8.3 - Integration of body systems Flashcards
Cells
The basic unit of life
Multicellular
Containing more than one cell
Tissues
A group of cells working together
Organs
A group of tissues working together
Organ Systems
A group of organs working together
Emergent Properties
Arises from the interaction of components (the whole is greater than the sum of its parts
Nervous System
A network of nerves that send electrical messages around the body
Endocrine System
A network of glands that secrete chemical messengers into the bloodstream for transport to target tissues and organs
Blood Plasma
Liquid component of the blood
Cerebral Cortex (Cerebrum)
Is responsible for learning, memory, language and consciousness (LLMC)
Cerebellum
Is responsible for balance and muscle coordination
Medulla Oblongata
(in the brain stem) controls unconscious activities such as breathing and heartbeat
Hypothalamus
Controls the endocrine system, including thermoregulation
Gland
A group of cells that produces and releases one or more substances
Central Nervous System
Brain + spinal cord
Brain
Receives information from sense receptors spread throughout the body
Spinal Cord
The pathway for communication between the brain and the rest of the body
Conscious Processes
refer to mental activities that are under an individual’s conscious control because they are aware of it
Unconscious Processes
Refers to mental activities that are not under and individual’s conscious control because they are not aware of it
Sensory Neurons
Neurones that transfer impulses from the receptors to the central nervous system (CNS
Interneurons
Neurones that transfer impulses between neurones, these are located within the CN
Motor Neurons
Neurones that transfer impulses between the CNS and an effector, e.g a muscle or gland
Nerves
Bundles of sensory and motor neurones surrounded by an epineurium (a protective sheath
Pain Reflex Arc
Is an example of an involuntary response involving sensory neurones, interneurons and motor neurones, excluding the brain
Effector
is sent an electrical impulse by a motor neurone which stimulates muscles to contract
Circadian Rhythms
The behavioural, mental and physical changes that occur over a 24 hour cycle, responding to daylight and darkness
Melatonin
A hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain that responds to darkness, signalling that it’s time to sleep
Pineal Gland
The part of the brain that secretes melatonin
Epinephrine / Adrenaline
The hormone that triggers a fight or flight response
Adrenal Glands
release adrenaline, preparing the body for intense physical activity and facilitating intense muscle contraction
Baroreceptors
Stretch sensitive receptors that monitor blood pressure
Chemoreceptors
Receptors that detect changes in blood chemistry including CO2 and oxygen levels as well as pH
pH
When carbon dioxide dissolves into the bloodstream it reacts with the water in the blood plasma to produce carbonic acid which lowers the blood pH
Ventilation
Is not respiration. It is the movement of air in and out of the lungs
Cardiovascular Control Centre
The part of the hypothalamus which regulates heart beat, heart stroke volume etc
Respiratory Control Centre
The part of the hypothalamus that controls the ventilation rate
Digestive System
The system that processes food within the body
Peristalsis
The involuntary relaxation and contraction of muscles which move contents along the digestive system
Autonomic Nervous System
Is responsible for the control of bodily functions which are not under conscious control
Enteric Nervous System
A branch of the autonomic nervous system which controls the movement of food along the digestive system
