Human Body Systems
The human body is a single structure but comprises billions of smaller structures, including systems, organs, and cells. Systems are organizations of varying numbers and kinds of organs and different types of cells arranged together to perform complex functions for the body. Homeostasis is the state of balance among all of the body systems needed for the body to survive and function correctly. The survival of the human body depends on maintaining homeostasis of its internal environment and having all of the processes in the body work together to support the individual’s well-being and life.
Each of the major systems in the body is essential to the survival of the human organism, and each serves as a critical companion to the others. The nervous and endocrine systems direct the action and function of the body. The digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems work together to supply oxygen and blood to tissue, remove waste, and break down, utilize, and absorb nutrients. The circulatory system carries crucial nutrients to the skeletal and muscular systems. The muscle and skeletal system collectively act to move the body based on the directions from the nervous system. The skeletal system also protectively houses internal organs, such as the brain, heart, and lungs while the muscle system aids in any body movement ranging from breathing muscles to 1-millimeter muscular structures. The skeletal system also interacts with the nervous system to coordinate sensory and muscle responses. When one of these systems is not functioning properly, one is guaranteed to feel this imbalance throughout the other systems within the body. The natural history of aging is that at some point in an individual’s life, one or more of the homeostasis processes is affected, leading to more or less significant unfavorable changes and ultimately death.
References
SEER Training Modules, Intro to the Human Body. U. S. National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute. 11 April 2024 <https://training.seer.cancer.gov/>.
Niemchick, A. and Rogers, . Kara (2023, November 29). human body systems. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/human-body-systems-2237111
