There are 2 different systems that keep our bodies working in a balanced, coordinated way called homeostasis. Our endocrine system uses chemicals called hormones. The endocrine system is made of 9 major glands scattered throughout our body. Together, these glands make dozens of chemical messengers called hormones and release them directly into the blood stream. The endocrine system plays an important part in homeostasis.

Our musculoskeletal system is made up of muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, cartilage, joints and bursae. Our muscles work with the nervous system to contract when stimulated with impulses from motor nerves.

This is a labeled image of all of bones and joints of the arm, shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand.

Images of the knee joint including various views of muscles, bones, ligaments and other structures.

The digestive system is an essential to the human body. It helps in break down of the foods we eat into smaller components that can be absorbed by the body for its nourishment. This process is known as digestion. The process of digestion involves grinding of the food, foods movement through the digestive tract, breaking down of larger molecules, absorption of nutrients into the blood and removing waste from the body.

Anatomic terms describe the directions within the body as well as the body’s reference planes, cavities and regions.

The brain, which is housed and protected by in the bones of the skull, makes up all parts of the central nervous system above the spinal cord. The brain can be divided into two major parts: the lower brain stem and the higher forebrain.

The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system. The spinal cord transmits messages that coordinate movement and sensation. The cord is an ovoid shaped column of nerve tissue that extends from the medulla at the underside of the brain down through cavities in the spinal column to the second lumbar vertebrae.