The body’s muscular system is comprised of over 650 muscles, which provide the body’s strength, balance, posture, movement, contraction, joint stability, muscle tone, and muscle metabolism (body temperature). Muscles account for approximately 40% of the body’s weight. There are essentially three types of muscles in the body: skeletal, cardiac and smooth. 

The skeletal system is the body’s structure that protects the body’s internal organs and soft tissue. For instance, the skull protects the brain, the sternum and rib cage protects the heart and lungs, and the vertebral column protects the spine. The skeletal system works closely with the muscular system to provide body movement and stability. 

The nervous system is a complex system that receives and interprets sensory impulses and initiates the body’s response through muscles and glands. Sensory impulses are received internally from other organs, or externally through touch, smell, taste, hearing or sight. These impulses are sent from internal and external sources to the brain; then the brain sends the body’s reaction back to the organs, glands, and muscles. The nervous system controls both the hormonal glands and the nerve network.

The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs comprising the lymph, the lymph nodes, and the lymph vessels, which carry fluid throughout the body. The lymphatic system wards off germs, infections, illness and disease while balancing the body fluids. This is an important component of the body’s immune system.

The integumentary system consists of the body’s skin (epidermis and the dermis), hair follicles, nails and glands. The integumentary system is the largest organ of the body, accounting for 12-15% of the body’s weight.

The circulatory system, known also as the cardiovascular system, is responsible for the transport of blood throughout the body, to and from the heart. Blood flows and waste is filtered through this system of arteries, capillaries, heart, liver, lymphatic system, kidneys, spleen, urinary system, and veins.

The respiratory system delivers oxygen and dispenses carbon dioxide through the body’s blood. When inhaling, oxygen enters through the nose or mouth. The oxygen then travels through the larnyx, trachea, bronchi, bronchial tubes, and then the lungs. It then diffuses through capillaries into the blood supply. In a reverse fashion, the body will then dispense carbon dioxide as a person exhales.

The Gastrointestinal system is responsible for the ingestion, digestion, propulsion, absorption and defecation of food and nutrients in the body. This system is comprised of the oral cavity, salivary glands, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder and pancreas. 

The urinary system is responsible for removing urea, a type of waste found in your blood. The body absorbs nutrients from food intake. When foods containing protein and some vegetables are broken down by the body, urea is produced and carried through the bloodstream to the kidneys. The kidney filters the urea, while allowing the blood to keep glucose, salts and minerals. The filtered urea is then mixed with water, excess salts and organic material to become urine.

The endocrine system is comprised of glands that produce and secrete hormones released from the endocrine system into the bloodstream to regulate the body’s growth, cholesterol, metabolism, mood, temperature, sexuality, diabetic conditions, thyroid, and tissue function. The endocrine system involves the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pancreas, and reproductive glands. The endocrine system can have secondary effects on other organs, like kidney, liver, heart and gonads.

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

The reproductive system is the body’s system to ensure survival of the species. The system consists of hormones (progesterone, estrogen and testosterone), pheromones, genitalia, gonads and breasts. The organs work together for attraction and interest in another of the same mammary glands, species, as well as for fertilization, gestation, pregnancy, birth, and breast feeding. 

Massage assists the reproductive system in the following ways:

• promotes general breast health

• promotes relaxation

• reduces blood pressure

• loosens lower back muscles

• assists prostrate treatments

• reduces menstrual cramps

• provides feeling of wellness