Different types of systems in our body

Our body is one of the biggest miracles of nature.

It is a complex system of so many different sub-systems that work in harmony to ensure that we remain healthy, happy, and can reach our maximum potential.

Let us take a look at each of these systems and what their functions are.

The 11 systems of our body

There are 11 organ systems include the integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, lymphatic system, respiratory system, digestive system, nervous system, endocrine system, cardiovascular system, urinary system, and reproductive systems.

Let us take a long at each of these systems briefly:

1. Integumentary System (Skin, Hair, Nails)

The integumentary system is the largest organ of the body.

It is about 15-20% of our total body mass.

It is a very crucial part of our body as it acts as a barrier to physical, chemical, and biological agents.

Individually all these organs play a crucial part in preventing any external attack. 

The skin prevents water loss and regulates body temperature.

It is important in transmitting the senses of touch, pain, and pleasure and maintains body temperature by secreting sweat.

Our hair lubricates the scalp, which secretes pheromones and cools or warms our heads. Finally, our nails protect our fingers, which are a major tool used for protecting ourselves and providing ourselves with food, shelter, and sensations.

Hence, we are the most vulnerable when the skin is compromised by open wounds, allowing infectious agents into the body. 

2. Musculoskeletal System

This system is a combination of the two systems that give our body the mass and structure it requires to hold shape and do motor functions. 

3. Skeletal System (Bones, Joints)

This system protects internal organs and supports the entire body.

Ribs protect the abdominal organs, the skull protects the brain both of which are vulnerable to extreme injuries.

It provides the framework and shape to our bodies.

Moreover, the skeleton also connects major muscles allowing proper movement of the body.

Bones store minerals such as calcium and create blood cells in the soft bone tissue called marrow. 

4. Muscular System (Cardiac, Smooth, and Skeletal Muscles)

a. Cardiac muscles-found in the heart and power the actions that maintain blood flow through our body;

b. Smooth, or involuntary muscles- found in the heart and organs, they surround the internal organs and are responsible for their movement such as moving food through the digestive tract; and

c. Skeletal, or voluntary muscles responsible for carrying out the actions and movements caused by messages sent from our brains through our nervous system.

Skeletal muscles are also responsible for maintaining posture and producing heat.

When muscles lack appropriate levels of oxygen they can cramp and tear, creating pain. When not used they can atrophy and become useless.

Diseases and disorders of the muscular system include muscular dystrophy; fibromyalgia; tendonitis; multiple sclerosis; and muscle strain or sprains; hernias.

5. Lymphatic System (Red Bone Marrow, Thymus, Lymphatic Vessels, Thoracic Duct, Spleen, Lymph Nodes)

All the clean fluids in our body are transported from the body back to the blood and excess fluids are drained and debris from the tissues and cells.

This is done by the lymphatic system.

It also houses the white blood(lymphocytes) that are involved in protecting our bodies from infection.

6.Respiratory System – (Nasal Cavity, Pharynx, Larynx, Trachea, Bronchus, Lung)

The main goal of this system is the moderate our breathing.

The respiratory system focuses on collecting oxygen from the lungs and delivering it all over the body.

It also disposes of carbon dioxide by breathing out the waste products.

Lastly, it has a significant role in the functions of speech and smell.

Digestive system (Oral Cavity, Esophagus, Liver, Stomach, Small Intestine, Large

7. Intestine, Rectum, Anus)

The system is responsible for one of our favorite things to do as humans, beginning with our mouths, this system is responsible for the breaking down and absorption of nutrients and the elimination of the waste not utilized by the body.

It hones the responsibility of identifying which minerals, vitamins, and other essentials from the foods we eat can be absorbed and utilized or stored by the body and which are to be disposed of and carrying out those functions.

8. Nervous System– (Brain, Spinal Cord, Nerves)

The nervous system comprises two parts- the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system.

The former is made up of the brain and spinal cord, while the latter is made up of all the nerves that lead into and out of the CNS to other parts of the body.

This system plays a very important role in our body as it is responsible for all the other systems, such as digestion and cardiac rhythm, and responds to internal and external changes, such as activating muscles and breathing.

It also transmits information to the brain, such as pain and external sensations.

9. Endocrine System– (Pineal Gland, Pituitary Gland, Thyroid Gland, Thymus, Adrenal Gland, Pancreas, Ovary, Testis)

These are very important in making hormones, which regulate most of the processes in our body such as growth, reproduction, metabolism, and even the control of the amount of glucose in our blood.

10. Cardiovascular (Circulatory) System– (Heart, Blood Vessels)

The heart, made of cardiac muscle, pumps blood and blood vessels such as arteries and veins, transport the blood to every part of our body providing organs and muscles with nourishment.

The blood carries oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, waste, and more throughout the body. 

11. Urinary system (Kidney, Ureter, Urinary Bladder, Urethra)

The urinary system has the task of removing all the waste products of metabolism along with other toxic substances from the body that are of no use.

It is also responsible for maintaining the balanced fluid volume in our bodies by regulating the amount of water that is excreted, maintaining the concentrations of electrolytes, and normal pH levels of the blood. 

12. Reproductive Systems

The reproductive system mainly functions to create human life. Ovaries produce female sex hormones and eggs.

Eggs are fertilized in the fallopian tube by sperm then travel to the uterus, which provides the site for growth.

The mammary glands produce milk for the newborn.