HOMEOSTASIS AND THE HUMAN ORGAN SYSTEMS

The Human Body is very complex. It involves numerous organs working closely together to
carry out a specific task. This functional association of organs are called organ systems or, in
some references, body systems or biological systems. The main function of the organ systems is
to maintain the homeostatic environment or internal condition of the human body. Thus,
making humans work with great efficiency and flexibility. Disruption of this internal balance
may lead to certain diseases, complications, and worst, even death.
In this article, I will discuss the different organ systems and their role in maintaining the
internal balance of the human body.
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM The Nervous System is considered as the mother of all
systems. Why? Because this system regulates the different physiological processes of
the body and organizes communication lines between organs and organ systems. It
serves as the CPU or Central Processing Unit of the human body. Just like how useless a
computer is without the CPU, so does the human body without the Nervous System.

The Nervous System is divided into two major parts: the CNS (Central Nervous System)
which includes the Brain and Spinal Cord; and the PNS (Peripheral Nervous System)
which is made up of the nerve fibers that branch off from the spinal cord and extend to
all parts of the body. (US NIH, 2012)

THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM The Endocrine System is composed of the Hypothalamus,
Pituitary Gland, Pineal Gland, Thyroid Gland, Parathyroid Glands, Adrenal Gland,
Pancreas, and Gonads (Testes for Males and Ovaries for Females). These organs and/or
glands secrete hormones into the bloodstream going to the target cells, tissues or organs;
and act as biochemical regulator into various processes in the human body. One good
example of the hormones regulatory function can be observed in Parathyroid Glands.
Parathyroid Glands control the calcium in the body--how much calcium is in the bones,
and how much calcium is in the blood. (Norman Parathyroid Center, 2013)

THE MUSCULAR SYSTEM The Muscular System is divided into three muscle types
namely, skeletal, smooth and cardiac.

Skeletal Muscles are generally responsible in sustaining body movements and posture.
This type of muscle is usually attached to a bone.

Smooth Muscles are generally responsible in providing contractile movements to the
hollow or void organs of the body such as blood vessels, alimentary canal, urinary
bladder and the uterus. Without the smooth muscles, it would be impossible to swallow
foods, excrete waste products such as feces and urine, etc.

Cardiac Muscles, from the name itself, can only be found in the heart. It is responsible
for the rhythmic contraction of the heart. Without it, it would be impossible for the heart
to pump.

THE SKELETAL SYSTEM - The Skeletal System is composed of bones, cartilages,
tendons, ligaments and joints. Generally, the skeletal system assists in different
movements, provides framework and gives protection to the human body and its
organs. But aside from these, the skeletal system, particularly the long bones where bone
marrow is present, is also an important site for haematopoiesis or the process of blood
creation.

THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM The Digestive System or Alimentary System is composed of
the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, liver, gall bladder, small intestine, large
intestine and the anus. The main responsibility of this system is to break down,
physically and chemically, all the foods we ingest, so that the useful contents can be
utilized by the body in different internal and external processes. While, the non-useful
contents will be eliminated, through the anus, in the form of excrement or feces.

THE URINARY SYSTEM The urinary system removes most waste products from the
body. The kidneys also maintain the right balance of water and salt in the blood. The
urinary system is made up of kidneys, bladder, ureters and the urethra. (Better Health
Channel, 2012)

THE INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM The Integumentary System is composed of the
largest organ of the body, the Skin, and its accessories (Nails, Hair and Exocrine Glands).
The primary function of this system is to protect the human body from internal damages
and imbalances (water loss, regulation of body temperature, etc.).

THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM The Circulatory System is composed of the Heart, the
Blood Vessels (Arteries, Veins and Capillaries) and the Blood. It serves as transport
system that delivers nutrients to the different cells of the body and collect the cells
waste products for excretion. (Sekar, etal 2006).

THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM The Respiratory System is composed of the Nasal and
Oral Cavity, Epiglottis, Lungs, Trachea, Larynx, Bronchial Tubes and Diaphragm. The
Respiratory System involves two mechanical processes: Inhalation or Inspiration and
Exhalation or Expiration. Inhalation is the process of getting air, particularly oxygen,
into the human body. Whereas, exhalation is the process where the waste products of
the body, such as carbon dioxide, is being expelled out of the body. Oxygen is a very
important element because it aids the body in performing various biochemical processes
such as Glycolysis, or the process of releasing energy by breaking down the glucose
molecule. This energy is needed by the body in performing different physical and
chemical activities.

THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM - The lymphatic system is a network of organs, lymph
nodes, lymph ducts, and lymph vessels that make and move lymph from tissues to the
bloodstream. The lymphatic system is a major part of the body's immune system.
(Dugdale, 2012)

In other words, the lymphatic system generally acts as the Armed Forces of the
human body, because it fights off foreign intruders that are harmful to the bodys
normal physiological processes.

THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM The primary function of the reproductive system is
the perpetuation of the human species.

In males, the reproductive system consists of the Penis, Testes, Prostate Gland, Sperm
Duct and the Urethra. While, in females, it consists of the Ovaries, Fallopian Tubes,
Uterus, Cervix and Vagina.

Randolf Flores, the contributor, is a graduate of Bachelor of Science Major in Biology at the Far
Eastern University, Manila. He is currently taking up Master of Arts in Science Education at the
Rizal Technological University, Mandaluyong City.
References:
Better Health Channel. (2012, March). Urinary system. Retrieved February 08, 2014, from
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Urinary_system
Dugdale, D. (2012, November 02). Lymph system. Retrieved February 08, 2014, from the US
National Library of Medicine Website:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002247.htm
Guyton, A. & Hall, J. (2006). Textbook of Medical Physiology 11th Edition. Philadelphia:Elsevier Inc.
Norman Parathyroid Center. (2013, December 2013). Introduction to Parathyroid Glands.
Retrieved February 08, 2014, from http://www.parathyroid.com/parathyroid.htm
Sekar T., et al. (2006). Biology (Zoology). Chennai:Tamil Nadu Textbook Corporation.
United States National Institutes of Health. (2007, August). Your Urinary System and How it
Works. Retrieved February 07, 2014, from
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/pdf/YourUrinary.pdf
United Stated National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2012, November
30). What are the parts of the nervous system?. Retrieved February 07, 2014, from
http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/neuro/conditioninfo/Pages/parts.aspx


http://ourhappyschool.com/science/homeostasis-and-human-organ-systems