MOSS MAN / HUMAN BIOLOGY
Moss Man Body Blueprint
Eight connected systems. One living body. Explore how your body works, one system at a time.
Choose a system
- 01 Brain & nerves →
- 02 Heart & circulation →
- 03 Lungs & breathing →
- 04 Digestion & absorption →
- 05 Kidneys & fluid balance →
- 06 Hormones & signaling →
- 07 Immune defenses →
- 08 Skin & the outer barrier →
Schematic learning map, not an anatomical illustration. Hormone signaling, immune defenses and skin involve the body broadly; the numbered list covers these systems too.
01Sensing · signaling · coordinationBrain & nerves
What it does
The nervous system includes the brain, spinal cord and nerves. It helps the body receive information and coordinate responses.
How it connects
The brain helps control breathing. Signals and body functions are connected rather than confined to one organ.
A useful question
How is a general wellbeing claim different from a claim to treat a neurological condition?
NINDS / Read the reference ↗02Transport · flow · rhythmHeart & circulation
What it does
The heart pumps blood through arteries, veins and capillaries. Blood transports oxygen and nutrients and carries carbon dioxide toward the lungs.
How it connects
Circulation connects the lungs with the rest of the body. The heart’s electrical system helps coordinate its rhythm.
A useful question
What exactly would be measured to support a claim about circulation?
NHLBI / Read the reference ↗03Air movement · gas exchangeLungs & breathing
What it does
Oxygen moves from inhaled air into the blood, while carbon dioxide moves from blood into the lungs to be exhaled.
How it connects
The diaphragm and other respiratory structures support breathing. The brain adjusts breathing in response to the body’s needs.
A useful question
Was a claim studied for the exact preparation and route of use?
NHLBI / Read the reference ↗04Food breakdown · nutrient absorptionDigestion & absorption
What it does
The digestive tract, liver, pancreas and gallbladder work together to break food down. The small intestine absorbs most nutrients; the large intestine absorbs water and helps form stool.
How it connects
Absorbed nutrients enter circulation. The liver processes nutrients, and the pancreas contributes digestive enzymes.
A useful question
Does the claim describe digestion, absorption or a separate measurable outcome?
NIDDK / Read the reference ↗05Filtration · water · mineralsKidneys & fluid balance
What it does
The kidneys filter blood, remove wastes and extra water, and help balance salts and minerals. Waste and extra water leave the body in urine.
How it connects
Kidneys also help manage acid balance and produce hormones involved in other body functions.
A useful question
What do I need to ask a professional before changing fluids or supplements?
NIDDK / Read the reference ↗06Glands · messengers · feedbackHormones & signaling
What it does
Endocrine glands produce hormones. These chemical messengers travel through the blood and influence functions such as growth, metabolism and reproduction.
How it connects
Hormone signaling interacts with other systems. Different glands and hormones have different roles.
A useful question
Which hormone and outcome does the claim actually refer to?
MedlinePlus / Read the reference ↗07Recognition · defense · regulationImmune defenses
What it does
The immune system is a network of cells, tissues and organs that helps defend the body against harmful substances and germs.
How it connects
Its work involves multiple parts of the body. Immune responses require regulation; more activity is not a universal goal.
A useful question
Was an actual health outcome measured, or only a laboratory marker?
MedlinePlus / Read the reference ↗08Protection · sensation · temperatureSkin & the outer barrier
What it does
Skin helps protect the body, contributes to temperature regulation and allows sensations such as touch, heat and cold.
How it connects
Skin is an organ with several functions. A product applied to the skin has a different exposure route from a product taken by mouth.
A useful question
Is the product intended for cosmetic use, and what does its actual label say?
MedlinePlus / Read the reference ↗