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Human anatomy (or anthropomy) is a science dealing with the organs and systems of the human body, closely related to physiology (the study of the functions and functions of the human body), histology (the study of tissues) and cytology (the study of cells). There are a number of areas of human anatomy, distinguished by exactly what organ or system they deal with, such as the anatomy of the skeletal system, respiratory system, or the anatomy of the upper limbs. Here is some background information on human anatomy.
Human anatomy – organ systems
Individual organs of the human body form systems (systems), which include:
- The motor system, i.e. the skeletal system (or skeletal system, consisting of 206 bones) and the muscular system, i.e. smooth and striated muscles (a special type of muscle is the heart muscle).
- Circulatory (blood) system – it is formed by the heart, blood, blood vessels (arteries and veins). Nutrients, oxygen, carbon dioxide and hormones are transported through the human body together with blood.
- Lymphatic system – vessels and ducts through which the lymph flows, lymphatic organs and tissues. This system is related to the blood circulation system. In addition to allowing the lymph to circulate, it helps the body to resist infections.
- Digestive system (digestive system) – consists of organs that work together to digest food and absorb nutrients. It consists of the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, and the glands: liver and pancreas. On the other hand, waste products are removed by the excretory system.
- Respiratory system – serves gas exchange in a process called respiration, during which a person takes oxygen and exhales, among others carbon dioxide. It consists of the lungs and the respiratory tract (nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi).
- Endocrine (endocrine) system – built of organs whose role is to release hormones that perform various functions in the body (support, among others, growth, metabolism, and the functioning of the sexual system). Endocrine glands are, among others: pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid glands, pancreas, adrenal glands, ovaries, testes.
- Immune system – is responsible for maintaining immunity, it consists of lymphoid organs (including bone marrow, thymus, lymph nodes, spleen), lymphatic vessels, antibodies, cytokines and other elements.
- Nervous system – controls both conscious activities of the body (muscle movements) and unconscious activities (including breathing), receives stimuli from the outside world and processes the information they contain. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord, the peripheral nervous system consists of the cranial and spinal nerves. The functions of internal organs are controlled by the autonomic nervous system.
- Sexual system – its function is to enable man to reproduce. The male and female reproductive systems are structured differently and function in a slightly different way. Male sex cells are produced throughout life, a woman is born with a limited number of gametes and is only fertile up to the point of menopause.
- Urinary system – its organs include: kidneys, ureter, bladder, urethra (in men, the urethra is a common part of the urinary and sexual systems). The urinary system allows the body to pass urine with unnecessary substances in it.
- Sensory organs: sight (eye), hearing (ear), taste (tongue, mouth), smell (nose), surface and deep sensory organs.
Human anatomy: the most important organs for survival
There are organs in the human body whose proper functioning is essential for survival. Belong to them:
- Heart – it constantly pumps blood so that it is distributed throughout the body
- The brain – is the center of control over the whole organism, it is responsible for thinking, feeling, remembering and perception
- Kidneys – make urine and remove unnecessary fluids and substances – kidney problems are life-threatening
- Liver – has a number of functions, including detoxification, immune, bile production, nutrient management: proteins, carbohydrates, fats, storing – stores iron and vitamins
- Lungs – they allow gas exchange.
The complexity of the structure of the human body makes the concept of human anatomy very broad and consisting of many areas. Though this science has existed since ancient times, the search for knowledge about the human body continues, bringing surprising new facts over and over again.