Body Systems
Vocabulary:
Nervous System:
Brain: part of the nervous system enclosed by the skull, controls and coordinates the
mental and physical actions
Spinal Cord: the cord of nerve tissue extending through the spinal canal of the
column
Nerves: one or more bundles of fibers forming part of the systems that sends
impulses of sensation, motion, etc. between the brain or spinal cord and other
parts of the body
Purpose of the Nervous System: to send signals to the brain and tell the body
what to do...controls everything that happens in our body (remember some are
voluntary while others are involuntary)
Skeletal System:
Skeleton: made up of 206 bones that each have their own function
Bones: support our body and allow us to move, contain calcium, make blood cells,
store important material
Purpose of the Skeletal System: gives the body its shape, protects the organs,
works with the muscles to move the body
Muscular System:
Muscles: three types-skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscles
Purpose of the Muscular System: works with the skeletal system to move the
body, helps with bending and reflexes
Cardiovascular/Circulatory System:
Heart: muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body
Blood: a liquid that contains red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets
Blood Vessels: tube-like parts of the system that carry the blood (oxygenated
blood), throughout the body
Purpose of the Circulatory System: to pump blood throughout the body, to
"circulate" blood to all parts of the body with oxygenated blood and nutrients
Respiratory System:
Lungs: the organs in which the blood absorbs the oxygen from the air
Trachea: the windpipe- the tube that carries air from the nose and mouth to the
lungs
Nose/Mouth: the facial organs that air passes through to get into the body
Purpose of the Respiratory System: inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide,
bringing oxygen to our body cells while provides us nutrients and energy, also the
system that helps us talk
Digestive System:
Digestion: the mechanical (chewing) and chemical breaking down of food so it can
be absorbed in the body
Mouth: the opening at which digestion begins
Esophagus: food travels from the mouth through this tube that leads from the mouth
to the stomach
Stomach: food comes from the esophagus to this J-shaped organ that does the
following; stores food, breaks it into a liquid, passes it on the small intestines (uses
digestive juices to break down food)
Small Intestines: breaks down food even further, continues to absorb food into the
body/blood stream specifically vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and
carbohydrates
Large Intestines: continues breaking down food and absorbing it, removes the final
nutrients and whatever is left becomes waste
Purpose of the Digestive System: to break down the foods you eat and provide
energy for your body (nutrients are absorbed into the blood which is passed
through the circulatory system)
Remember to know how all the body systems connect with one another!!! (Use your Body Systems Connection Chart.)
Vocabulary:
Nervous System:
Brain: part of the nervous system enclosed by the skull, controls and coordinates the
mental and physical actions
Spinal Cord: the cord of nerve tissue extending through the spinal canal of the
column
Nerves: one or more bundles of fibers forming part of the systems that sends
impulses of sensation, motion, etc. between the brain or spinal cord and other
parts of the body
Purpose of the Nervous System: to send signals to the brain and tell the body
what to do...controls everything that happens in our body (remember some are
voluntary while others are involuntary)
Skeletal System:
Skeleton: made up of 206 bones that each have their own function
Bones: support our body and allow us to move, contain calcium, make blood cells,
store important material
Purpose of the Skeletal System: gives the body its shape, protects the organs,
works with the muscles to move the body
Muscular System:
Muscles: three types-skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscles
Purpose of the Muscular System: works with the skeletal system to move the
body, helps with bending and reflexes
Cardiovascular/Circulatory System:
Heart: muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body
Blood: a liquid that contains red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets
Blood Vessels: tube-like parts of the system that carry the blood (oxygenated
blood), throughout the body
Purpose of the Circulatory System: to pump blood throughout the body, to
"circulate" blood to all parts of the body with oxygenated blood and nutrients
Respiratory System:
Lungs: the organs in which the blood absorbs the oxygen from the air
Trachea: the windpipe- the tube that carries air from the nose and mouth to the
lungs
Nose/Mouth: the facial organs that air passes through to get into the body
Purpose of the Respiratory System: inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide,
bringing oxygen to our body cells while provides us nutrients and energy, also the
system that helps us talk
Digestive System:
Digestion: the mechanical (chewing) and chemical breaking down of food so it can
be absorbed in the body
Mouth: the opening at which digestion begins
Esophagus: food travels from the mouth through this tube that leads from the mouth
to the stomach
Stomach: food comes from the esophagus to this J-shaped organ that does the
following; stores food, breaks it into a liquid, passes it on the small intestines (uses
digestive juices to break down food)
Small Intestines: breaks down food even further, continues to absorb food into the
body/blood stream specifically vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and
carbohydrates
Large Intestines: continues breaking down food and absorbing it, removes the final
nutrients and whatever is left becomes waste
Purpose of the Digestive System: to break down the foods you eat and provide
energy for your body (nutrients are absorbed into the blood which is passed
through the circulatory system)
Remember to know how all the body systems connect with one another!!! (Use your Body Systems Connection Chart.)