C3.1 Integration of Body Systems Flashcards
Define system integration
Different systems in an organism need to effectively communicate and coordinate with each other to be able to perform an overall function.
How do emergent properties work?
They are created when the sum of all the parts creates features that do not exist within the individual components.
Examples of emergent properties
- Cells specialized/adapted to perform specific functions
- Tissues made from a group of cells of the same type to carry out a function
- Organs made from a group of tissues that work together to carry out a specific function of life
- Body systems made from groups of organs that interact with each other to perform an overall function of life
- An organism is a living individual made up of organ systems
What are the features of hormonal signaling?
- Chemical signaling, secreted by endocrine glands
- In the bloodstream
- Widespread: to all parts of the body that are supplied with blood, but only certain cells respond
- Effect target cells
- Type of response: growth, development, reproduction, metabolic rate and heat generation
- Slow
- Long, until the hormone is broken down
What are the features of nervous signalling?
- Electrical, by passage of cations across membranes
- Happens in neurons
- Highly focused: one specific neuron or group of effector cells
- Effects muscles (contraction)
- Fast
- Short unless nerve impulses are sent repeatedly
What is the role of the blood system in transporting materials between organisms?
- RBC:
- Transport O2 from lungs to all tissues
- Transport CO2 back to the lungs - Blood plasma:
- Transport water to all tissues
- Transport nutrients and inorganic ions to all cells
- Transport metabolic waste products from liver to kidneys
- Transport hormones from endocrine glands to target organs
- Distribution of heat
- Transports dissolved proteins that regulate osmotic concentration and antibodies
What is the role of the brain?
It is the central information integration organ.
1. The brain receives impulses from sensory receptors
2. The information is then processed, stored and instructions are sent out to all parts of the body to coordinate life processes.
3. Signals are sent through motor neurons to effector organs (muscles or glands) which execute responses.
What is the role of the frontal lobe?
motor control, problem solving, speech production.
What is the role of the temporal lobe?
auditory processing, language comprehension, memory/ info retrieval
What is the role of the brainstem?
involuntary responses
What is the role of the parietal lobe?
touch perception, body orientation and sensory discrimination
What is the role of the occipital lobe?
sight, visual reception and interpretation
What is the role of the cerebellum?
- Coordinates skeletal muscle contraction
- Controls balance and help maintain posture
- Helps in activities requiring motor memory
What is the role of the spinal cord?
It is an integrating center for unconscious processes.
– carries nerve impulses between brain and rest of body
– controls reflexes without input from the brain
What is the role of sensory neurons?
Convey messages from receptor cells to central nervous system