C3.1 Integration of body systems Flashcards
Why do organisms systems?
All organisms use multiple systems to perform various functions of life. Within these systems, there are interdependent subsystems that work together to perform an overall function. At every level in functioning of an organism, there must be coordination between and within systems. This is achieved by system integration.
Different systems in an organism need to effectively communicate with each other & interact in order to be functional. Negative & positive feedback between components supports this, but more commonly they are complex & multifactorial, with many loops & branches which allow connections between complex processes.
What is the importance of integration of body systems for cheetah being a predator?
Thus, integration of body systems & complex social interactions result in qualities that make cheetahs incredible predators & provide an example of an emergent property.
- Small, aerodynamic head to reduce wind resistance
- Black tear marks protect from glare & help them see long distances
- Semi-retractable claws that provide traction while running
- Large heart & lungs
- Flexible spine that acts as a spring while running and increases stride length
- Undercoat with solid black spots helps in camouflage
- Lean body with long legs
- Longer & heavier hind limb bones enable longer strides
- Long muscular tail acts as a stabiliser while running at high speeds
- Black rings at tip of bushy tail help in camouflage
- Grooves on claw pads help in traction
What is the hierarchy of subsystems in a multicellular living organism?
Cells, tissues, organs and body systems as a hierarchy of subsystems that are integrated in a multicellular living organism.
What are emergent properties?
Emergent properties are those that exist when sum of all parts creates features that do not exist within individual components. This is advantage of an organism level of complexity. “The whole is greater than sum of its parts”(Aristotle).
What is an example of emergent properties?
- Tissues: Cells within multicellular organisms are specialised to perform specific functions. Their structure is adapted to their function. One cell by itself cannot usually carry out its function on a large enough scale to meet needs of organism. Instead, organisms use groups of cells of same type to carry out a function. These groups of cells are called tissues. Large organisms tend to have more cells in each tissue, rather than larger cells (because of SA:vol issues). Tissues may contain two or more cell types, which specialise for diff aspects of the function of tissue. E.g. epithelium that forms wall of alveoli in lungs has two cell types: AT1 (alveolar type 1) cells make up 95% of respiratory surface. They are extensive but very thin, allowing diffusion of gases. AT2 cells are cuboidal with dense cytoplasm. They secrete a surfactant that prevents collapse of alveoli.
Cells in a tissue adhere (stick) to each other. Plant cells do this with a middle lamella between the cell walls that is rich is gluey pectin. Animal cells use transmembrane proteins that form strong links between neighbouring cells. If blood is regarded as a tissue, it is unusual because blood cells do not stick together. Cells within a tissue communicate with each other.
E.g. plant tissues may use efflux pumps to transfer auxin, to coordinate growth, &
heart muscle tissue transmits electrical impulses which trigger contraction. Cells within tissues also communicate with cells elsewhere in an organism.
Why is organs an example of emergent properties?
- Organs: An organ is a group of tissues in an animal or plant that work together to carry out a specific function of life. E.g. the kidney is an organ of excretion & leaf is an organ of photosynthesis. Tissues within an organ are interdependent. E.g. within a leaf: Spongy mesophyll is adapted for gas exchange; it depends on conc gradients of carbon dioxide & oxygen, created by photosynthesis in palisade mesophyll. Palisade mesophyll is adapted for photosynthesis; it depends on spongy mesophyll for a supply of carbon dioxide & for removal of oxygen.
How is organ systems an example of emergent properties?
- Organ systems: Groups of organs interact with each other to perform an overall function of life. These groups are known as organ systems.
- Circulatory
- Digestive
- Endocrine
- Gas exchange
- Integumentary
- Lymphatic
- Muscular
- Nervous
- Reproductive
- Skeletal
- Urinary
How is organism an example of emergent properties?
- Organism: An organism is a living individual made up of interconnected parts – organ systems, composed of organs, made up of tissues with constituent cells. These parts are interdependent so failure of a single group of cells in a tissue can cause an organism to die.
Parts of an organism interact, & integration of body systems results in emergent properties. E.g. a cheetah is a successful predator. However, this may be difficult to predict if each component is studied separately. To understand emergent properties of organisms, you must consider systems as a whole.
How is the endocrine and nervous enable integration?
Nervous system & endocrine system are used for internal communication. Both send messages that enable integration of organs in animal bodies.
What is the nervous system?
In nervous system electrical impulses are used to send messages by cells called neurons which transmit & receive impulses. Responses occur quickly but are short lived.
What is the endocrine system?
Endocrine system: Hormones are chemical substances that are produced & secreted from cells of ductless or endocrine glands. In effect, hormones carry messages about body – but in a totally diff way from nervous system – they travel in bloodstream.
Compare the characteristics of the nervous and endocrine system. (Main components, types of signal, medium for the transmission of signal, destination of signal, effectors, type of response, speed of response, duration of response)
What does size of multicellular organism impede?
Most multicellular organisms have become so large that it is impossible for nutrients to be transported from cell to cell. Transport system including blood vessels & lymph have evolved to serve that purpose.
What substances are moved around by the transport system?
- Transporting nutrients around body (e.g. glucose, fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins)
- Transporting inorganic ions to all cells
- Transporting waste to kidneys and liver (e.g. urea, toxins, …)
- Transporting gases (oxygen & carbon dioxide)
- Circulating antibodies
- Distribution of heat (temp regulation)
- Absorption & supply of water (hydration)
- Distribution of hormones for development and communication (from endocrine glands to target organs) or osmotic balance
What is the blood composition?
- plasma
- red blood cells (erythrocytes)
- white cells (leucocytes)
- platelets
What role does brain play in body system?
Brain acts as a central info integration organ with capacity to store info for long period of time. System relies on a sensory input which integrates info to effectuate a response.
Describe the three components of the central information organ.
- Sensory input: Info received by brain comes from sensory receptors (in specialised sense organs e.g. photoreceptor in retina of eye or in receptor cells in other organs e.g. pressure receptors in blood vessels).
- Integration: Info is processed (leads to decision-making), stored (in short or long term memory which is essential for learning), & instructions are sent out.
- Motor output: Signals are then sent out along motor neurons to muscles or glands, which execute instructions.
Where is learning and memory formed? And how is information processed?
Learning and memory are formed in the cerebrum - large folded part of brain. Info that is processed by brain is usually conscious – it happens at an awake state of mind.
What are the three main regions of the brain?
The brain is divided into three main regions: the cerebrum, cerebellum and the brain stem.
What is the cerebrum?
Cerebrumis largest part of brain & controls multiple functions like vision, hearing, touch & other senses, speech, thinking & so on. It also initiates and coordinates movement. Cerebrum is divided into two halves, cerebral hemispheres. Each of cerebral hemispheres consists of four lobes: frontal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe & temporal lobe. These lobes control specific functions.
What is the cerebellum?
Cerebellum is located at back of head. Cerebellum plays an important role in voluntary muscular movements, balance & coordination. Like cerebrum, cerebellum is composed of two hemispheres.
What is the brainstem?
Brainstem consists ofmidbrain, pons &medulla oblongata. Pons connect midbrain to medulla. Medulla regulates involuntary activities like heartbeat, breathing rate, blood flow as well as activities like vomiting, swallowing, sneezing & coughing. Medulla continues downward as spinal cord.
Annotate brain diagram.
What does the nervous system consist of?