2.3 Body Systems & Medical Specialists
An organ system is a group of organs that work together in the body to perform a complex function, such as pumping blood or processing and utilizing nutrients.
There are 11 major organ systems in the human body:
- Circulatory (cardiovascular) system
- Lymphatic system
- Immune system
- Respiratory system
- Integumentary system
- Endocrine system
- Gastrointestinal (digestive) system
- Urinary (excretory) system
- Musculoskeletal system
- Nervous system
- Reproductive system
Organ systems work together to keep the body in good health. For example, the circulatory and digestive systems work jointly to deliver nutrients throughout the body.
Except for the reproductive system, each system is necessary for survival.
The Circulatory System
The circulatory system transports oxygen and nutrients to all corners of the body. It also carries away carbon dioxide and other waste products. When people talk about this organ system, they’re usually talking about the cardiovascular system at large, which includes:
- The heart
- Blood
- Blood vessels (arteries and veins)
The circulatory system maintains blood flow within a certain pressure range so that the blood can make it to everywhere it needs to go.
Blood pressure that’s too high puts extra stress on other organs and tissues. Low blood pressure means the blood—and its nutrients—won’t make it to where it needs to go.
Specialist: Cardiologist, Vascular surgeons, Hematology
Learn more at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21983-cardiologist
Learn more at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24061-vascular-surgeon
Hematology is the medical specialty focused on blood, blood-forming organs such as bone marrow, and blood-related disorders and diseases. Hematologists are highly trained physicians whose area of expertise is the blood and blood components. A hematologist is responsible for diagnosing, managing, monitoring, and treating a wide range of diseases that affect the blood, including both benign (non-cancerous) conditions, and cancers of the blood and blood-forming tissues, such as leukemias and lymphomas.
The Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is the drainage system of the body. It plays an important role in your immunity, blood pressure regulation, digestion, and other functions.
This organ system carries excess fluid, proteins, fats, bacteria, and other substances away from the cells and spaces between cells. It does this using:
- Lymph vessels
- Lymph nodes
- Lymph ducts
- Various glands
The lymphatic vessels move the fluid into collecting ducts, which return the fluid to your bloodstream.
The lymphatic system also helps create and circulate vital cells that fight disease, which is why it is also a part of the immune system. This includes lymphocytes and monocytes (white blood cells) and antibodies (proteins that recognize bacteria and viruses).
The Pulmonology / Otolaryngology Systems
The respiratory system is responsible for breathing, which