Tijelo

Tijelo is the physical organism of a living being, most often referring to the human body in everyday and scientific contexts. In Croatian, Bosnian and Serbian, tijelo denotes the entirety of the body's tissues, organs and systems that enable life, movement and homeostasis. The study of tijelo is the domain of anatomy and physiology.

Anatomical organization: The body is described in terms of external form and internal structure. External features include the head, neck, trunk and limbs. In clinical and educational contexts the anatomical position is used: the body standing upright, facing forward, with arms at the sides and palms facing forward.

Internally, the tijelo contains body cavities and many organ systems. Major systems include the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, nervous, musculoskeletal, endocrine, immune and lymphatic, urinary, and reproductive systems, as well as the integumentary system (skin). Organs such as the heart, lungs, stomach and brain perform specialized functions that support life.

Development and variation: Humans share a general architectural plan, but growth and maturation proceed from embryo to newborn, child and adult. Genetic factors and hormones influence physical form, sex differences exist, and aging alters structure and function.

Function and significance: The tijelo maintains homeostasis, enables movement and perception, and supports metabolism and reproduction. In medicine and biology, studying the tijelo aids diagnosis and treatment, with techniques such as palpation, imaging and physiological testing improving understanding of its condition.