Human Anatomy: Key Organs and Their Functions

Posted on Feb 13, 2025 in Biology

Key Human Organs and Their Functions

  • Jejunum: The long, coiled mid-section of the small intestine, between the duodenum and the ileum.
  • Epiglottis: The flap at the back of the tongue that keeps chewed food from going down the windpipe to the lungs.
  • Pancreas: An enzyme-producing gland located below the stomach and above the intestines.
  • Gall Bladder: A small, sac-like organ located by the duodenum. It stores bile.
  • Bile: A digestive chemical that is produced in the liver, stored in the gall bladder, and secreted into the small intestine.
  • Appendix: A small sac located on the caecum.
  • Ileum: The last part of the small intestine before the large intestine begins.
  • Caecum: The first part of the large intestine.
  • Liver: A large organ located above and in front of the stomach. It filters toxins.
  • Duodenum: The first part of the small intestine; it is C-shaped and runs from the stomach to the jejunum.
  • Blood Vessels: Vessels that transport blood throughout the body.
  • Bladder: A sac-shaped organ that stores the urine produced by the kidneys.
  • Dermis: The layer of the skin just beneath the epidermis.
  • Axon: A single nerve fibre extending from the cell body of a neurone and carrying nerve impulses.
  • Urethra: The tube that conducts urine from the bladder to the exterior.
  • Ureter: A tube that conducts urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
  • Larynx: A muscular structure at the top of the trachea, containing the vocal cords.
  • Diaphragm: A muscular membrane under the lungs.
  • Aorta: The biggest and longest artery in the body. It carries oxygenated blood from the heart.
  • Superior Vena Cava: A large vein that carries oxygen-poor blood to the right atrium from the upper parts of the body.
  • Right Atrium: The upper right chamber of the heart. It receives deoxygenated blood from the body.
  • Stomach: A sack-like, muscular organ that is attached to the oesophagus. It plays a key role in digestion.
  • Anus: The opening at the end of the digestive system through which waste leaves the body.
  • Oesophagus: The long tube between the mouth and the stomach.
  • Rectum: The lower part of the large intestine, where faeces are stored before elimination.
  • Sebaceous Glands: Small, sack-shaped glands that release oily secretions (sebum) onto the skin.
  • Inferior Vena Cava: A large vein that carries oxygen-poor blood to the right atrium from the lower half of the body.
  • Left Atrium: The left upper chamber of the heart. It receives oxygen-rich blood from the lungs via the pulmonary vein.
  • Left Ventricle: The left lower chamber of the heart. It pumps blood through the aortic valve into the aorta.
  • Mitral Valve: The valve between the left atrium and the left ventricle. It prevents the back-flow of blood.
  • Pulmonary Artery: The blood vessel that carries oxygen-poor blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs.
  • Pulmonary Valve: The valve between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. It opens when the ventricle contracts.
  • Pulmonary Vein: The blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the left atrium of the heart.
  • Right Ventricle: The right lower chamber of the heart. It pumps blood to the lungs.
  • Septum: The muscular wall that separates the left and right sides of the heart.
  • Tricuspid Valve: The valve between the right atrium and the right ventricle. It is composed of three flaps.
  • Dendrite: One of the shorter-branching processes of the cell body of a neurone, which makes contact with other neurones.