What are the 78 Organs In the Human Body?

There are 78 Organs in the human body. An organ is a collection of tissues joined by an anatomical connection to form a functional structural unit. Most multicellular organisms, including humans, other animals, and plants, have organs. There are 2 types of organs in the human body – hollow organs (eg. rectum) which have space where substances pass through and solid organs (eg. pancreas) which lack internal cavities. In this article, we will study the 78 organs in the human body in brief.

What are the 78 Organs in the Human Body?

There are 78 major organs in the human body, but five of them are considered vital organs necessary to survive. These include the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver, which we shall discuss in detail.

List of 78 Organs in the Human Body Name

The major 78 organs are listed in the following table on the basis of different system:

Digestive System

The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food into nutrients that the body can absorb and use for energy and growth. It consists of various organs, including the stomach, small intestine, and liver, each with specific roles in the digestion process.

Organs	Description
Mouth	Entry point of the digestive system, where food is chewed and mixed with saliva to begin the process of digestion.
Pharynx	Throat region that serves as a pathway for both air and food, directing food to the esophagus during swallowing.
Esophagus	Muscular tube connecting the throat to the stomach, transporting chewed food from the mouth to the stomach
Stomach	Digestive organ that stores and breaks down food using gastric juices, producing chyme before it passes to the small intestine
Mesentery	Fold of tissue that suspends the small intestine from the back of the abdominal wall, providing support
Small Intestine	Long, coiled tube where most digestion and nutrient absorption occur, consisting of three parts: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.
Large Intestine	Absorbs water and salts from undigested material, forming feces before elimination.
Liver	Detoxifies chemicals, produces bile for fat digestion, stores glucose, and performs various metabolic functions.
Gall Bladder	Stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver, releasing it into the small intestine to help in fat digestion.
Pancreas	Produces digestive enzymes and hormones such as insulin, regulating blood sugar levels and aiding in digestion.
Anus	Opening at the end of the digestive tract where feces are expelled from the body during defecation
Colon	Absorbs water and salts from undigested food, forming and storing feces before elimination.

Respiratory System

The respiratory system is responsible for oxygenating the body and removing carbon dioxide through breathing. It includes organs such as the lungs, trachea, and bronchi, facilitating gas exchange with the bloodstream.

Organs	Description
Nose	Primary organ for smelling and breathing, containing hair-lined passages that filter the air we breathe.
Pharynx	Serves as a passage for both air and food, connecting the mouth and nasal cavity to the esophagus and larynx
Larynx	Present in the throat and contains the vocal cords, essential for speech and preventing food from entering the airway.
Trachea	Tube-like structure that carries air to and from the lungs, protected by C-shaped cartilage rings.
Bronchi	Two branches of the trachea that lead to the lungs, where they further divide into smaller tubes called bronchioles
Lungs	Main organs of the respiratory system, responsible for exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide with the blood during respiration.

Circulatory System

The circulatory system, composed of the heart, blood vessels, and blood, is responsible for transporting nutrients, oxygen, and waste products throughout the body.

Organs	Description
Heart	The organ that pumps blood throughout the body, supplying oxygen and nutrients.
Arteries	Blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to various parts of the body.
Veins	Blood vessels that transport oxygen-poor blood back to the heart from different body tissues.
Capillaries	Tiny blood vessels where the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products occurs between blood and tissues.

Nervous System

The nervous system coordinates body functions and responds to internal and external stimuli through nerve signals transmitted between the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

Organs	Description
Brain	Central organ of the nervous system responsible for controlling thoughts, sensations, movements, and vital functions.
Spinal Cord	Spinal cord is a long, thin, tubular bundle of nerves that extends from the brainstem to the lower back, serving as a pathway for transmitting messages between the brain and the rest of the body
Nerves	Nerves are bundles of fibers that transmit electrical impulses between the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the body, allowing for sensory perception, movement, and communication
Hypothalamus	Small region of the brain that plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature, hunger, thirst, sleep, and hormone secretion.
Cerebellum	Part of the brain responsible for coordinating voluntary muscle movements, maintaining posture, and balance
Pineal Gland	Small endocrine gland in the brain that produces melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles and circadian rhythms.
Pituitary Gland	Often called the “master gland” because it controls the activity of other endocrine glands in the body by producing and secreting various hormones

Endocrine System

The endocrine system regulates various bodily functions through hormone secretion from glands such as the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands, maintaining homeostasis and influencing growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

Organs	Description
Thyroid	A butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck that produces hormones essential for metabolism regulation.
Adrenal Glands	Two small glands located on top of each kidney that secrete hormones involved in stress response and metabolism
Pancreas	An organ located behind the stomach that produces insulin and digestive enzymes essential for glucose regulation and digestion.
Pituitary Gland	Often referred to as the “master gland,” it is located at the base of the brain and controls other endocrine glands, regulating growth and various bodily functions.
Pineal Gland	A small gland in the brain that produces melatonin, regulating sleep-wake cycles and influencing mood.
Parathyroid Gland	Four tiny glands located on the thyroid gland that regulate calcium levels in the body.
Thymus Gland	Located in the upper chest, it plays a crucial role in immune function, particularly during childhood

Urinary System

The urinary system filters blood to remove waste products and excess substances, producing urine and maintaining fluid balance, electrolyte levels, and blood pressure through the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

Organs	Description
Kidneys	Organs responsible for filtering waste products from the blood to form urine.
Ureters	Tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
Bladder	Elastic organ that stores urine until it is ready to be excreted from the body.
Urethra	Tube through which urine is expelled from the bladder out of the body.

Reproductive System

The reproductive system enables reproduction through the production of gametes (sperm and eggs) and facilitates fertilization and gestation in males and females, essential for species survival

Organs	Description
Testes	Male reproductive organs responsible for producing sperm and testosterone.
Ovaries	Female reproductive glands that produce eggs and hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
Uterus	Hollow muscular organ where fertilized eggs implant and develop during pregnancy.
Penis	Male organ involved in sexual intercourse and urination.
Vagina	Elastic muscular canal connecting the uterus to the external genitalia.
Prostate	Gland in males involved in producing seminal fluid to nourish and transport sperm.
Seminal Vesicles	Glands that produce a significant portion of the fluid that makes up semen.
Fallopian Tubes	Tubes connecting the ovaries to the uterus, where fertilization typically occurs
Genitals	Collective term for external reproductive organs.
Vulva	External female genitalia, including the labia and clitoris.
Clitoris	Highly sensitive female sexual organ involved in pleasure sensation.
Cervix	Lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina; it allows menstrual flow to exit and sperm to enter during intercourse

Musculoskeletal System

The musculoskeletal system supports the body, enables movement, and protects internal organs through bones, muscles, and connective tissues, maintaining posture, stability, and locomotion

Organs	Description
Skeletal Muscles	Responsible for voluntary movement and provide support to the body.
Ligaments	Connect bones to other bones, providing stability and preventing excessive movement.
Tendons	Attach muscles to bones, enabling movement and transmitting forces.
Diaphragm	A muscle separating the chest and abdomen, essential for breathing.
Bones	Provide structural support, protect internal organs, and facilitate movement.
Bone Marrow	A soft tissue within bones responsible for the production of blood cells.
Joints	Present where two or more bones meet, allowing movement and providing flexibility.
Interstitium	A network of fluid-filled spaces within tissues, playing a role in support and cushioning.

Integumentary System

The integumentary system is the body’s outer covering, consisting of skin, hair, nails, and glands, providing protection against physical, chemical, and microbial damage and regulating temperature and hydration.

Organs	Description
Skin	The body’s outer covering, providing protection and sensation.
Hair Follicle	Structures within the skin that produce hair.
Nails	Hard coverings at the ends of fingers and toes, protecting the fingertips and enhancing grip.
Subcutaneous Tissue	The layer of tissue beneath the skin, containing fat and connective tissue.
Adipose Tissue	Specialized fat tissue that stores energy and provides insulation.

Lymphatic/Immune System

The lymphatic/immune system defends the body against pathogens, infections, and diseases through lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and immune cells like lymphocytes and antibodies, maintaining immune surveillance and homeostasis.

Organs	Description
Spleen	Located in the abdomen that filters blood, stores red blood cells, and helps in immune function
Lymph Nodes	Small, bean-shaped structures that filter lymph fluid and help fight infection.
Tonsils	Clusters of lymphoid tissue at the back of the throat that help trap bacteria and viruses.
Thymus Gland	An organ in the chest that produces T cells, a type of white blood cell important for immunity.
Lymphatic Vessels	Tubes that carry lymph fluid, containing white blood cells, throughout the body’s lymphatic system.

Sense Organs

Sensory organs help living things sense their surroundings. They include eyes for seeing, ears for hearing, nose for smelling, tongue for tasting, and skin for feeling touch and temperature.

Organs	Description
Eyes	Detect light and convert it into electrochemical impulses interpreted by the brain for vision.
Ears	Responsible for hearing and balance, consisting of the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear.
Nose	The primary organ of smell and also involved in the respiratory system, where it warms, moistens, and filters air.
Tongue	A muscular organ in the mouth responsible for taste sensation, chewing, and swallowing food.

Accessory Organs

Accessory organs support the main functions of the body but are not directly involved in sensing or digesting food. The list of accessory organs is given below:

Organs	Description
Salivary Glands	Glands in the mouth that produce saliva, containing enzymes that begin the digestion process.
Nasal Cavity	The space inside the nose where air is warmed, moistened, and filtered before entering the respiratory system.
Mammary Glands	Glands in the breasts that produce milk for breastfeeding infants.
Gall Bladder	A small organ beneath the liver that stores bile produced by the liver and releases it into the small intestine to aid in digestion.
Placenta	Formed during pregnancy that provides nutrients and oxygen to the fetus and removes waste products.

Vital Organs

The organs required for survival are considered to be the vital organs. Any abnormalities in any of these organs have the potential to be fatal. The five important organs are:

Brain

It serves as a control center and is a component of the central nervous system. The human nervous system is made up of the brain and the spinal cord. Cerebrum, brainstem, and cerebellum make up the brain. This organ is responsible for the majority of the body’s functions and determines which instructions to provide the rest of the body after analyzing, integrating, and coordinating the data from the sense organs. The skull’s bones in the head support and protect the brain.

Heart

The human heart is among the most vital organs in the body. Until a person’s death, the human heart continues to beat. Our hearts beat roughly forty-two hundred times an hour, or 70 beats per minute, pumping nearly 2,000 gallons of blood each day. The position of the human heart lies somewhat to the left of and behind the breastbone in the thoracic cavity, medial to the lungs.

Lungs

Lungs are organs found in the thoracic cavity of the chest and are present in humans. They have a thin membrane lining, bronchioles, which are smaller tubes, alveoli, which resemble balloons, and a collection of blood capillaries, which increases the surface area for gas exchange.

Kidneys

A vital organ of the excretory system is the kidney. The ribs and back muscles support these bean-shaped bony bones, which are situated on either side of the spine. It works by filtering extra water from the blood and removing dangerous contaminants. In addition to excretion, the kidneys also produce renin, a hormone that controls blood pressure.

Liver

With a weight of between 1.3 and 1.5 kg, the liver is the largest internal organ in the human body. Only vertebrates possess the liver, which is situated in the upper right corner of the abdomen. More than 500 processes are carried out by this triangular, bi-lobed organ, including blood coagulation, defense against pathogen invasion, hormone and protein synthesis, and secretion of numerous enzymes and chemicals. 

Non-Vital Organs (Major Organs)

Organs that are not necessary for survival are known as non-vital organs. This does not imply, however, that illnesses affecting these organs are never harmful or life-threatening. In non-vital organs, many infections and malignancies can be fatal, especially if they are not treated right away.

Gall Bladder

Gall bladder is a pouch located underneath the liver. Bile that is generated in the liver is concentrated and stored in the gall bladder. In reaction to food (particularly lipids), the gallbladder releases bile into the upper small intestine, which helps in the digestion of fat.

Pancreas

The pancreas is both an organ and a gland. In the body, the organs known as glands generate and secrete various substances. Two primary tasks are carried out by the pancreas: Produces chemicals (enzymes) that help in digesting as part of its exocrine function.  It also releases hormones that regulate blood sugar levels.

Stomach

An organ in the upper abdomen is the stomach. The fundus, body, antrum, and pylorus are included in the non-cardia, which is separated into the cardia. It is a part of the digestive system.

Intestines

The digestive tract is made up of various organs, including the small and large intestines. The small intestine is divided into three parts. The first part is known as the duodenum. The jejunum is in the center, while the ileum is at the end. The large intestine includes the appendix, colon, rectum, and cecum.

Skin

The largest organ in the body is the skin. The integumentary system is made up of the skin and its byproducts, including hair, nails, perspiration, and oil glands. Protection is one of the skin’s primary roles. It shields the body from environmental dangers like temperature, toxins, and pathogens.

Conclusion – 78 Organs in the Human Body

In conclusion, the human body comprises 78 organs, each with specific functions crucial for maintaining life. These organs are categorized based on systems, such as the digestive, respiratory, circulatory, nervous, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, musculoskeletal, integumentary, lymphatic/immune, and sensory systems. While vital organs like the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver are essential for survival, non-vital organs also play significant roles in bodily functions and overall health. The list of 78 organs in the human body is given here.

FAQs on 78 Organs in the Human Body

What is an Organ?

An organ is a group of tissues connected together to form a structural unit that performs a single function. Most multicellular organisms, including humans, other animals, and plants, have organs.

What are Vital Organs?

The organs required for survival are considered to be the vital organs. Any abnormalities in any of these organs have the potential to be fatal. The five important organs are the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver.

What are the Types of Human Organs?

There are two types of human organs – hollow ( which have spaces inside where substances pass through) and solid organs (which lack internal cavity).

What is the Interstitium Organ?

The interstitium is a network of fluid-filled spaces within tissues that provide support and cushioning, serving as a part of the body’s structural framework and aiding in fluid movement and immune function.