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Systems of the Body

The body consists of a number of different systems which work together and function as a whole. These include the integumentary, muscular, skeletal, nervous, sensory, endocrine, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, and circulatory systems (Applegate, 2000). The integumentary system includes the skin and the glands, hair, nails and other structures derived from it (77). These structures protect the body and help it maintain homeostasis by controlling the body's internal temperature and protecting it from fluid loss. The skin is several layers thick: in most areas of the body, the outer region known as the epidermis is composed of dead keratinized cells which slough off to be replaced by cells from deeper layers. Below this is a layer of dense connective tissue, which gives the skin structure, which is known as the dermis (79).

The skeletal system is the body's framework, and is divided into three major sections: the axial skeleton, which consists of the skull, ribs and spine; the pectoral girdle, which includes the scapulae and arm bones; and the pelvic girdle, which includes the ilia, and bones of the legs and feet (Applegate, 2000, 96-97; Skeletal, 1996). The axial skeleton contains 80 bones, and the appendicular skeleton 126. Bone growth persists throughout adulthood, but once adult stature is attained, it occurs only for repair and remodeling needed for life changes.

The muscular system is responsible for movement of the body, requiring the integrated action of bones, joints, and skeletal muscle for overt movement such as walking, and for more subtle movements such as respiration and posture (123). There are three types of muscle: skeletal muscle used in movements; smooth muscle which lines blood vessels and many other body structures; and cardiac muscle, which is the muscle of the heart. Muscle has four distinct properties which distinguish it from other tissues: excitability, contractility, ext...

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Systems of the Body. (1969, December 31). In LotsofEssays.com. Retrieved 02:10, March 29, 2024, from https://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/1703530.html