Organ Systems and Interactions

Organ Systems

• An organ consists of groups of tissues
• Organs work with other organs to form organ systems
• Tissues, organs, and organ systems combine to allow for complex movements
• Organ systems interact and are important for survival

Skills You Will Use

• Students will investigate specialized cells using microscopes
• Students will draw diagrams of the cells' structural differences
• Students will investigate the interrelationships between organ systems through dissection (in a laboratory or computer-simulated setting for plants, worms, fish, or frogs).
• Students will use a research process to investigate diseases or abnormalities related to tissues, organs, or systems in humans or plants

Concepts You Will Learn

• Explain the relationship between cells, tissues, organs, and systems in plants and animals.
• Explain the primary functions of various systems in animals.
• Explain how different systems interact within an organism and why such interactions are crucial for survival.
• How do interactions between organ systems promote health in an organism?

Why It Is Important

• Understanding organ/system interactions helps maintain health.

Before Reading

• Good readers read through several paragraphs or pages to grasp the entire topic.
• Make connections between subtopics by previewing headings and subheadings in your notebook.
• Key terms: absorption, capillaries, homeostasis, interdependent, organ, organ system

Organs in Animals and Plants

• Organs are organized groups of tissues that perform specific functions.
• In ancient Egypt, mummies were created to preserve bodies, and organs were placed in jars to prevent decay in the afterlife.
• The heart was left in place. The brain was removed through the nose and discarded, or placed in the skull.

Animal Organs

• The Skin: largest organ, protects, insulates, regulates body temp
• Epidermis (outer layer): epithelial tissue, protects from bacteria/viruses, helps produce Vitamin D.
• Dermis (inner layer): connective tissue, nervous tissue, muscle tissue; provides structure and support, contains blood vessels, pores release sweat(to cool body), insulates with fat.

Lung

• Lungs are involved in respiration (breathing)
• Lungs exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide in humans
• The trachea leads to bronchi, to bronchioles and alveoli
• Alveoli are small air sacs
• Oxygen is taken in and leaves the blood stream
• Carbon dioxide is brought in from the blood and exhaled.

Heart

• A muscular pump that supplies blood to the whole body.
• The heart has four chambers: left/right atria and left/right ventricles
• The heart delivers blood to the lungs, to itself, and to the rest of the body

Organs of Digestion

• Digestion starts in the mouth, where food is broken down.
• The esophagus moves food to the stomach.
• The stomach churns food and releases specific juices -The small and large intestines further break down food.
• Solid waste is stored in the rectum and exits through the anus.

Plant Organs: Roots, Leaves, Stems, and Flowers

• Roots anchor the plant, absorb water/nutrients, and store food.
• Leaves are the site of photosynthesis.
• Stems support leaves and flowers and transport water and nutrients throughout the plant.
• Flowers are the reproductive structures of plants

A Look at Stem Cells

• Stem cells are unspecialized cells that can develop into any type of cell.
• Stem cells can potentially be used to create various tissues and organs, and potentially treat various diseases.
• However, controversy surrounds their use because the source of stem cells is human embryos.

A Look at Dissecting a Flower

• Flowers have specific structures for reproduction.

The Digestive System of an Animal

• The digestive system is a series of organs that aid in food processing in animals.

A Look at Breathing

• Breathing is the movement of air in and out of the lungs
• This exchange of air involves the intake of oxygen and the expulsion of carbon dioxide.
• During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts, chest expands increasing its volume and the internal air pressure is lowered allowing air to rush in.
• During exhalation, the diaphragm relaxes, the chest contracts decreasing its volume and the internal air pressure is raised pushing air out.

Inquiring about Heart Disease

• Heart disease is a major cause of death in Canada.
• There are several known risk factors for heart disease.

Organ Transplants

• Organ transplants occur when other medical treatments have not worked.
• Organs can be donated after death or through a living donation.
• Kidneys are the most common transplanted organ.

Interdependent Organ Systems

• Different organ systems work together to maintain homeostasis in the body.

Maintaining a Steady State

• Body systems maintain a constant internal environment.
• Different organ systems interact to stabilize conditions such as temperature, blood glucose, and oxygen levels.