Introduction to Alterations to body maintenance

The cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive and renal systems are involved in body maintenance. The unifying themes for these systems are the provision of nutrients, fluid and oxygen to cells, and the removal of wastes from cells and ultimately the body. Alterations to these systems can have a significant impact on health. For example, disturbances to the cardiovascular system are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Australia and New Zealand. Alterations to the respiratory system such as asthma and diseases associated with smoking (e.g. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer) affect large sections of our populations. Digestive system diseases are numerous, and colorectal cancer is a major concern in our society. Alterations to renal system function include diseases that relate strongly to cardiovascular disease and end-stage kidney disease.