C3.1 Integration Of Body Systems Flashcards
In complex multicellular organisms, what is the hierarchy of organisation from simple to complex?
Cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, organism
Define cells
The smallest basic unit of living organisms. All living organisms are made of cells.
Define tissues
A group of cells that possess a similar structure and have a specific function.
Define organs
A group of tissues that performs specific function(s).
Define organ/body systems
A group of organs that work together to perform specific function(s).
Define organism
A living entity which has the capacity to grow, reproduce and reacts to stimuli.
What are emergent properties?
Describes properties which emerge in a complex system, which are not seen in the individual components making up the system.
What are emergent properties the result of?
The different levels of biological organisation
Emergent properties are properties that arise due…
…to the integration of subsystems.
What is the animal example of an emergent property?
Cheetahs as predators
What are some anatomical and physiological features of cheetahs that make them effective predators?
Black rings at the tip of the bushy tail help in camouflage, Grooves on claw pads help in traction, Long muscular tail acts as a stabiliser while running at high speeds, Longer and heavier hind limb bones enable longer strides, Lean body with long legs, Flexible spine that acts as a spring while running and increases stride length, Large heart and lungs, Undercoat with solid black spots helps in camouflage, Semi-retractable claws that provide traction while running, Black tear marks protect from the glare and help them see long distances, Small, aerodynamic head to reduce wind resistance
True or false?
The incredible speed of a cheetah and its ability to catch its prey is an example of an emergent property that arises due to the integration of the nervous, skeletal and muscular systems
True
Identify which of the following is/are an emergent property(ies).
I. Formation of memories.
II. ‘Wetness’ of water, caused by its ability to adhere to a surface.
III. A beehive.
All the statements represent emergent properties, for example the formation of memories is not the function of one neuron, rather it arises when several neurons work together. Similarly, the atoms that make water do not exhibit wetness but their coming together in a definite proportion causes wetness. A beehive is a self-contained ecosystem where complex tasks are carried out by the colony of bees.
What does the nervous system comprise?
The central nervous system (CNS), which consists of the brain and the spinal cord.
The peripheral nervous system (PNS), which consists of the nerves that connect the brain and spinal cord to the organs of the body. The PNS in turn consists of:
The somatic nervous system that regulates voluntary movements.
The autonomic nervous system that regulates involuntary activities such as heartbeat or breathing rate.
What does the nervous system do?
The nervous system collects, processes and responds to information by sending electrical action potentials or nerve impulses through specialised cells called neurons to the target organs.
Define hormones
Chemical substances secreted by endocrine glands that travel through the bloodstream to target organ(s) to regulate specific physiological processes.
Define endocrine glands
Organs which are responsible for secreting hormones.
What does blood transport as it flows through the network of blood vessels?
oxygen from the alveoli (of the lungs) to cells
carbon dioxide from cells to the lungs
nutrients from the small intestine to cells of the body
waste materials to organs such as the kidney or skin for removal
hormones from the endocrine glands to target organs.
How is the brain divided?
The brain is divided into three main regions: the cerebrum, cerebellum and the brain stem.
What is the cerebrum?
The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and controls multiple functions like vision, hearing, touch and other senses, speech, thinking and so on. It also initiates and coordinates movement. The cerebrum is divided into two halves, the cerebral hemispheres. Each of the cerebral hemispheres consists of four lobes: the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe and the temporal lobe. These lobes control specific functions.
What is the cerebellum?
The cerebellum is located at the back of the head. The cerebellum plays an important role in voluntary muscular movements, balance and coordination. Like the cerebrum, the cerebellum is composed of two hemispheres.
What is the brainstem?
The brainstem consists of the midbrain , pons and medulla oblongata . The pons connect the midbrain to the medulla. The medulla regulates involuntary activities like heartbeat, breathing rate, blood flow as well as activities like vomiting, swallowing, sneezing and coughing. The medulla continues downward as the spinal cord.
What is plasticity?
The ability of neural networks in the brain to change as a result of new information or experiences.
What is the spinal cord an integrating centre for?
Unconscious processes. For example, if dust enters your eyes, you would automatically blink. This spontaneous, involuntary response is a reflex generated by the spinal cord.
What are the types of neurons?
Sensory neurons/afferent neurons, interneurons, motor neurons/efferent neurons
What are sensory/afferent neurons?
Nerve cells which transmit sensory input from a sense organ to the central nervous system.
What are interneurons?
A neuron that relays impulses between the sensory and motor neurons.
What are motor/efferent neurons?
A nerve cell that transmits electrical messages from the central nervous system to a muscle or a gland.
What are receptors?
Receptors are specialised cells that pick up sensory stimuli and transmit it to the sensory neurons.
What are some types of receptors in the body?
Mechanoreceptors, chemoreceptors, thermoreceptors, nociceptors, electromagnetic receptors
What are mechanoreceptors?
Motion, pressure, stretch, touch and sound are detected by these receptors. Baroreceptors are mechanoreceptors in blood vessels which warn the brain of changes in the blood pressure. Proprioceptors are mechanoreceptors responsible for spatial awareness and coordination.
What are chemoreceptors?
Specialised sensory receptor neurons that respond to chemical stimuli.
What are thermoreceptors?
Specialised sensory receptor neurons that can detect changes in temperature.
What are nociceptors?
Specialised sensory receptor neurons that respond to pain. Pain receptors
What are electromagnetic receptors?
Specialised sensory receptor neurons that respond to light energy.
