What is a system in biology?
In biology, a system is a set of ordered organs that are related and interact with each other to fulfill a certain physiological function.
Organs are associations of different tissues that fulfill a specific function but, at the same time, require the other organs of the system to function properly, that is, they work in an integrated manner.
Within each system, the organs have the same embryological origin and the same structure.
What is the difference between device and system?
In biology, the words “system” and “apparatus” are often used interchangeably, although there are authors who establish differences between both terms.
- System. It is made up of organs that have a similar structure and origin, in addition to being homogeneous. This means that within each system the same type of tissue predominates. Furthermore, each system works in an integrated manner to fulfill a specific function.
- Apparatus. It is made up of elements that are not homogeneous or equal to each other but are heterogeneous and different. Furthermore, these elements are not organs but systems, so the function of each device has a higher rank than that of any system. It has several specific functions and its objectives are broader than those of systems.
How many systems does the human body have?
The circulatory system transports oxygen and nutrients to the organs of the human body.
In the human body there are the following devices and systems, with their respective functions and organs:
- Circulatory system . It is responsible for transporting oxygen and nutrients to the organs of the human body. This device is made up of the heart, blood and blood vessels (capillaries, veins and arteries), which transport blood throughout the body.
- Respiratory system. Composed of lungs, nasal passages and tubes, this device’s main function is the exchange of gases within the body.
- Digestive system . Its main function is to transform and absorb food so that it can be used by the body’s cells. The functions of digestion are the transportation of food, the secretion of digestive juices, the absorption of nutrients and excretion. The organs that make up this apparatus are the large intestine, small intestine, pancreas, liver, esophagus and salivary glands.
- Integumentary system. Its main function is to protect, separate and inform the living being about the environment in which it is immersed. On certain occasions, it also acts as an exoskeleton. The faneras and the skin are the organisms that make it up.
- Muscular system . It is what gives shape, structure and mobility to the body. It is made up of muscles that also protect certain vital organs.
- Reproductive system . Its task is to promote sexual reproduction. Urination and the synthesis of sex hormones also depend on it.
- Immune system . Its function is to protect the human body from outside agents. It is made up of the thymus, mucosa, bone marrow, blood, lymphatic system, skin and vessels.
- Endocrine system . It is responsible for secreting hormones that regulate certain functions of the body such as metabolism or growth.
- Nervous system . It is responsible for capturing and processing information from the environment to, from it and through nervous connections, send control and coordination signals to the different organs of the body.
- Excretory system. He is in charge of waste disposal. Among the organs that make it up are the kidneys, urethra, bladder and ureters.
- Osseous system . Composed of bones, it is the system that protects the rest of the organs and gives support and support to the body.
- Lymphatic system. Its function is to transport lymph to the heart in a unidirectional manner. It is made up of lymphatic tissues, lymph, spleen, bone marrow, thymus and lymph nodes.
References
- “Systems and devices of the human body” in Research Library.
- “The Systems of the Human Body” in Woodward Spanish.