Organs

What are organs?

  • An organ is made up of different tissues carrying out a joint function.

  • Humans have five vital organs that are necessary for survival.

  • These are the brain, heart, kidneys, liver and lungs.

  • The human brain is the body's control center, that receive and send messages to other organs.

  • The heart pumps blood around your body.

  • The kidneys filter that blood in our body and produce urine.

  • The liver cleans your blood removing waste from your body.

  • The lungs' main function is to separate oxygen from the air and remove carbon dioxide from the blood.

  • The stomach helps to digest food.

  • The skin protects us from bacteria, viruses, infection and other harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

  • The intestines absorb nutrients and minerals found in food.

Organ systems

  • An organ system is a group of organs working together to carry out particular functions.

  • Examples of organ systems include the digestive system, the cardiovascular system, the musculoskeletal system, respiratory system, reproductive system, and immune system .

  • The digestive system includes the stomach and small and large intestines. It breaks down food and absorbs nutrients.

  • The circulatory system includes the heart, veins, arteries and capillaries. Its function is to transport substances in the blood and around the body where they are needed..

  • The musculoskeletal system includes bones and different types of muscles. It supports our body and allows movement.

  • The respiratory system includes the nose, lungs and the trachea. It delivers oxygen and removes carbon dioxide from the body.

  • The reproductive system includes the uterus and ovaries in women, and the epididymis, penis and testes in men.

  • The immune system includes bone marrow. It protects the body from infection in a number of different ways.