system in biology

Biologist

2022

We explain what a system is in biology and the difference between apparatus and system. Also, how many systems does the human body have.

The organs require the other organs of the system to function properly.

What is a system in biology?

In biology, a system is a set of ordered organs that are related and interact with each other to fulfill a certain physiological function.

Organs are associations of different tissues that fulfill a specific function but, at the same time, require the other organs of the system to function properly, that is, they work in an integrated way.

Within each system, the organs have the same embryological origin and the same structure.

What is the difference between apparatus and system?

In biology, the words "system" and "apparatus" are often used interchangeably, although there are authors who establish differences between the two terms.

  • System. It is made up of organs that have a structure and similar origin, in addition to being homogeneous. This means that within each system the same kind of tissue predominates. In addition, each system works in an integrated way to fulfill a specific function.
  • Apparatus. It is made up of elements that are neither homogeneous nor equal to each other, but rather heterogeneous and different. In addition, these elements are not organs but systems, so the function of each device has a higher rank than that of any system. It has several specific functions and its objectives they are broader than those of the systems.

How many systems does the human body have?

The circulatory system carries oxygen and nutrients to the organs of the human body.

In the human body there are the following devices and systems, with their respective functions and organs:

  • Circulatory system. It is responsible for transporting oxygen and nutrients to the organs of the human body. This apparatus is made up of the heart, blood, and blood vessels (capillaries, veins, and arteries), which carry blood throughout the body.
  • Respiratory apparatus. Composed of lungs, nostrils and tubes, this device has as its main function the exchange of gases inside of the organism.
  • Digestive system. Its main function is to transform and absorb the food for use by the cells of the organism. The functions of digestion are the transport of food, the secretion of digestive juices, the absorption of nutrients and the excretion. The organs that make up this apparatus are the large intestine, the small intestine, the pancreas, the liver, the esophagus and the salivary glands.
  • Integumentary system. Its main function is to protect, separate and inform the living being on the environment in which it is immersed. On certain occasions, it also acts as an exoskeleton. The appendages and the skin are the organisms that make it up.
  • Muscular system. It is the one that gives shape, structure and mobility to the body. It is made up of muscles that also protect certain vital organs.
  • Reproductive system. Your task is to promote sexual reproduction. Urination and the synthesis of sex hormones also depend on it.
  • Immune system. Its function is to protect the human body from external agents. It is made up of the thymus, mucosa, bone marrow, blood, lymphatic system, lymphatic system, skin and vessels.
  • Endocrine system. It is responsible for secreting hormones that regulate certain functions of the body such as metabolism or growth.
  • Nervous system. It is responsible for capturing and processing information from the environment to, from it and through nerve connections, send control and control signals. coordination on the different organs of the body.
  • Excretory system. He is in charge of the elimination of waste. Among the organs that comprise it are the kidneys, urethra, bladder and ureters.
  • Osseous system. Composed of bones, it is the system that protects the rest of the organs and gives support and support to the body.
  • Lymphatic system. Its function is to transport lymph to the heart in a unidirectional way. It is made up of lymphatic tissues, lymph, spleen, bone marrow, thymus, and lymph nodes.
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