Organ Systems
The ultimate level of organisation is organ systems - multiple organs joining forces like a superhero team. Each system tackles a major life function that no single organ could handle alone.
Your digestive system is probably the most relatable example. It includes your salivary glands, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, pancreas, and liver all working together to break down that sandwich you had for lunch and extract the nutrients your body needs.
The respiratory system (trachea, bronchi, lungs) specialises in gas exchange, making sure oxygen gets in and carbon dioxide gets out. Meanwhile, your circulatory system (heart, arteries, veins) acts like a delivery service, pumping blood and transporting everything your cells need.
What's brilliant is how these systems coordinate with each other. Your respiratory system loads oxygen into blood, your circulatory system delivers it to cells, and your digestive system provides the fuel to keep everything running.
Key Point: Organ systems prove that teamwork really does make the dream work - each system depends on others to keep you alive and healthy!