Human Body Organs

Intestines

• Also known as the small intestine or small bowel
• Function: absorbs nutrients from food into the bloodstream
• Located in the abdominal cavity, between the stomach and large intestine
• Divided into three parts:
  1. Duodenum: receives bile and pancreatic juice from the pancreas
  2. Jejunum: main site of nutrient absorption
  3. Ileum: final section before entering the large intestine
• Wall layers:
  • Mucosa: innermost layer, absorptive surface
  • Submucosa: connective tissue layer
  • Muscularis: muscular layer
  • Serosa: outermost layer, connects to peritoneum

Pancreas

• Located in the upper left abdomen, behind the stomach
• Functions:
  • Exocrine: produces digestive enzymes for protein, carbohydrate, and fat digestion
  • Endocrine: produces hormones insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar levels
• Components:
  • Head: connected to the duodenum
  • Body: middle section
  • Tail: thin, tapering end
• Ducts:
  • Pancreatic duct: carries digestive enzymes to the duodenum
  • Accessory pancreatic duct: smaller duct that also drains into the duodenum

Kidneys

• Located in the upper back of the abdominal cavity, one on each side of the spine
• Functions:
  • Filter waste and excess fluids from the blood
  • Regulate electrolyte levels
  • Produce hormones that help regulate blood pressure and produce red blood cells
• Structures:
  • Renal cortex: outer layer, contains nephrons (functional units)
  • Renal medulla: inner layer, contains collecting ducts and blood vessels
  • Renal pelvis: funnel-shaped structure that collects urine

Spleen

• Located in the upper left abdomen, just below the diaphragm
• Functions:
  • Filters the blood, removing old or damaged red blood cells
  • Stores red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells
  • Acts as a reservoir for blood
• Structures:
  • White pulp: lymphoid tissue, containing immune cells
  • Red pulp: filters the blood, removing old or damaged cells

Liver

• Located in the upper right abdomen, beneath the diaphragm
• Functions:
  • Detoxification: removes toxins from the blood
  • Metabolism: regulates carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism
  • Storage: stores glycogen, vitamins, and minerals
• Structures:
  • Lobes: four lobes, each with its own blood supply
  • Hepatic ducts: collect bile from the liver and drain into the gallbladder
  • Hepatocytes: functional units, responsible for metabolic functions

Test your knowledge of the human body organs, including the intestines, pancreas, kidneys, spleen, and liver. Learn about their functions, structures, and locations in the body.