1.5 Organs
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An organ is a group of different tissues that work together to perform a certain function. The diagram below shows the main organs in the body and where they are located.
Organ Systems
It is often the case that jobs are carried out in the human body by many different organs rather than by one organ. This is known as an organ system and we have many organ systems in the body. If we take the circulatory system, we see that the function of the system is to get oxygen and other substances to where they are needed in the body by pumping blood around veins. In this system, the heart pumps blood and blood vessels transport substances around the body to where they are needed. Here are some other organ systems:
It is often the case that jobs are carried out in the human body by many different organs rather than by one organ. This is known as an organ system and we have many organ systems in the body. If we take the circulatory system, we see that the function of the system is to get oxygen and other substances to where they are needed in the body by pumping blood around veins. In this system, the heart pumps blood and blood vessels transport substances around the body to where they are needed. Here are some other organ systems:
- Digestive system – digest food and absorb desired digested substances into the blood. The gut, pancreas and gall bladder are involved.
- Endocrine system – this system involves glands that secrete chemical messages to signal parts of the body to carry out a certain function.
- Excretory system – filters toxic waste material from the body. Kidneys are used to take out toxic waste materials
- Nervous system – this system coordinates the body’s actions. It involves the brain, spinal cord and nerves.
- Reproduction system – this facilitates the development of an embryo. In males, it involves producing sperm and in females it involves developing an egg by using various hormones.
- Respiratory system – this system is the gas exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. It includes the lungs.