THE HIERARCHY OF LIVING ORGANISMS

Anatomy is the study of internal and external structures.

ana=open

tomy=cut open or incison

Phisiology is the study of how things perform their vital functions, examples include muscle contractions and neuron transmision

physio=movement

ology=the study of

Gross anatomy: large scale, macro focus on structures visible with the unaided eye, 2 examples of this are muscle groups and the femur

Microscopic: cannot be seen without magnification, some examples are: sweat glands, and the stomachs epithelial lining

cytology=study of cells

histolgy=study of tissue

cranial=towards the head

caudal=towards the hips or tail

The chemical level of the hierarchy of living organisms is the first (smallest/least complex) level. It contains things on the chemical level such as the 4 macromolecules (lipids, proteins, nucliec acids, carbs), an example of this could be elements and ions. Another example found in the human body could be: Ca2 allows muscles to contract, and Na+ ions allow action potentials in nerves to form.

The next level, the second level, of the hierarchy of living organisms is the cellular level. This is the first level in which life can occur, because all life are composed of cells. An example of this could be how eukaryotes contain nuclei and other membrane bound organelles. An explample of this could be osteocytes (bone cells).

The third level of the hierarchy of living organisms is the tissue level. All cells of similar type, grouped together for the same function, which creates tissue. Muscles, connective, nervous, and epithelial are all examples of tissue.

The fourth level of the hierarchy of living organisms is the organ level. An organ is when two or more types of tissue working together in the same structure in order to preform a certain function. Some examples include: stomach, muscles, skin, heart, and femur.

The fifth level of the hierarchy of living organisms is the organ system level. This level is when organs are interacting together for a common function. Examples: cardiovascular system, which includes the heart and blood vessels( areteries and veins)

And the last level ( sixth) of the hierarchy of living organisms is the organism level. This is when all the organ systems of the body work together to maintain homeostasis. Example : human being

Homeostasis: the process by which an organism maintains a stable internal environment while adjusting to external conditions