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.
