What characterizes an organ system?

An organ system is characterized by a group of organs that work together to perform a specific function or set of functions. Each organ within the system has a distinct role, yet they collaborate to maintain the overall operation and health of the organism. For example, in the circulatory system, the heart, blood vessels, and blood work together to transport nutrients and oxygen throughout the body.

The collaboration among different organs allows for more complex functions than any single organ could achieve on its own. This concerted effort is essential for processes such as digestion, respiration, or reproduction, which require the interaction of multiple organs. Understanding this concept is crucial for recognizing how systems within living organisms are interdependent and how they contribute to overall homeostasis.