Special sense organs
21 Special sense organs Introduction The organs of special sense are sophisticated sensory structures in which the specific neural receptors are incorporated in a non-neural structure which enhances and refines…
Urinary system
16 Urinary system Introduction The principal function of the urinary system is the maintenance of water, electrolyte and acid-base homeostasis, which requires that any input into the system is balanced…
Blood, haematopoiesis and bone marrow
3 Blood, haematopoiesis and bone marrow Introduction Blood is a suspension of cells in fluid. It is circulated around the body by the heart and, as a result of this…
Skeletal tissues
10 Skeletal tissues Introduction The skeletal system is formed from highly specialised types of supporting/connective tissue. The tissues are made up of collagen and acellular matrix, as well as the…
Circulatory system
8 Circulatory system Introduction The circulatory system mediates continuous movement of all body fluids, its principal functions being the transport of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues as well as…
Immune system
11 Immune system Introduction All living tissues are subject to the constant threat of invasion by disease-producing foreign agents and microorganisms (pathogens) i.e. bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa and multicellular parasites…
Supporting/connective tissues
4 Supporting/connective tissues Introduction Supporting/connective tissue is the term applied to tissues which provide general structure, mechanical strength, space filling (sculpting body shape), and physical and metabolic support for more…
Endocrine system
17 Endocrine system Introduction The endocrine system is responsible for the synthesis and secretion of chemical messengers known as hormones. Hormones may be disseminated throughout the body by the bloodstream,…
Liver and pancreas
15 Liver and pancreas Liver and Biliary System The liver, like the pancreas, develops embryologically as a glandular outgrowth of the primitive foregut. The major functions of the liver may…
