Primary function - Definition, Analogy, and Study Resources | Fiveable (2024)

Definition

The primary function refers to the main or most important purpose or role of a particular organ or system.

Analogy

Think of the primary function as the MVP (Most Valuable Player) of a sports team. Just like how the MVP is crucial for the team's success, the primary function is essential for an organ or system to perform its duties effectively.

Related terms

Secondary function: Refers to additional roles or purposes that an organ or system may have apart from its primary function.

Tertiary function: Relates to even further roles or purposes that an organ or system may serve, usually less significant than both primary and secondary functions.

Vital function: Describes critical functions that are necessary for survival and proper functioning of an organism.

"Primary function" appears in:

Subjects (1)

Practice Questions (4)

  • What is the primary function of the pituitary gland in the endocrine system?
  • What is the primary function of myelin sheath in a neuron?
  • According to Freud, what is the primary function of the ego in psychoanalytic theory?
  • What's the primary function of myelin sheath in a neuron?
Primary function - Definition, Analogy, and Study Resources | Fiveable (2024)

FAQs

Primary function - Definition, Analogy, and Study Resources | Fiveable? ›

Think of a school project group where each member has a specific role. The primary function is like the main task assigned to each group member. It's what they are expected to focus on and contribute towards in order to successfully complete the project.

What is the definition of a primary function? ›

The primary function refers to the main or most important purpose or role of a particular organ or system.

What are primary functions examples? ›

Areas that contain a primary function include, but are not limited to, the customer services lobby of a bank, the dining area of a cafeteria, the meeting rooms in a conference center, as well as offices and other work areas in which the activities of the public accommodation or other private entity using the facility ...

What are the 4 primary functions? ›

It is the responsibility of management to see that essential activities are done efficiently (in the best possible way) and effectively (doing the right thing). The management process consists of four primary functions that managers must perform: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling.

Which is the primary function? ›

Primary Function means a major activity for which a building or facility is intended.

What is the best definition of primary? ›

Primary means basically "first." When you vote in a primary, that is the first election in a series. When a matter is of primary concern, it means it's of first importance. Primary school is the first you go to (after nursery school, at least).

What is the meaning of primary and secondary functions? ›

The primary function is the main purpose or use of the product or service, while the secondary function supports the primary function in some way. Determining which functions are primary and which are secondary can be tricky, but there are a few key factors to consider that can help make the distinction clear.

What is the simplest definition of a function? ›

A function is defined as a relation between a set of inputs having one output each. In simple words, a function is a relationship between inputs where each input is related to exactly one output. Every function has a domain and codomain or range.

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