EnviroKids January 2019 Issue

The reproducti ve system is made up of internal and external sexual organs that allow people to have children. A female has a uterus and fallopian tubes that allow her to produce eggs and carry a child, while males have sperm that are responsible for the fertilisation of the egg.

Human Systems

Made up of millions of cells, the human body works using various systems that function together so that we may do even the simplest of things, like smile. Do you know the ins and outs of your body?

The urinary system is made up of the bladder, kidneys, ureters and urethra. This is the system that processes fluids and rids the body of toxins.

Respiratory system consists of the lungs, nose, naso- pharynx and trachea. This is where our body receives its oxygen (through breathing) and releases carbon dioxide back out into the air.

The immune system is made of the lymph nodes, white blood cells and thymus. This system is im- portant for fighting off foreign cells, viruses or bacteria that cause infection or illness.

The circulatory system is made of the heart and blood vessels, and is responsible for transporting oxygen, nutrients, waste product and cells from one part of the body to another.

The musculo- skeletal system serves as the frame of our body that keeps everything in place. This system is made up of our skeleton (bones), as well as ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and muscles.

Did you know, information travels through your nerves to your brain at a speed of around 400km per hour!

Did you know, in order to make space for your heart, your lef t lung is about 10% smaller than your right lung?

The digesti ve system is made up of the mouth, tongue, teeth, oesophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, gall- bladder and glands. This is where food is converted into energy. Did you know, it takes about four to six hours digest a meal? According to the BBC, the higher the fat content in the food, the longer it takes for the food to digest.

The nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and ganglia. The brain is responsible for our memory, emotion, thinking and sensory processing, including sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch.

Did you know, when stretched out (end to end), the blood vessels in the body of an adult can circle the Earth’s equator four times!

25

24