Human Biology

http://www.ck12.org Chapter 1. Human Biology

TABLE1.1:(continued)

Organ System Major Tissues and Organs Function

Integumentary Skin, hair, nails Provides protection from injury and

water loss, physical defense against

infection by microorganisms, and

temperature control.

Muscular Cardiac (heart) muscle; skeletal

muscle; smooth muscle; tendons

Involved in movement and heat pro-

duction.

Nervous Brain, spinal cord; nerves Collects, transfers, and processes

information.

Reproductive Female: uterus; vagina; fallopian

tubes; ovaries Male: penis; testes;

seminal vesicles

Produces gametes (sex cells) and

sex hormones.

Respiratory Trachea, larynx, pharynx, lungs Brings air to sites where gas ex-

change can occur between the blood

and cells (around body) or blood

and air (lungs).

Skeletal Bones, cartilage; ligaments Supports and protects soft tissues of

body; produces blood cells; stores

minerals.

Urinary Kidneys; urinary bladder Removes extra water, salts, and

waste products from blood and

body; controls pH; controls water

and salt balance.

Immune Bone marrow; spleen; white blood

cells

Defends against diseases.

Vocabulary

• cardiovascular system: Organ system made up of the heart, blood, and blood vessels.


• cells: Basic unit of structure and function of a living organism; the basic unit of life.


• connective tissue: Group of cells that are all involved in supporting and binding other tissues of the body; i.e.
  tendon, cartilage, bone, and blood.


• epithelial tissue: Layers of tightly packed cells that line the surfaces of the body.


• muscle tissue: Bands of cells that contract and allow movement.


• nervous tissue: Group of nerve cells that sense stimuli and transmit signals; found in brain, spinal cord, and
  nerves.


• organ: Structure made of two or more tissues that work together.


• organ system: Organs that work together to serve a common purpose.


• tissue: Group of similar cells working together.

Summary

• The levels of organization in the human body include: cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems.


• There are four tissue types in the body: epithelial tissue, connective tissue, muscle tissue, and nervous tissue.

Practice

Use the resources below to answer the following questions.