C3.1 Integration of Body Systems

What is system integration in organisms?

System integration is the coordination between and within multiple systems and interdependent subsystems to perform various functions of life.

What are the two primary systems used for internal communication in the body?

The endocrine system, which releases hormones, and the nervous system, which transmits nerve impulses.

How do cells within a multicellular organism interact?

Cells interact at multiple levels in a hierarchy of organization, forming tissues, organs, and organ systems.

What are tissues?

Tissues are groups of specialized cells that work together to perform specific functions.

What is the role of AT1 cells in the lungs?

AT1 cells make up 95% of the respiratory surface and are thin to allow for gas diffusion.

What is the function of AT2 cells in the lungs?

AT2 cells secrete surfactant to prevent the collapse of alveoli.

How do plant and animal cells adhere to each other?

Plant cells use a middle lamella rich in pectin, while animal cells use transmembrane proteins for strong links.

What is an organ?

An organ is a group of tissues that work together to carry out a specific function of life.

Give an example of an organ and its function.

The kidney is an organ of excretion.

What is an organ system?

An organ system is a group of organs that interact to perform an overall function of life.

How many organ systems are recognized in humans?

There are 11 recognized organ systems in humans.

What is an organism?

An organism is a living individual made up of interconnected parts, including organ systems, organs, tissues, and cells.

What is the role of the brain in the body?

The brain is the central integrating organ that receives, processes, stores information, and sends instructions to coordinate life processes.

What is memory in the context of the brain?

Memory is the capacity to store information for short or long-term use, essential for learning.

What are the two main types of tissues in the spinal cord?

White matter, which contains myelinated axons, and grey matter, which contains cell bodies of motor neurons and interneurons.

What is the function of white matter in the spinal cord?

White matter conveys signals from sensory receptors to the brain and from the brain to the body's organs.

What is the function of grey matter in the spinal cord?

Grey matter processes information and is involved in decision-making.

What is the significance of feedback mechanisms in body systems?

Feedback mechanisms, both negative and positive, facilitate communication and regulation between components of body systems.

What is the circulatory system's role in the body?

The circulatory system transports materials and energy between organs, supplying cells with oxygen and nutrients while removing waste.

How do organs in an organ system typically interact?

Organs in an organ system may be physically linked or dispersed, working together to perform specific functions.

What are emergent properties in the context of organisms?

Emergent properties are characteristics that arise from the interaction of parts within an organism, which cannot be predicted by studying components in isolation. (Viewed as a whole).

What is the function of the spinal cord as an integrating center?

The spinal cord integrates signals and processes information for unconscious reflexes and responses.

What is the importance of communication between cells in tissues?

Communication allows for coordinated functions, such as growth regulation in plants and electrical impulse transmission in heart muscle.

What role does the spinal cord play in the nervous system?

The spinal cord acts as an integrating centre for processing information and decision-making, particularly for unconscious processes like reflexes.

How does the spinal cord coordinate reflexes?

The spinal cord coordinates reflexes quickly, often faster than if signals were sent to the brain.

What types of stimuli do sensory receptors respond to?

Sensory receptors respond to external stimuli such as touch and heat, as well as internal conditions monitored by receptors like stretch receptors and chemoreceptors.

What are stretch receptors and their function?

Stretch receptors in striated muscle sense contraction states, allowing the brain to deduce body posture.

What do chemoreceptors detect?

Chemoreceptors in blood vessel walls detect concentrations of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and glucose.

How are signals from sensory receptors conveyed to the central nervous system?

Signals are conveyed as nerve impulses through sensory neurons, which have axons that vary in length depending on the distance to the brain or spinal cord.

What is the primary role of the cerebral hemispheres?

The cerebral hemispheres control striated muscles and certain glands, sending signals via motor neurons.

What is the primary motor cortex responsible for?

The primary motor cortex sends signals to striated muscles for voluntary movements, such as standing up.

What is a nerve?

A nerve is a bundle of nerve fibres enclosed in a protective sheath, containing both sensory and motor neurons.

What is the function of motor neurons?

Motor neurons transmit impulses to effectors, such as muscles and glands, to carry out responses to stimuli.

What is a reflex action?

A reflex action is a rapid, involuntary response to a specific stimulus, coordinated by the nervous system.

What are the components of a reflex arc?

A reflex arc consists of receptors, sensory neurons, interneurons, motor neurons, and effectors.

How do interneurons function in reflex actions?

Interneurons process signals from sensory neurons and make decisions about appropriate responses, often connecting sensory and motor neurons.

What types of effectors respond to motor neuron signals?

Effectors can be muscles, which contract, or glands, which secrete in response to signals from motor neurons.