Lesson 1 Flashcards
(18 cards)
Hierarchy of organisation from simple to complex (organisms)
Cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, organism
What is a function of the nervous system in the integration of body systems?
Transmitting electrical signals for communication
What is the primary role of the endocrine system in the integration of body systems?
Controlling growth and development
Which body system is responsible for regulating calcium levels in the blood and bones?
Endocrine system
The process by which a cell takes in nutrients and releases waste products is primarily regulated by the
Digestive system
The hypothalamus, a part of the brain, plays a crucial role in
Regulation of body temperature and hunger
What is a function of the circulatory system in the integration of body systems?
Carrying oxygen to cells and removing waste products
Which hormone is responsible for regulating blood glucose levels by promoting the uptake of glucose by cells?
Insulin
When you consume a high-sugar meal, which body system plays a role in regulating the elevated blood sugar levels?
Endocrine system
Which body system is responsible for filtering blood, removing waste products, and regulating electrolyte balance?
Excretory system
The process by which cells use oxygen to produce energy (ATP) is known as
Respiration
Explain the concept of emergent properties in biological systems. Provide an example to illustrate how emergent properties can arise from the interactions of simpler components.
Emergent properties refer to novel and complex characteristics or functions that arise as a result of the interactions among simpler components within a biological system. These properties are not present in the individual components themselves but emerge when these components come together and interact.
For example, consider the human brain. Neurons, the basic building blocks of the brain, are responsible for transmitting electrical signals. Individually, a single neuron cannot think or process information at the level of the entire brain. However, when billions of neurons are interconnected through synapses, emergent properties such as consciousness, learning, and memory arise. These properties are not inherent in individual neurons but emerge from the intricate network and interactions among them.
In summary, emergent properties highlight the idea that the whole of a biological system is greater than the sum of its parts, as novel properties and functions emerge from the interactions among those parts.
What does the Central Nervous System consist of?
The brain and spinal cord
What does the Peripheral Nervous System consist of?
Consists of the nerves that connect the brain and spinal cord to the organs of the body. The PNS in turn consists of:
- The somatic nervous system that regulates voluntary movements
- The autonomic nervous system that regulates involuntary activities such as heartbeat or breathing rate
Explain the sensory neurones of the peripheral nervous system
- Sensory fibres entering the CNS are dendrons of sensory neurones.
- These neurones conduct action potentials from sensory receptors into the CNS.
- The neurones have their cell body in the dorsal root leading into the spinal cord and a short axon connecting to other neurones in the CNS
Somatic nervous system
- Voluntary control
- Reflex movement eg - skeletal reflex arc
- Action potentials carried to skeletal muscles via myelinated neurones = by one single motor neurone (no junctions)
Somatic versus autonomic
Somatic
- Voluntary control
- Myelinated neurones
- Faster responses
- One single motor neurone
Autonomic
- Involuntary control
- Non-myelinated neurones
- Slower responses
- Minimum of 2 neurones, connected at ganglion
