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Animal organs are usually composed of more than one cell type. Organs perform a
certain function. Most organs have functions in only one organ system. Organ
systems are composed of organs, and perform a major function for the organism.
Digestive System
Multicellular organisms need to digest their food and filter the waste and the
nutrients. The digestive system uses mechanical and chemical methods to break
food down into nutrient molecules that can be absorbed into the blood. There are a
few steps commonly involved to correctly digest:
1. movement: propels food through the digestive system
2. secretion: release of digestive juices in response to a specific stimulus
3. digestion: breakdown of food into molecular components small enough to cross
the plasma membrane
4. absorption: passage of the molecules into the body's interior and their passage
throughout the body
5. elimination: removal of undigested food and wastes
Circulatory System
Multicellular animals do not have most of their cells in
contact with the external environment and so have
developed circulatory systems to transport nutrients,
oxygen, carbon dioxide and metabolic wastes.
Components of the circulatory system include
• blood: a
connective
tissue of
liquid plasma
and cells
• heart: a
muscular
pump to
move the
blood
• blood vessels:
arteries,
capillaries
and veins
that deliver blood to all tissues
Respiratory System
The primary function of the respiratory