Systems Flashcards
Integumentary system
The Integumentary system is the skin. It regulates body temperature, acts as a sensory receptor to internal and external stimuli, excretes waste from the body through sweat, and absorbs vitamin D and calcium from sunlight to nourish the body.
Cardiovascular system
The heart and circulatory system (blood vessels, including arteries, veins and capillaries) make up the cardiovascular system. It delivers blood to all the body’s tissues, carrying nutrients and oxygen to every cell within the body and removing waste products (such as carbon dioxide). Oxygen-rich blood is carried to the parts of the body through the arteries. The veins carry blood back to the heart. The Pulmonary Vein carries blood to the lungs where carbon dioxide is exchanged for oxygen.
Circulatory system
The circulatory system is composed of the heart and the blood vessels and provides cells within the body with nutrients (via blood). Pulmonary circulation is the loop from the heart to the lungs and back again. While Systemic Circulation (what we usually think of as our circulatory system) sends blood from the heart to all the other parts of our bodies and back again.
Lymphatic system
The lymphatic system works with the circulatory system to distribute fluids and nutrients throughout the body, and rids the body of unnecessary substances through a clear to yellow fluid referred to as “lymph” which contains white blood cells, proteins and fats. It also aids the immune system in removing and destroying waste, debris, dead blood cells, pathogens, toxins, and cancer cells, and drains excess fluids and protein to prevent edema. The role of the lymph nodes is to filter the lymph before it can return to the circulatory system.
Urinary system
The urinary system or urinary tract includes the urethra, the bladder, 2 ureters, and 2 kidneys. It is the system that produces, stores, and eliminates urine. The male and female urinary system only differs in the length of the urethra.
Endocrine system
This is a system of glands that produce and secrete hormones. Hormones regulate the body’s growth, metabolism, sexual development, and function. The major glands that make up the endocrine system are the thyroid, parathyroid glands, pituitary, hypothalamus, adrenal glands, pineal body and the reproductive glands (ovaries and testes).
Nervous system
This is a complex system consisting of the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS) that regulates and coordinates body activities. It sends and receives information via electrical signals carried by the nerves and interprets that information in the brain. The CNS is made up of the brain and spinal cord. The PNS is made up of our nerves, sense organs (eyes, ears, etc.) and other neural elements (receptors in muscles, skin, joints, etc.).
Reproductive system
This is the system by which both male and female humans reproduce. It is sometimes called the genital system as it is made up of the organs in the pelvic region that contribute toward the reproductive process. The organs of the female reproductive system include the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, and mammary glands. The male reproductive system includes the testes, scrotum, penis, vas deferens, and prostate.
Digestive system
The main organs of the digestive system consist of the mouth, tongue, salivary glands, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, anus, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. This system is responsible for ingesting and digesting food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste.
Respiratory system
This system is responsible for delivering oxygenated blood to all parts of the body. Through breathing, the body inhales oxygen and exhales carbon dioxide, warms and moisturizes the air, and filters debris. The main organs of the respiratory system include the pharynx, larynx, nasal cavity, oral cavity, trachea, lungs, bronchus, bronchioles, and alveoli.
Musculoskeletal system
This is the system that gives the human body form and stability and enables movement. It consists of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage, and other connective tissue. Connective tissue assists in the support function of this system and is made of elastic fibers and collagen, a protein substance.
Spine (Vertebral Column)
Strong, flexible group of bones which provides structure for the upper body. It encloses and protects the spinal cord, supports the head, and serves as an attachment for ribs. (Also known as Spinal Column)
Five regions of the spine: 1. Cervical, 2. Thoracic, 3. Lumbar, 4. Sacral (sacrum), 5. Coccygeal (coccyx)
Cervical Vertebrae
Uppermost part of the spine. C1-C7. (neck bones)
Thoracic Vertebrae
This is the mid-section of the spine (mid back), and makes up the largest part of the spinal column. Found below the Cervical, and above the Lumbar regions. T1-T12. Articulate with (attach to) the 12 pairs of ribs. (Formerly known as Dorsal Spine)
Lumbar Vertebrae
Below the thoracic spine. L1-L5. Strongest and largest of spinal bones. (lower back, small of back) The load of body weight is increased at the lower end of the spine, therefore it is a common place for backaches, injury and pathology. This is the area where the sciatic nerve lies (the large nerve that branches down into the legs) and pain in this region (sciatica) can radiate from the back all the way down to the foot.
