Physiological Support
Systems
Integumentary System
Components
• Skin and structures derived
from it.
• Hairs, nails, sweat and oil
glands
Functions
• Eliminates some wastes (salts)
• Waterproofs, cushions, protects
deeper tissue
• Detects sensations such as
touch, pressure, pain warmth,
& cold.
• Regulates body temp
• Helps make vitamin D
Skeletal System
Components
• Bones, cartilages,
ligaments, joints
Functions
• Support & protect the
body
• Provides a specific area
for muscle attachments
• Stores cells that produce
blood cells
• Stores minerals & lipids.
• Framework for muscles &
movement
Muscular System
Components
• Specifically refers to
skeletal muscle tissue
• Which is muscle usually
attached to bones
• Other muscle includes
smooth & cardiac
Functions
• Participates in bring about
movements (locomotion)
• Maintains posture
• Produces heat
Nervous System
Components
• Brain, spinal cord, nerves & sense
organs such as the eyes & ears.
Functions
• Fast-acting central control system
• Responds to external/internal
stimuli via nerve impulses
• Regulates body activities through
nerve impulses by detecting
changes in the environment
• Interpreting the changes &
responding to the changes by bring
about muscle contractions or
glandular secretions.
Endocrine system
Components
• All glands and tissues that produce
chemical regulators of body
functions (hormones)
• Pituitary, thyroid, parathyroids,
adrenals, thymus, pancreas,
ovaries, testes…...
Functions
• Slow-acting control system
• Glands produce hormones that
regulate growth, reproduction,
metabolism…..
• Regulate body activities through
hormones transported by the
blood to various target organs.
Cardiovascular System
Components
• Blood, heart & blood vessels
Functions
• Heart pumps blood through
blood vessels
• Blood carries O2 & nutrients to
cells & CO2 & wastes away from
cells
• Helps regulate acidity,
temperature, & water content of
body fluids
• Blood components help defend
against disease & mend damaged
blood vessels
Lymphatic System
Components
• Lymphatic fluid & vessels;
spleen; thymus, lymph nodes
& tonsils
• Cells that carry out immune
response
Functions
• Complements circulatory
system by returning leaked
fluids & proteins back to blood
vessels
• Carries lipids from
gastrointestinal tract to blood
• Cleanses the blood
• Involved in immunity
Respiratory System
Components
• Lungs & air passages: pharynx
(throat), larynx (voice box),
trachea and bronchial tubes
Functions
• Transfers O2 from inhaled air to
blood & CO2 from blood to
exhaled air
• Helps regulate acidity of body
fluids
• Air flowing out of lungs through
vocal cords produces sounds
Digestive System
Components
• Organs of gastrointestinal tract
[mouth, pharynx, esophagus,
stomach, small intestines & large
intestines, rectum & anus]
• Accessory digestive organs:
salivary glands, liver, gallbladder
& pancreas.
Functions
• Achieves physical and chemical
breakdown of food;
• Absorbs nutrients & eliminates
solid waste.
Urinary System
Components
• Kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder,
& urethra
Functions
• Produces, stores and eliminates
nitrogenous waste from the body
(urea & uric acid)
• Regulates volume & chemical
composition of blood
• Helps regulate acidity of body’s
fluids
• Maintains body’s electrolyte &
mineral balance
• Helps regulate red blood cell
production
Reproductive systems
Components
• Male
– Seminal vesicles, prostate,
penis, vas deferens, testis,
scrotum
• Female
– Ovaries, mammary glands,
uterus, vagina, uterine tube
Functions
• Primary function for both sexes
is to produce offspring
• Male – testes produce sperm &
male sex hormones
• Female – ovaries produce eggs
& female sex hormones
• Mammary glands produce milk.