Understanding the 11 Body Organ Systems

By  Rod Brouhard, EMT-P

 Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DO

Updated on August 18, 2020

An organ system is a group of organs that work together to perform a complex function. There are eleven organ systems in the human body. All of these are required for survival, either of the person or of the species.

Side view of female doctor examining senior patient in medical clinic

Circulatory System

When we think of—and talk about—the circulatory system, we’re usually talking about the cardiovascular system, which includes the:

  • Heart

  • Blood vessels (arteries and veins)

  • The blood itself

The circulatory system transports oxygen nutrients to all corners of the body and carries away byproducts of metabolism.1 In order for blood to make it everywhere it needs to go, the circulatory system maintains the blood flow within a certain pressure range.

Blood pressure that’s too high puts undue stress on other organs and tissues. Low blood pressure means the blood—and its nutrients—won’t make it to where it needs to go.

High blood pressure kills you slowly while low blood pressure can kill you immediately.

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Article Submitted by Pat France, MSRN Member