Animal Organ Systems Overview

Animal Organ Systems Overview

• Animal organ systems are groups of organs and tissues working together towards a common goal: keeping the animal alive.
• Organ systems are built from cells, which are the basic building blocks of life.
• Tissues are groups of specialized cells working together.
• Organs are a group of tissues working together to carry out a specific function.
• Organ systems are composed of multiple organs coordinating their efforts.

Key Animal Organ Systems

• Integumentary System: Responsible for protection and sensory input.
• Skeletal System: Provides support and structure.
• Muscular System: Enables movement.
• Digestive System: Breaks down food for nutrient absorption.
• Respiratory System: Enables gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide).
• Circulatory System: Transports materials throughout the body, including oxygen, nutrients, and waste products.
• Nervous System: Controls and coordinates bodily functions.
• Endocrine System: Regulates bodily functions through hormones.
• Excretory System: Removes waste products from the body.
• Reproductive System: Enables reproduction.
• Lymphatic System: Supports the immune system and fluid balance.

Circulatory System Details

• The circulatory system is the body's transport system, responsible for moving materials to and from cells.
• The circulatory system includes the heart, blood, and blood vessels.
• Water, nutrients, gases, and wastes are transported throughout the body.
• The heart acts as a pump, sending blood to the lungs to receive oxygen and release carbon dioxide and to the tissues to deliver oxygen, nutrients, and water and remove wastes and carbon dioxide.
• Blood is composed of blood cells (red blood cells, platelets, white blood cells) and plasma (mostly water). Plasma is roughly 92% water. The remaining components include proteins, glucose, minerals, and waste products.
• Blood vessels (arteries, veins, capillaries) transport blood throughout the body. Arteries carry blood away from the heart, veins carry blood to the heart, and capillaries facilitate the exchange of substances between blood and individual cells.
• Blood pressure is the measurement of force applied to artery walls. Systolic pressure is when the heart pumps, diastolic pressure when the heart relaxes. Blood pressure is measured in mmHg. The circulatory system includes components like the right common carotid artery, right internal jugular vein, right brachial artery, right renal vein, inferior vena cava, right common iliac artery, left common carotid artery, left internal jugular vein, arch of the aorta, superior vena cava, left brachial artery, abdominal aorta artery, left common iliac vein, left femoral artery, and right femoral artery.

Respiratory System Details

• The respiratory system is responsible for gas exchange.
• Structures in the respiratory system include: nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs, and alveoli.
• The nasal cavity warms and filters air before entering the lungs to protect the delicate lung tissues. Hairs in the nose help clean and warm the air.
• The pharynx and larynx move air into/out of the lungs and deliver food to the stomach. The trachea is the windpipe which moves air into and out of lungs. The right lung, is slightly larger than the left lung.
• Lungs are the main organ for gas exchange. Alveoli within the lungs are where gases are exchanged between the blood and air; they are one cell thick and surrounded by blood vessels.
• Breathing (inhaling & exhaling): Diaphragm movement causes pressure changes in the lungs to draw air in or out. The surface area of lungs is roughly the same size as a tennis court; and the blood vessels in the lungs would be roughly 1600 kilometers long if stretched out.

Digestive System Details

• The digestive system breaks down food to absorb nutrients. Ingestion, digestion, absorption, and elimination are its crucial roles.
• Organs in the digestive system include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, small intestine, and large intestine.
• The mouth mechanically breaks down food using teeth and chemically breaks it down using saliva that contains enzymes; chewing also breaks down food into smaller pieces increasing surface area and exposure to digestive enzymes.
• The esophagus carries food to the stomach using peristalsis. Rhythmic contractions help move food along.
• The stomach chemically and mechanically digests food. The stomach has smooth muscles that churn and mix food with digestive juices.
• The liver produces bile to assist in fat digestion. Bile is stored in the gall bladder and then secreted into the small intestine.
• The pancreas produces enzymes for digestion as well as insulin, needed to control the use of glucose and fat for energy.
• The small intestine absorbs nutrients. The villi in the small intestines increase surface area maximizing nutrient absorption.
• The large intestine absorbs water and concentrates waste. The large intestine is roughly 1-2 meters long and plays a role in water absorption and waste compaction. Food typically stays in the stomach for about two hours. The average stomach capacity measures about the size of a closed fist; but can expand. The small intestine is approximately 6-7 meters long.

This quiz explores the various organ systems in animals and their crucial roles in maintaining life. Learn how organs, tissues, and cells collaborate to form systems that support bodily functions such as movement, respiration, and nutrient absorption. Delve into the details of each system to understand their interconnections and significance.