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.