OrganSystemen

Organsystemen are groups of organs that cooperate to perform essential functions for an organism. Each system has specialized components, but they interconnect and depend on one another to maintain homeostasis, growth, reproduction, and adaptation to the environment. The concept emphasizes that bodily functions emerge from the integrated activity of multiple tissues and organs rather than from a single component.

In humans, the organization typically recognized includes several major organ systems. The circulatory system transports blood, nutrients, and waste through the heart, vessels, and blood. The respiratory system enables gas exchange via the lungs and airways. The digestive system processes food, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates waste through the stomach, intestines, liver, and related organs. The nervous system coordinates activities and responses through the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. The endocrine system regulates metabolism, growth, and reproduction via glands such as the thyroid, pancreas, and adrenal glands. The immune or lymphatic system defends the body against pathogens and maintains fluid balance. The urinary system filters blood to form urine, regulating water and electrolyte balance. The reproductive system enables procreation and carries sex-specific hormonal regulation. The integumentary system, consisting of the skin and its derivatives, protects, regulates temperature, and participates in sensation. The musculoskeletal system provides structure, movement, and support, involving bones, muscles, and joints. The sensory systems—often considered part of nervous or separate—include organs for sight, hearing, balance, and taste.

Organsystemen are studied in anatomy and physiology to understand how bodies function, how systems interact, and how diseases disrupt their harmony. They are a common framework across many animal species, reflecting evolutionary organization and functional integration.