A subsystem is a system that is part of a larger system that contains it.
In other words, a subsystem is a set of interrelated elements that is itself a system, but is also part of a larger system.
A system can be made up of multiple components and subsystems.
Examples of subsystems
The human respiratory system is made up of multiple parts (organs) such as nostrils, mouth, epiglottis, pharynx, larynx, trachea, main bronchi, lobar bronchi, segmental bronchi, bronchioles, ducts, and alveolar sacs, etc.
Within the respiratory system we can also observe systems themselves, which in this case are called subsystems, such as the epiglottis. It is a subsystem of the respiratory system that at the time of swallowing closes the upper opening of the larynx to prevent food or drinks from passing into the lungs.
It is always important to establish the boundaries of a system (the main system we are studying) to know what components and what subsystems are part of it.
Another example is a tree seen as a natural system.
Main system: tree.
Components: leaves, bark, branches, trunks, water, plant cells, etc.
Inputs: carbon dioxide, sunlight, water, nutrients, etc.
Outputs: debris (leaves, dead branches, steam), seeds, fruits, oxygen, etc.
Purpose: absorb CO2 and release oxygen, provide food and shade, etc.
The tree in turn has as a subsystem the sap circulation system. Water and minerals enter through the roots, it is called crude sap, which rises through the xylem towards the leaves, in the leaves this crude sap is transformed into elaborated sap through photosynthesis and that elaborated sap is distributed through the phloem to the rest of the tree. tree.
Hierarchy: subsystem, system and suprasystem
In systems theory, levels of organization (or hierarchies) refer to the order at different levels of organization from the simplest to the most complex systems; for example, the identification of a subsystem, within a system, within a suprasystem. A practical example in computing: the «RAM memory» subsystem, contained in the «motherboard» system, contained in the «computer» supersystem.
A subsystem is part of a system which in turn is part of a suprasystem (or supersystem).
For this distinction it is essential to establish the precise limits or borders of the systems of each level. Without borders, subsystems, systems and suprasystems can hardly be established.
related terminology
System
Suprasystem (supersystem)
limits of a system
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