Organs are regulated
to maintain their size, shape and function.
Although an organ
has a specific function, organs also function as part of a group,
called an organ system. The organ system is the organizational unit
by which medicine is studied, diseases are generally categorized,
and treatments are planned.
An example of an
organ system is the cardiovascular system, which includes the heart
(cardio) and blood vessels (vascular). The cardiovascular system is
responsible for pumping and circulating the blood. The digestive
(or gastrointestinal) system, extending from the mouth to the anus,
is responsible for receiving and digesting food and excreting
waste. This system includes not only the stomach, small intestine,
and large intestine, which move and absorb food, but associated
organs such as the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder, which produce
digestive enzymes, remove toxins, and store substances necessary
for digestion. The musculoskeletal system includes the bones,
muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints, which support and move the
body.
