Unit 10 - The Body's Defense System

It should be apparent by now that no organ system of the body operates independently of all the other systems. For example, the skeletal system can not operate without the muscular system. The respiratory system is useless without the circulatory system to carry vital oxygen to each cell and retrieve carbon dioxide waste. We also learned that even individual organs like the pancreas are not dedicated to one system , in this case, the pancreas is important to both the digestive system as well as the endocrine system. In this final unit we study the Body's Defense System. It is by far one of the most complex systems we will study. It incorporates and integrates tissues, organs, and functions of most of the other systems we have studied in this course, including the integumentary system, digestive system, nervous system, respiratory and circulatory systems, and endocrine system. Keep this in mind as you study the Body's Defense system and the Immune System.

Instruction will be a combination of specially selected videos an discussions accompanied by a worksheet on which you can take notes and record pertinent information. Leave no question in the worksheet unanswered.

Specific instruction:

Assignment 1: Watch the following introductory video lesson entitled "How the Immune System Works." Use the graphic organizer provided in the Immune System worksheet to help you visualize the organization of the body's defense system. When you finish, review with your instructor the general organization of the body's defense system.  (Click here to see worksheet). 



Assignment 2: Take a closer look at three aspects of the the Non-Specific Internal Defenses by watching the following videos entitled "Natural Killer Cells,"  "The Inflammatory Response," and "Fever."  Take notes and answer appropriate questions on the worksheet as you go.  Afterwards discuss what you learned about non-specific defense responses with your instructor.

Remember to learn about fever, then you can answer question #3 in the worksheet.

Assignment 3: Learn about the body's Specific Immune Responses by watching a video on the "Antibody Mediated Immune Response" and a video on the "Cell Mediated Immune Response." Take notes and answer relevant questions on the Immune System worksheet as you go.





To finish this assignment, watch the following video that explains how vaccines make you immune to specific diseases. Then discuss with your instructor what you learned about the specific immune response.

Assignment 4: Listen carefully to the following video lesson on the "Lymphatic System." Take notes and answer the appropriate questions on the Immune System worksheet.



Assignment 5: Review what you have learned about the body's defenses by watching the following short film entitled "The Immune System - an explanation."




Quiz: The Body's Defense System. Study your notes and worksheet. Know and understand how the many organ systems of the body contribute to your body's defenses and immune system.

Unit 9 -- Nutrition, Metabolism, and Medicine

In the unit on digestion we studied the process of ingesting, digesting, and absorbing the nutrients required by our bodies to build tissues and perform bodily functions. In this unit we will take a closer look at the body's nutrient requirements and how metabolic processes needed to maintain a healthy body utilize these nutrients. We will also examine how medicines alter our metabolism both for our benefit and in the form of side effects to our detriment.

Instruction will be a set of power point lessons accompanied by a worksheet. In addition, you will complete two projects, one dealing to nutrition, and one dealing with a medicine.

Specific instruction:

Assignment 1: View the following Google Slide lesson on "Nutrition, Metabolism, and Medicine" Take notes and complete appropriate sections of the Nutrition, Metabolism, and Medicine worksheet as you go. Be prepared to discuss what you learn with your instructor. (Click here to view the lesson) (Click here to view worksheet)

Assignment 2:  Take a look at this video describing Saturated vs Unsaturated fats.  One of them is a healthier alternative than the other.  Which one?

Assignment 3: Nutrition Project: The object of this exercise is to collect a food label from a "healthy food" item and a label form a "junk food" (solid foods, not liquids) and then compare their ingredients and nutritional value. (Click here to see project directions and worksheet) Turn in your completed project for grading.

Assignment 4: Medicine Project: Follow the written instructions and prepare a short Google Slide presentation on a medicine of your choice from the list on the instruction sheet. (Click here to see instructions and a partial list of medications) Share your completed presentation with your instructor.

Congratulations! You are finished with this unit.

Unit 8- Endocrine and Reproductive Systems

In this unit we will study the endocrine and reproductive systems. As in previous units, these two systems are closely allied so we will study them together as a single unit.

Instruction will consist of several short video lessons and a power point lesson accompanied by a worksheet. As before, fill-in the worksheets as you go through the lessons. If you can't find the information in the lessons, turn first to your textbook before asking your instructor for help. Use the internet only as a last resort.

Specific lessons

Assignment 1: Watch the following series of introductory videos on the structure and function of the endocrine system. Note how this system essentially controls the physiology of many of other systems we have already studied. Complete the appropriate parts of the Endocrine and Reproductive Systems worksheet as you go. (Click here to see worksheet)








Finally, click here to see a great summary of how the endocrine works.

Assignment 2: Hormones and Homeostasis. Watch the following video entitled "Regulation of Blood Sugar" carefully. Take notes. Be able to explain how the endocrine system works to maintain a constant level of sugar in your bloodstream.



Assignment 3: The organs of the Reproductive System are often the target organs for many of the hormones the endocrine system produces. Study the following videos on the structure and function of the male and female reproductive system. Take notes and with help of your textbook, label the appropriate diagrams of male and female reproductive anatomy on your worksheet.

Assignment 4: Watch the video below and then discuss with your instructor how the phases of the female reproductive cycle are controlled by hormones. It's an intricate process but easily understood.

Quiz: Endocrine and Reproductive Systems. Study vocabulary. Know in general how the endocrine system and hormones work. Be familiar with the major glands of the endocrine system, the hormones they produce, and the organs/tissues they effect, especially those glands and hormones responsible for maintaining homeostasis and controlling the female reproductive cycle.

Unit 7 - Digestive and Excretory Systems

In the first half of this unit we will study the digestive system. In short, the digestive system is designed to take in and break down organic material (food) into simpler molecular components in a form that our body can absorb and use for growth, maintenance, and all other bodily functions. There are many organs that contribute to this seemingly simple, but actually intricate process. In this unit you will learn about each of these organs and the vital functions they perform. Elimination of undigested food as well as metabolic wastes produced by bodily functions is the focus of the second part of this unit which deals with the excretory systems, especially the urinary system.

Instruction will be a compendium of video lessons accompanied by a supporting worksheet. Periodically, you will have to refer to your textbook for information.

Specific Assignments

Assignment 1: Watch the following video lessons entitled "Digestive System - overview" and "Digestive System Structure and Function." Take notes and use the information to help complete the appropriate parts of the Digestive and Urinary Systems worksheet. (Click here to view worksheet)






Assignment 2: At this point sit down with your instructor, let him/her examine your Digestive System worksheet and discuss what you have learned thus far about the digestive system.

Assignment 3: A necessary function of the human body is the removal of waste generated by the processing and metabolism of substances initially brought into the body through the digestive systems. View the following Google presentation that outlines the major organs and avenues of waste removal in the body. Click click to access lesson.

Assignment 4: Now we focus our attention on the urinary system, one of the 3 main avenues of waste removal introduced in the lesson above. Watch the videos below entitled "Urinary System Anatomy and Biology" and "Kidney Function." Complete the final sections of the Digestive and Urinary Systems worksheet.





Quiz: Digestive and Urinary Systems. Quiz is based on what you have learned in this unit about the structures and functions of the digestive system and excretory system.

Unit 6 - Cardio-pulmonary System

In order for our bodies to be healthy, all the systems of the body have to work together. This is especially important for our body to accomplish the life function we call respiration, a process in which vital oxygen is taken into the body and transported to each cell so the cell can burn carbohydrates and produce the energy it needs to live and perform its specialized tasks. In this unit we will study the anatomy of the circulatory and respiratory systems, but more importantly, we will ultimately focus on how these two systems work together to supply the life-sustaining oxygen our cells.

SAPd: Students will analyze and explain the relationships between the respiratory and cardiovascular system as they obtain oxygen for the oxidation of nutrients and the removal of carbon dioxide.

Specific Assignments

Assignment 1: Study the following overview (video) of "The Circulatory System." Take notes. Complete appropriate parts of the Circulatory System worksheet as you go. (Click here to see the Circulatory System worksheet)



Assignment 2: Complete the following lessons. Continue to fill-in the Circulatory System worksheet.

Click here to review the Structure and Function of the Heart and Circulatory System.

Next watch the two videos below to view the blood flow through the heart and label diagram of blood flow in Circulatory System worksheet.

Finally, learn about the cardiac cycle by watching the two short videos below.  Continue to fill in appropriate parts of the Circulatory System worksheet, then, discuss what you learned with your instructor.

Assignment 3: watch the video below that explains the role of Capillaries. Note the vital function these tiny blood vessels play in the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between blood and the cells of your body.

Assignment 4:  Learn about blood.  Start with the introductory video below entitled "What is Blood."

Next, view the following Google Slide slide presentation on the Structure and Functions of Blood.  Use your Circulatory System worksheet to record important vocabulary as you go. ( Click here to view slide presentation)

Finish this assignment by watching the following short video on how blood clots.  Fill in appropriate parts of the Circulatory System worksheet.



Discuss what you learned about blood with your instructor.

Assignment 5:  Begin your study of the Respiratory System by viewing the following slide presentation entitled "The Respiratory System  - Structure and Function."  Take notes and complete appropriate parts of the Respiratory System worksheet as you go. (Click here to begin lesson.)

Assignment 6: In this assignment your goal is to understand and be able to explain step by step how the respiratory system and circulatory system work together to acquire and deliver oxygen to your cells and then in turn remove waste carbon dioxide from your cells and get rid of it.  Begin by watching the video below entitled "The Respiratory System."  Take notes.



Next, view the  Google Slide presentation on Ventilation vs. Respiration. (Click here to begin the slide presentation)

Finally, have a chat with your instructor to discuss what you learned.

Quiz: Cardio-Pulmonary System. Know the vocabulary for both systems. Be able to label the chambers, valves, and major blood vessels of the heart. Be able to explain blood flow through the heart and when blood is oxygenated and when it is deoxygenated. Know the components of blood and their functions. Finally, be able to explain how the respiratory and circulatory systems work together to bring oxygen to the cells of the body and remove carbon dioxide.

Unit 5 - Nervous and Sensory Systems

In this unit we study the nervous system and the important functions it performs. Of course incorporated within the nervous system is the sensory system. We will examine the anatomy and physiology of two organs of the sensory system-- the eye and the ear. We will then focus our attention on the basic unit of the nervous system, the neuron (nerve cell), and study how a neuron carries a nerve impulse.

Instruction in this unit will consist of a worksheet, set of power point presentations, and several short video lessons.

Specific Assignments

Assignment 1: Use your textbook to label the parts of the the brain, the eye, and the ear in the Nervous System worksheet. (Click here to see worksheet)

Assignment 2: Learn more about the structure and function of the nervous system by clicking on the following lessons: Continue completing applicable sections of the worksheet.

Click here to learn about the structure and function of the Nervous system.
To learn more about the Central Nervous System (CNS), click here .
To learn more about the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS), click here .

Assignment 3: The goal of this assignment is to learn and understand how neurons transmit nerve impulses. Afterwards, be prepared to discuss with your instructor how nerves transmit impulses.

Watch the video below entitled "Action Potential."



Assignment 4: Neural Synapse. Study the video below entitled "Synaptic Transmission" to learn how nerve impulses transfer from one neuron to the next. Study the accompanying diagram in the worksheet.



Assignment 5: Structure and Function of the Sensory system - power point. Take notes. Make sure you have completed the appropriate parts of the worksheet. Click here to access the power point.

Quiz: Nervous and Sensory System: Quiz will test your knowledge of the functions of the nervous system, major parts of the brain and their associated functions, vocabulary from the worksheet, and structures of the eye and ear. Also, know the basic structure of a neuron and be able to explain how a nerve impulse is transmitted.

Unit 4 - Integumentary System

Often simply viewed as "skin," the intergumentary system is actually much more complex. In this unit you will discover that this system is composed of all four of the body's tissue types and that it is highly integrated with the nervous and the circulatory systems. This unit is short. Your goal is to:
a) be able to identify and label all the structures associated with the skin.
b) understand the functions of the integumentary system and its structures.
c) specifically explain how the integumentary system, nerves and blood vessels work together to maintain constant body temperature (homeostasis).

Assignment 1: Click here to see view introductory lesson on the integumentary system. Take notes and complete the worksheet on The Integumentary System (handout) as you go.

Use the following short videos entitled the "Integumentary System" and "Skin" to review what you have learned.





Assignment 2: Take notes on the following lesson on Burns. Click here to view lesson.

Assignment 3: Discuss with your instructor the role the integumentary system plays in maintaining a constant body temperature (homeostasis).

Quiz: Quiz will have a format similar to the test on the musculo-skeletal system. There will be some vocabulary to match, a diagram to label, and questions on the functions of the system. Review, then take the quiz as soon as you think you are ready.