BODY SYSTEMS

By Garett Dickinson

The body is an impressive collection of coordinated systems, enabling it to process nourishment, create energy, fight infection and much more. Each system has responsibilities in relation to the whole, but defici encies in any system can have a cascading effect on others. Issues with digestion can affect the immune system, and poor circulation can hurt the muscular system. The inverse is also true. Ensuring endocrine health can help prevent osteoporosis and exercise for cardiovascular and muscular health has positive effects on the immune system.

This is why a comprehensive approach to the body’s wellbeing is vital, and a basic understanding of these different system s can be the foundation for a healthy life.

Circulatory

The circulatory system includes the heart, all blood vessels, including the arteries, veins and capillaries, and the blood itself. The lymphatic system aids in detoxification. This system moves oxygenated blood to our cells when the heart pumps it throughout the body. When the oxygen is depleted it is pumped back to the lungs. It also delivers nutrients, hormones and immune responses. It clears waste like the chemical byproducts organs produce, and the lymphatic system is intertwined. Increasing heart rate works this system and as muscles are strengthened from exercise, so is the circulatory system. Cigarettes and alcohol should be avoided, as they cause many factors that harm this system.

Digestive

This system processes nutrients and eliminates waste. It consists of many organs, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, pancreas and gallbladder. Nutrients are broken down in the stomach, absorbed by the small and large intestines, and the rest is eliminated as waste. The liver secretes bile, through the gallbladder, into the small intestine, and the liver also detoxifies. The pancreas produces enzymes to digest nutrients.

Vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats and fiber-rich foods will help keep this system healthy. Supplement with probiotics for healthy gut bacteria for further effect. Avoid processed foods as they contain excess sugar and questionable additives. These can disrupt digestion, leading to imbalances.

Endocrine

A marvel of glands and organs, the endocrine system affects and controls metabolism, reproduction, growth and more. It is one of the key regulators for homeostasis.

The endocrine system is made of specialized glands such as the pineal, thyroid, adrenals and pancreas. The hormones they produce act like messengers to the body. The secreted hormones are taken up by specific receptors, which trigger physiological responses depending on where, when and what is involved. These interactions are happening constantly, with the desired result being homeostasis.

Exercise and diet will support this system. In addition, ample sleep and minimizing stress will greatly assist. There are also endocrine-disrupting chemicals to avoid, such as BPA and Phthalates.

Immune

The immune system is composed of organs, cells and antibodies that work to kill invaders like bacteria and viruses.

This system recognizes pathogens in the body, via cells like macrophages. Lymphocyte cells activate the system when they contact antigens created when the pathogen and cells like macrophages interact. Then, activated B and T cells will mark and destroy the invader. The system will “remember” how to eliminate the pathogen by turning some B and T cells into “memory cells.” These will be used for any future invasion.

In addition to diet, exercise and stress reduction, good hygiene helps reduce pathogens and their ability to enter the body. Proper handwashing and wound care are essential.

Muscular

The muscular system powers our bodies with both voluntary and involuntary movement via unique cells called muscle fibers that can contract in response to the nervous system.

There are three major types of muscles in the body: skeletal, smooth and cardiac. Skeletal muscles allow movement via muscles attached to the bone. Smooth muscle controls the involuntary movement of organs, blood vessels and other structures. Cardiac muscles are heart-specific, with elements of smooth and skeletal muscle, and are under involuntary control.

One of the most important things for this system is stretching and exercise. Proper stretching will keep the system limber, which reduces the risk of injuries, and exercise will strengthen the muscles themselves. Exercise also requires quality rest and nutrition for proper recovery.

Nervous

This system is the driver of all the others, sending signals both voluntary and involuntary from the brain out to every part of the body.

The nervous system communicates to control and coordinate all of the body’s functions. It is organized into two systems, the central nervous system, or CNS, and the peripheral nervous system, the PNS. The brain, responsible for processing and decision-making, and the spinal cord, which relays these signals to and from the brain, comprise the CNS. The PNS branches off from the CNS and is made up of the somatic and autonomic nervous systems, which are the voluntary and involuntary systems, respectively.

Support your nervous system with rest, exercise, hydration and a diet supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B. In addition, protect this system from injury by wearing protective equipment like helmets during certain activities.

Respiratory

The respiratory system is primarily responsible for the intake of oxygen and the elimination of carbon dioxide to maintain homeostasis in the body. The respiratory system is made of organs like the lungs, trachea and nose, but also the larynx, which is responsible for speech. The body inhales air into our lungs through the nose and trachea, where it passes into the alveoli in the lungs. These alveoli are small air sacks surrounded by dense capillaries. The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide happens in the alveoli as the diaphragm controls respiration.

Support this system with exercise, but also avoid harmful inhalants. Eliminating cigarette smoking and secondhand smoke is fundamental, but chemical fumes, heavy dust and other damaging airborne particles should be avoided or mitigated with respiratory protection.

Skeletal

Like lumber for a house, the skeletal system is the body’s framework, supporting and protecting it. The cartilage, tendons and ligaments are also part of this system.

Some bones support, such as the femur, enabling rigidity and movement. Bones like the skull protect, and many bones provide both protection and support, such as the rib cage. Cartilage, tendons and ligaments provide the connection and padding between bones. This enables movement when combined with the muscular system.

In addition to exercise, there are specific supplements you can add to your diet to assist this system. Adequate calcium is essential, as is vitamin D, which aids in calcium absorption. Additional supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin may also strengthen this system.