Overview of the Organ Systems
Start with the big picture
The overview covers eleven major organ systems and their key structures and functions. The integumentary, skeletal, and muscular systems contribute to protection, support, and movement; the nervous and endocrine systems coordinate body activity through different forms of signaling. Cardiovascular, lymphatic/immune, and respiratory functions include circulation, fluid return, defense, and gas exchange. The digestive and urinary systems process nutrients and wastes and help regulate the body’s internal environment. The reproductive system supports gamete production, hormone synthesis, fertilization, and offspring. The lesson also connects these individual roles through interrelationships and homeostasis, and highlights common misconceptions to watch for when distinguishing system functions.
What you'll learn
- Identify the major structures associated with each human organ system.
- Describe the primary functions of the eleven organ systems.
- Distinguish the coordination roles of the nervous and endocrine systems.
- Explain how organ systems contribute to homeostasis and support one another.
- Recognize common misconceptions about organ-system functions.
Continue your study
Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.
