Human Body Parts and their Functions

The list of human body parts vary as the standard definition of an organ is still up for debate. However,
there are an estimated 79 organs identified to date. We also possess organs that have “lost” their
function throughout our evolution. Such organs are called vestigial organs.

Some of these organs work together and form systems that are specialised to perform a specific
function or a set of functions. Collectively, these are known as organ systems.

And out of these 79 organs, five are crucial for survival, and any damage to these five organs might
result in termination of life. These five crucial human body parts are the brain, heart, liver, lungs and
kidneys. Read on to explore more about these body parts and their functions in detail:

Circulatory System

The circulatory system is also referred to as the cardiovascular system. It comprises the heart and all the
blood vessels: arteries, capillaries, and veins. There are essentially two components of circulation,
namely:

Systemic circulation

Pulmonary circulation

Human Circulatory System Diagram

Diagram showing pulmonary (blue) and systemic circulation (red)

Besides these two, there is a third type of circulation called Coronary circulation. Because blood is the
body’s connective tissue, it helps to transport essential nutrients and minerals to the cells and waste
byproducts away from it.
Hence, it is also known as the body’s “transport system.” Anatomically, the human heart is similar to
other vertebrate hearts in the animal kingdom and hence, is a homologous organ.

Also Read: Double Circulation

Digestive System

Human Digestive System Diagram

A diagram of the human digestive system detailing various components

The digestive system breaks down food and assimilates nutrients into the body, which the body then
uses for growth and cell repair.

The major components of the digestive system are:

Mouth

Teeth

Tongue

Oesophagus

Stomach

Liver

Pancreas

Gastrointestinal tract

Small and large intestines

Rectum

The process of digestion starts with mastication (chewing food). Then, the saliva mixes with food and
forms a bolus, a small rounded mass that can be easily swallowed. Once swallowed, the food travels
down the oesophagus and into the stomach. The stomach secretes strong acids and powerful enzymes
that break the food down into a paste.

It then moves into the small intestine where the food is broken down even more because of the bile
secreted by the liver and powerful, digestive enzymes from the pancreas. This is the stage at which
nutrients are absorbed from the food.

The leftover materials (stool) then move on to the large intestine where it transforms from liquid to
solid, as water is removed. Finally, it gets pushed into the rectum, ready to be eliminated from the body.

Explore: The Structure and Function of the Alimentary Canal

Reproductive System

The human reproductive system is also known as the genital system that comprises internal and
external organs that help in reproduction. It varies for both males and females. Hormones, fluids, and
pheromones are all connective accessories for the reproductive organs to function.

Female Reproductive System

The female reproductive system consists of the following:

Ovaries: Produces ovum – female egg as well as the hormone estrogen.

Uterine tubes: Oviducts or fallopian tubes are the other names given for uterus tubes.

Also known as the womb, the uterus is a pear-shaped organ where the fetus grows. The cervix is the
route to the vagina and gateway for sperm to enter. Vagina acts as the route for a penis to enter during
intercourse and the exit of the fetus during delivery.

Female reproductive system

Male Reproductive System

Male reproductive system

Next to the testis is the vas deferens that are the accessory ducts for the male sexual system. When
sperm is formed, it is mixed with fluids that are produced by seminal glands, prostate gland, and
Cowper’s gland. The primary purpose of Cowper gland is to hike the semen volume and lubrication
during coitus.

More to Explore: Reproductive System

Respiratory System

The respiratory process involves the intake of oxygen, and the exhale of carbon dioxide from the body.
This system is also known as the ventilatory system, gas exchange system or respiratory apparatus.
Vertebrates like human beings possess lungs for respiration. The process of respiration starts with the
cycle of inhalation and exhalation.

Inhalation results in the oxygen entering into the body and exhalation results in carbon dioxide exiting
from the body. Anatomically, the respiratory system comprises the following organs:

Trachea

Bronchi

Bronchioles

Lungs

Diaphragm

Respiratory System Diagram

By diffusion, molecules of carbon dioxide and oxygen are exchanged passively among the blood cells and
external environment. This swap is done through alveoli (which are the air sacs) in the lungs.

More About: Respiratory System

Nervous System

The voluntary and involuntary actions are maintained and taken care of by the central nervous system.
It helps to channel the signals to and from different parts of our body. Nervous System is broadly
classified into two categories:

Central Nervous System

Peripheral Nervous System

Human Nervous System Diagram

Distribution of Nerves in humans (top) and the Neuron (bottom)

The central nervous system contains the brain and the spinal cord, while the peripheral nervous system
includes nerves and ganglia that are present outside the brain and spinal cord. Through the axons, every
part of the body gets connected.

Central Nervous System consists of:

Forebrain: It comprises the cerebrum, hypothalamus, and thalamus. The largest part of the brain is
the cerebrum. Thinking, perceiving, controlling motor function, receiving and processing information
and understanding language are the main functions done by this section of the brain. Also, sexual
development and emotion functions are attached to the fore-brain.
 Midbrain: It is situated between the hypothalamus and thalamus. The brain stem is associated with
the midbrain. Auditory and visual responses are controlled by the mid-brain.

Hindbrain: The medulla, pons, and cerebellum are together, tied in the hind-brain. Interconnections of
different parts of the brain’s surface that helps to accommodate neurons and connect them to the
spinal column are done by the Hind brain.

Peripheral Nervous System consists of:

Somatic nervous system: The system’s primary purpose is to transmit the motor and sensory impulses
from CNS and back. It is linked to all the sensory organs, limbs and skeletal system. Imagine a scenario
where you are riding a bicycle, and suddenly, you spot an obstacle (say a dog) on the road. Your ability
to immediately swerve out of the obstacle’s path and avoid the crash is the result of the somatic
nervous system taking action.

Autonomic Nervous System: This system works without the person’s effort. The system helps to relay
impulse from the central nervous system to smooth muscles and involuntary organs such as your heart,
lungs etc. Also, it prepares the body against any violent attacks or abnormal conditions such as high
body temperature during a fever or high rate of breathing and blood pressure after a strenuous exercise.

Further Reading: Nervous System

Key Points About the Human Body

Every human being, tissues, human body parts and the organ systems are made up of cells- the
fundamental unit of life. Anatomy is the science of understanding the structure and the parts of living
organisms. Physiology, on the other hand, deals with the internal mechanisms and the processes that
work towards sustaining life.

These can include biochemical and physical interactions between various factors and components in our
body. With the progress of evolution, organisms began to exhibit advanced characteristics and features
that enabled them to be more efficient and thrive in their respective environment.

The human structure can be described as bipedal, with hair covering the body, presence of mammary
glands and a set of extremely well-developed sense organs. With respect to human body anatomy, we
have a specialized circulatory system that enables the efficient transport of materials and nutrients
within the body.

The presence of a well-developed digestive system helps to extract essential nutrients and minerals
required by the body. A well developed respiratory system ensures the efficient gas exchange and the
nervous system enables coordination and interaction within the body and also the external
environment, thereby ensuring survival.

Frequently Asked Questions on Human Anatomy And Physiology

Q1

What do you mean by human anatomy?

Anatomy is the study of the structure of an object. Human anatomy deals with the way the parts of
humans interact to form a functional unit.

Q2

What do you understand by human physiology?

Human Physiology deals with the mechanical, biochemical and physical functions of humans. It serves as
the foundation of modern medicine. It is the study of the functioning of human organs.

Q3

Who is the father of human physiology?

Claude Bernard is the father of human Physiology. He is also referred to as the father of modern
experimental Physiology.

Q4

What is the importance of human physiology?

Human physiology lays the foundation upon which our knowledge of life is built. It helps us to know how
to treat diseases and how to manage stress laid upon us by different environments.

Q5

Who is the father of human anatomy?

Andreas Vesalius is known as the father of human anatomy. He was Belgian born in the family of
physicians. His most famous work, Fabrica of Andreas Vesalius won great recognition.

Q6
What are the different types of anatomy?

There are two different types of anatomy- gross anatomy and microscopic anatomy. Gross anatomy
deals with things that can be seen with the naked eyes, whereas microscopic anatomy deals with the
things that can only be viewed under a microscope.

Q7

How is human anatomy relevant?

Human anatomy helps us to understand the structure and relationship of all parts of the body. It also
helps us to know the characteristics of different body parts.

Q8

How are anatomy and physiology different from each other?

Anatomy helps us to know about the structure of the different body parts while physiology studies the
functions and relationships of body parts.

Q9

What are the important organs of the human body?

The important organs of the body include- brain, lungs, heart, kidney, liver, stomach, intestines, bladder.

Q10

What are the different systems of our body?

The different systems of our body include- cardiovascular system, endocrine system, digestive system,
respiratory system, excretory system, lymphatic system, nervous system, muscular system, and skeletal
system