The human body is a fascinating, efficient machine that requires the cooperation of various body systems. Some organs or tissues belong to more than one body system, as they perform a variety of biological functions. Physical health is dependent on physiological balance (homeostasis), which is only possible when all the body’s systems are functioning properly. Lifestyle habits, including the regular internal use of essential oils, can support healthy coordination and operation of the body’s systems. Select one of the body systems listed below to view doTERRA Science articles exploring the latest research on essential oils, botanicals, and chemical constituents related to body systems.
The heart and blood vessels circulate blood throughout the body, collecting, transferring, and distributing nutrients, hormones, and waste.
The teeth, tongue, salivary glands, esophagus, stomach, and intestines are a series of structures that break down food into the essential nutrients we need to function. The pancreas, liver, and gallbladder produce and secrete digestive enzymes that optimize the digestion and absorption process.
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The skin, hair, and nails are exterior body structures that help protect internal organs from injury and external threats. These structures also help regulate body temperature and assist with the removal of waste.
Metabolic processes that occur throughout the body continually generate waste by-products. The body has developed a variety of ways to filter body fluids and expel unwanted or harmful chemicals.
Glands throughout the body (hypothalamus, pineal, pituitary, adrenal, thyroid, ovaries, and testes) produce chemical messengers, otherwise known as hormones. These hormones regulate many, if not all, body functions, including body temperature, blood pressure, reproduction, and development.
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The immune system is the body’s three-layered defense system, relying on physical and chemical barriers, nonspecific resistance, and specific resistance to protect from foreign invaders. Skin, mucous membranes, and other structures act as physical barriers. Chemicals such as saliva and gastric juices then provide the next level of defense. The innate immune system uses generalized phagocyte cells or biological responses to attack invaders that get past the initial defense.
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Bones provide support, a structural framework for muscles and other soft tissue (tendons, ligaments, cartilage) to attach to, and protection to vital organs. Skeletal muscles relax and contract to make movement possible.
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Serving as the body’s communication hub, networks of nerves relay sensory information about the environment to the brain. The brain and spinal cord transmit nerve impulses to various body systems to coordinate voluntary and involuntary action. Memory, emotion, learning, and other higher level thinking processes are products of the brain’s neural network and structure.
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External and internal sex organs, hormones, pheromones, and fluids that work together in the production of offspring.
Vital organs require oxygen to function, which is provided by this system of organs and tissues. Air travels through respiratory passages like the mouth, nose, larynx, and trachea to reach the lungs. Gas exchange, the absorption of oxygen and release of carbon dioxide, takes place in spongy peripheral lung sacs termed alveoli.