Which term describes the organization of many different tissues that perform a broad function such as digestion or circulation?

• A. Tissue
• B. Organ System
• C. Cell
• D. Organ

Answer: (B)

Think about how the body handles big tasks. A broad function like digestion or circulation is carried out by several organs made from different tissues, all working together. Tissues are groups of similar cells; a single organ is a structure built from multiple tissues and handles a specific part of a system. When multiple organs cooperate to perform a wide function for the whole body, that arrangement is an organ system. So, organizing many different tissues to carry out digestion or circulation describes an organ system. For example, the digestive system includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas, all working together to break down food and absorb nutrients; the circulatory system includes the heart and blood vessels moving blood throughout the body.