems, each with its own
specific function. The smallest units in the body are CELLS, which share certain characteristics.
These tiny structures are collected into TISSUES, which are themselves arranged
into ORGANS. Different body systems consist of collections of cells, tissues, and organs with a
common purpose.

INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM
The skin, hair, and nails form the bodys outer covering, or integument. They help to protect the
bodys internal parts from damage and provide a barrier to invasion by infectious organisms. An
adults skin covers an area of about 2 m2 or 22 sq ft.

MUSCULAR SYSTEM
The muscular system consists of layers of muscles that cover the bones of the skeleton, extend
across joints, and can contract and relax to produce movement.

SKELETAL SYSTEM
The skeleton is a strong yet flexible framework of bones and connective tissue. It provides
support for the body and protection for many of its internal parts.

CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
This system consists of the heart and a network of vessels that carry blood. It supplies oxygen
and nutrients to the bodys cells and removes waste products.

NERVOUS SYSTEM
The nervous system is the bodys main control system. It consists of the brain, the spinal cord,
and a network of nerves that extend out to the rest of the body.

LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
This system is a network of vessels that collects fluid from tissues and returns it to the blood. It
also contains groups of cells that protect the body against infection.

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
The respiratory system is centred on the lungs, which work to get life-giving oxygen into the
blood. They also rid the body of a waste product, carbon dioxide.

ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
Many body processes, such as growth and energy production, are directed by hormones. These
chemicals are released by the glands of the endocrine system.

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
The digestive system takes in the food the body needs to fuel its activities. It breaks the food
down into units called nutrients and absorbs the nutrients into the blood.

URINARY SYSTEM
The bodys cells produce waste products, many of which are eliminated in urine. The job of the
urinary system is to make urine and expel it from the body.

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
The male and female parts of the reproductive system produce the sperm and eggs needed to
create a new person. They also bring these tiny cells together.

CELLS
The basic building blocks of the body are tiny structures called cells. The human body contains
trillions of cells, which fall into several types nerve cells, muscle cells, fat cells, liver cells, and
so on each with a different function. A typical cell has a central nucleus surrounded by some
jellylike material called cytoplasm. Covering the cytoplasm is the plasma membrane. This
controls the movement of substances into and out of the cell.

NERVE CELLS
Nerve cells, or neurons, are one of the most numerous types of body cell. Each nerve cell has a
central body, containing the cell nucleus, and fibrelike projections, which can be up to 1 m (3 1/3
ft) long. The nervous system contains billions of neurons, which collect and transmit information
around the body. The adult brain alone may contain as many as 25 billion neurons.

CELLS
Cells come in different shapes and sizes, but all have features in common. Most cells have a
nucleus. This contains genetic material, which directs the cells activities. The cytoplasm
contains small structures called organelles. There are several types of organelle, each with a
specific job. Mitochondria, for example, produce energy for the cell.

TISSUES
Cells group together to form tissues, each with specific functions. Connective tissue is the most
widespread; it separates and supports other tissues and organs, and includes cartilage and
bone. Adipose tissue is packed with fat cells, which provide energy storage and insulation.
Epithelial tissue protects and lines the surfaces of many body organs. Other types include
muscle and nervous tissue.

ORGANS
Tissues are grouped together in the body to form organs. These include the brain, heart, lungs,
kidneys, and liver. Each body organ has a specific shape and is made up of different types of
tissue that work together. For example, the heart consists mainly of a specialized type of muscle
tissue, which contracts rhythmically to provide the hearts pumping action. But it also contains
nervous tissue, which carries the electrical signals that bring about the contractions, and is lined
with epithelial tissue.

BRAIN
The brain is the bodys most complex organ. Its main parts include the cerebrum, responsible
for thought and reasoning, and the brainstem, which controls vital processes such as breathing.
The brain consists mainly of nervous tissue.