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.