Human Body Structure

Monday 27 June 2011 | VASSANTHAN.M at 04:44 |

Introduction

·        The Human Body is rather like a highly technical and sophisticated machice. It operates as a single entity, but is made up of a number of systems that work interdependently.

·    Each System that work inter dependently.

·    Each System is associated with a specific, and sometimes related, function that is normally essential for the well-being of the individual.

·   If one system fails, the consequences are likely to extend to other systems, and may reduce the ability of the body to function normally.

·   Integrated working of the body systems ensures the ability of the individual to survive.

   There are many systems in the human body:

Skeletal Systems

Fig: Skeletal System

Major Role: The main role of the skeletal system is to provide support for the body, to protect delicate internal organs and to provide attachment sites for the organs.

Major Organs:
Bones, cartilage, tendons and ligaments.

2. Muscular Systems

Fig: Muscular System

Major Role:
The main role of the muscular system is to provide movement.  Muscles work in pairs to move limbs and provide the organism with mobility.  Muscles also control the movement of materials through some organs, such as the stomach and intestine, and the heart and circulatory system. 

Major Organs:
Skeletal muscles and smooth muscles throughout the body.

3. Circulatory Systems

Fig: Heart

Major Role:
The main role of the circulatory system is to transport nutrients, gases (such as oxygen and CO₂), hormones and wastes through the body.

Major Organs:
Heart, blood vessels and blood.

4. Nervous System

Fig: Cental Nervous System

Major Role:
The main role of the nervous system is to relay electrical signals through the body.  The nervous system directs behaviour and movement and, along with the endocrine system, controls physiological processes such as digestion, circulation, etc. 

Major Organs:
Brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves.

5. Respiratory System:

Fig: Respiratory System

       Major Role:
       The main role of the respiratory system is to provide gas exchange between the blood and the environment.  Primarily, oxygen is absorbed from the atmosphere into the body and carbon dioxide is expelled from the body.

Major Organs:
Nose, trachea and lungs.

6. Digestive System:

Fig: Digestive System

Major Role:
The main role of the digestive system is to breakdown and absorb nutrients that are necessary for growth and maintenance.

Major Organs:
Mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines.

7. Excretory System:

Fig: Excretory System

Major Role:
The main role of the excretory system is to filter out cellular wastes, toxins and excess water or nutrients from the circulatory system.

Major Organs:
Kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.

8. Endocrine System:

Fig: Endocrine System

Major Role:
The main role of the endocrine system is to relay chemical messages through the body.  In conjunction with the nervous system, these chemical messages help control physiological processes such as nutrient absorption, growth, etc.

  

Major Organs:
Many glands exist in the body that secrete endocrine hormones.  Among these are the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, pancreas and adrenal glands.

9. Reproductive System:

Fig: Male Reproductive System

Fig: Female Reproductive System

Major Role:
The main role of the reproductive system is to manufacture cells that allow reproduction.  In the male, sperm are created to inseminate egg cells produced in the female.

Major Organs:
Female (top): ovaries, oviducts, uterus, vagina and mammary glands. 
Male (bottom): testes, seminal vesicles and penis. 

10. Lymphatic/Immune System:

Fig: Lymphatic System

Major Role:
The main role of the immune system is to destroy and remove invading microbes and viruses from the body.  The lymphatic system also removes fat and excess fluids from the blood. 

Major Organs:
Lymph, lymph nodes and vessels, white blood cells, T- and B- cells.