We use our lungs to breathe. The lungs bring oxygen into the body and get rid of carbon dioxide from the body.
Fun Fact
If the lungs were stretched out, they would become the size of half a tennis court!
Percent of Patients waiting for Organ Donations
1%
The Circulatory System
HeartBody System
Circulatory
Key Function in Body
The heart pumps blood throughout the body. This blood carries essential nutrients and oxygen to the body and gets rid of any cellular waste.
Fun Fact
About â…” of the heart is found on the left side of the body.
Percent of Patients waiting for Organ Donations
2%
The Urinary System
KidneyBody System
Urinary
Key Function in Body
The kidneys act as filters, removing waste and extra water from the blood. This helps keep the proper balance of minerals, water, and salts in the blood. The kidneys also help control blood pressure, make red blood cells, and keep bones healthy and strong. The waste filtered by the kidneys is converted to urine, which we get rid of (excrete) when we go to the bathroom. About one third of blood flowing from the heart is filtered by the kidneys before it enters other body tissues. While humans have two kidneys, we can survive with only one.
Fun Fact
People can live with only one kidney. However, if both kidneys stop working - people can die within a few days.
Percent of Patients waiting for Organ Donations
82%
The Digestive System
LiverBody System
Digestive
Key Function in Body
The liver has many functions. It stores and releases vitamins and carbohydrates into the blood when the body needs them. The liver also removes bacteria from the bloodstream, which helps keep the body healthy. The liver is extremely important and a person can die quickly from a lack of energy and nutrients if the liver stops functioning.
Fun Fact
The liver is the second largest organ in the body; only the skin is larger! The liver has regenerative properties and can regrow dead or damaged tissues.
