HEALTH AND WELLBEING.

Basic Anatomy of the Body. 

Despite the linguistic inferences that our bodies are analogous to machinery, our bodies are nuanced, ever evolving, non linear, complex and interrelated, All systems (for lack of a better word) communicate with each other to orientate our bodies towards homeostasis, the bodies internal innate capacity to maintain and preserve health. Below is a summary of how the tissues of the body are organised into groups with primary functions, referred to as systems in the absence of a more accurate word that describes their roles which for the purposes of simplicity have been summarised succinctly yet each group of organs and tissues have wide and varying roles across the span of the body and the brain.

The Nervous System.

Organises communication between the body and the brain.

Comprises of the brain, the spinal cord and the nerves that run into all the tissues and organs of the body.

The Digestive System.

Digests and absorbs food and nutrients within the body, and removes waste products.

Includes the mouth, the food tube (esophagus), stomach, the intestines (large and small) and the anus.

Also includes the liver, which plays many important roles in metaobolism and regulation, the gall bladder which produces bile and the pancreas which supports digestion.

The Respiratory System.

Supplies the body’s tissues with oxygen and removes carbon dioxide, the waste product from breathing.

Composed of the nose, wind pipe (trachea and bronci) and the lungs.

The Cardiovascular System.

Facilitates the supply and movement of blood containing oxygen, nurtrients and hormones through the body.

Includes the heart and blood vessels.

Arteries carry blood that contains oxygen to the tissues of the body.

Veins return blood that does not contain oxygen from the body to the heart and lungs.

Also includes the lymphatic system which recieves toxins from the tissues of the body supporting immune function.

The Endorcine System.

A collection of specialised organs that secrete hormones and the hormones themselves,

The chemical messagers of the body

The Urinary system.

The kidneys, bladders and ureters.

Involved in fluid regulation and removing toxins from the body via urine.

The Reproductive System.

In females, ovaries, fallopian tubes uterus, vagina, breasts.

In females, penis, testicles, prostate.

Supports reproduction.

The Musculoskeletal System.

Bones, joints, connective tissues called facia and muscles, primarily involved in moving, supporting and providing structure to the body.

Special Sensory System.

Hearing, Vision, Smell, Taste and Balance.

The Immune System.

An encompassing system including the gut, skin, nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular and reproductive systems that has many roles within the body including protection, healing and growth.

12 Sept 2024.

References and Further Reading.

Tippet Krista (Host). Hendren Sara Our Bodies, Aliveness, and the Built World. Podcast. 16 Nov 2023, Published Onbeing.Accessible online here. https://onbeing.org/programs/sara-hendren-our-bodies-aliveness-and-the-built-world/