Levels of structural organisation, body systems and organism characteristics Flashcards
Define anatomy and physiology; describe the body's six levels of structural organisation; list the 11 systems of the human body, representative organs in each, and their general functions; define the important life processes of the human body
Define anatomy
The science of body structures and the relationships among them
Define physiology
The science of body functions i.e. how the body parts work
The body is made up of 6 levels of structural organisation.
Can you list the levels from smallest to largest?
- Chemical
- Cellular
- Tissue
- Organ
- System
- Organismal
The chemical level of organisation is the smallest and most basic.
Describe the chemical level of organisation
Atoms e.g. carbon, oxygen, which participate in chemical reactions and molecules e.g. DNA, glucose
Name the seven atoms which are essential for maintaining life
Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Calcium, Sulphur
(CHONPCaS!)
Describe the cellular level of organisation
Combinations of molecules forming the smallest living units in the body, e.g. nerve cells, epithelial cells
Describe the tissue level of organisation
Groups of cells and the materials surrounding them that work together to form a particular function
What are the four basic types of tissues in the body?
- Epithelial tissue
- Connective tissue
- Muscular tissue
- Nervous tissue
What are the three functions of epithelial tissue?
- It covers body surfaces
- Lines hollow organs and cavities
- Forms glands
What are the two functions of connective tissue?
- It connects, supports, and protects body organs
- It distributes blood vessels to other tissues
What are the two functions of muscular tissue?
- It contracts to make body parts move
- It generates heat
What is the function of nervous tissue?
It carries information from one part of the body to another through nerve impulses.
What are organs?
Structures made of two or more types of tissue which have a specific function and usually have recognisable shapes, e.g. liver, heart
Describe the system level of organisation. A system…
Consists of related organs with a common function e.g. the digestive system which involves many organs including the stomach, liver and pancreas
Name the eleven systems of the human body
- Integumentary system
- Skeletal system
- Muscular system
- Nervous system
- Endocrine system
- Cardiovascular system
- Lymphoid system
- Respiratory system
- Digestive system
- Urinary system
- Genital (Reproductive) system
Can organs be part of more than one (organ) system?
Yes
E.g. the pancreas is part of both the digestive system and the endocrine system
Name the six components of the integumentary system
- Skin
- Hair
- Fingernails
- Toenails
- Sweat glands
- Oil glands
List the six general functions of the integumentary system
- Protects the body
- Helps regulate body temperature
- Eliminates some wastes
- Helps make vitamin D
- Detects sensations such as touch, pain, warmth and cold
- Stores fat and provides insulation
Name the three components of the skeletal system
- Bones
- Joints and 3. Associated cartilages
List the five general functions of the skeletal system
- Supports and protects the body
- Provides surface area for muscle attachments
- Aids body movements
- Houses cells that produce blood cells
- Stores minerals and lipids