in biology, an organ system is a biological system consisting of a group of organs that work together to perform functions
organs are between organs and organisms in biological organization
here is a table of organ systems in humans
| description | component organs | |
|---|---|---|
| respiratory system | breathing: exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide | nose, mouth, paranasal sinuses, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs and thoracic diaphragm |
| digestive system and excretory system | digestion: breakdown and absorption of nutrients, excretion of solid wastes | teeth, tongue, salivary glands, esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus |
| circulatory system | circulate blood in order to transport nutrients, waste, hormones, O2, CO2, and aid in maintaining pH and temperature | blood, heart, arteries, veins and capillaries |
| urinary system | maintain fluid and electrolyte balance, purify blood and excrete liquid waste (urine) | kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra |
| integumentary system | exterior protection of body and thermal regulation | skin, hair, fat and nails |
| skeletal system | structural support and protection, production of blood cells | bones, cartilage, ligaments and tendons |
| muscular system | movement of body, production of heat | skeletal muscles, smooth muscles and cardiac muscle |
| endocrine system | communication within the body using hormones made by endocrine glands | hypothalamus, pituitary, pineal gland, thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands, ovaries and testicles |
| exocrine system | various functions including lubrication and protection | ceruminous glands, lacrimal glands, sebaceous glands and mucus |
| lymphatic system | return lymph to the bloodstream, aid immune responses, form white blood cells | lymph, lymph nodes, lymph vessels, tonsils, spleen and thymus |
| nervous system | sensing and processing information, controlling body activities | brain, spinal cord, nerves, sensory organs and the following sensory systems (nervous subsystems): visual system, olfactory system, taste (gustatory system) and hearing (auditory system) |
| reproductive system | sex organs involved in reproduction | ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, vulva, penis, testicles, vasa deferentia, seminal vesicles and prostate |
additionally, the immune system is a network of biological systems that protects an organism from diseases