AKSCI ©2011 Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Living Systems

LIVING SYSTEMS

Overview:Organs working together to perform a specialized role in the body form body systems. Body systems are interdependent on other body systems to maintain body function.

Objectives:The student will:• name and describe the function of five systems of the human body;• explain how those body systems are interconnected; and • relate the concept of interconnectedness to an indigenous community.

Targeted Alaska Grade Level Expectations: Science[8] SC2.3 The student demonstrates an understanding of the structure, function, behavior, development, life

cycles, and diversity of living organisms by describing the functions and interdependence of human body systems (i.e., circulatory, respiratory, nervous).

[8] SA1.1 The student demonstrates an understanding of the processes of science by asking questions, predicting, describing, measuring, classifying, making generalizations, inferring, and communicating.

Vocabulary:body system – a group of organs working together to perform a certain task brain – the part of the nervous system in vertebrates that is enclosed within the skull, is connected with the

spinal cord, and is composed of gray matter and white matter; it receives and interprets impulses from sense organs, and it coordinates and controls body functions and activities, such as walking and talking; the brain is also the center of memory, thought, and feeling

cardiovascular system – (see circulatory system)circulatory system – the system of organs that circulates blood through the body carrying nutrients, gases,

hormones, and blood cells; includes the heart and blood vessels; in all vertebrates and certain invertebrates, the circulatory system is completely contained within a network of vessels

digestive system – the system of organs that processes and digests nutrients, breaking them down by mechanical and chemical processes; includes salivary glands, esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, intestines, rectum and anus

endocrine system – the organ system of glands that regulates communication within the body using hormones made by endocrine glands such as the hypothalamus, pituitary, pineal, thyroid, parathyroid glands, and adrenals

esophagus – the tube of the digestive tract through which food passes from the throat to the stomachheart – the hollow, muscular organ that pumps blood through the body of a vertebrate animal by contracting

and relaxing; in humans and other mammals it has four chambers, consisting of two atria and two ventricles; the right side of the heart collects blood with low oxygen levels from the veins and pumps it to the lungs, the left side receives blood with high oxygen levels from the lungs and pumps it into the aorta, which carries it to all of the arteries of the body; the heart in other vertebrates functions similarly, but often has fewer chambers

immune system – the organ system that defends the body against disease-causing agents, consisting of leukocytes, tonsils, adenoids, thymus and spleen (also see lymphatic system)

integumentary system – the organ system that covers and protects the body from damage, consisting of skin, hair, fat and nails, scales, feathers

large intestine – the wide lower section of the intestine that extends from the end of the small intestine to the anus

AKSCI ©2011 Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Living Systems

LIVING SYSTEMS

liver – a large, glandular organ in the abdomen of vertebrate animals that is essential to many metabolic processes; the liver secretes bile, stores fat and sugar as reserve energy sources, coverts harmful substances to less toxic forms, and regulates the amount of blood in the body

lung – either of two spongy organs in the chest of air-breathing vertebrate animals that serve as the organs of gas exchange; takes in oxygen and exhales carbon dioxide

lymphatic system – the system of organs that transfers lymph (fluid that carries bacteria to be destroyed) between tissues and the blood stream, consisting of nodes and vessels; includes the immune system

kidney – either of a pair of organs that are located in the rear of the abdominal cavity of vertebrate animals; regulates the amount of water in the body and filters out waste from the bloodstream in the form of urine

muscular system – the system of organs that allows the body to move, controlled through the nervous system; some muscles can be completely autonomous (such as the heart muscle)

nervous system – the organ system, made of specialized cells called neurons, that collects and transfers information using the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and nerves

organ – a distinct part of an organism that performs one of more particular functions; examples of organs are the eyes, ears, lungs, and heart of an animal, and the roots, stems and leaves of a plant

pancreas – a long, irregularly shaped gland in vertebrate animals that is located behind the stomach; it secretes insulin and produces enzymes needed for digestion, which are secreted into the gut or small intestine

reproductive system – the system of organs that work together for the purpose of reproduction (creating offspring); includes ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, mammary glands, testes, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate and penis

respiratory system – the system of organs used for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide (breathing), including the lungs, diaphragm, trachea, bronchi, larynx and pharynx

skeletal system – the system of organs that provides structural support to the body, including bones, cartilage, ligaments and tendons

small intestine – the long, narrow, coiled section of the intestine that extends from the stomach to the beginning of the large intestine; nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream from the small intestine

stomach – the sac-like, muscular organ in vertebrate animals that receives and stores swallowed food and is a main organ of digestion

trachea – tube-shaped structure in vertebrate animals that leads from the larynx to the bronchi and carries air to the lungs

urinary system – the system of organs responsible for fluid balance and the excretion of urine; includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra

vertebrate – any of a large group of animals having a backbone, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals; vertebrates are bilaterally symmetrical and have an internal skeleton of bone or cartilage, a nervous system along the back that is divided into brain and spinal cord, and not more than two pairs of limbs

Whole Picture:Students should be familiar with the idea that cells are the basic building blocks of all life. Cells form tissues with very specific roles in the body. In turn, tissues form organs. A group of organs, working in concert to perform specific tasks, is called a body system.

Athabascan culture is perfect example of interdependence of systems. Each of these cultural values are interdependent:• hardwork• careandprovisionforthefamily• loveforchildren• honor• honesty

AKSCI ©2011 Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Living Systems

LIVING SYSTEMS

• sharing• caring• cooperation• practiceoftraditions• respectofEldersandothers,fortheland,andfornature

It is impossible to provide and care for family without hard work, sharing, honor and cooperation. In a wider sense, community members are also interdependent. For example, Elders rely on others to share food and other resources. If part of the system fails, many are affected.

The same concept applies to human body systems. For a healthy body, each system must work to its full potential. In addition, if any system fails completely, the whole body fails.

Materials:• Tape• Scissors• VISUALAID:“CirculatorySystem”• VISUALAID:“RespiratorySystem”• VISUALAID:“DigestiveSystem”• VISUALAID:“MuscularSystem”• VISUALAID:“SkeletalSystem”• VISUALAID:“NervousSystem”• VISUALAID:“UrinarySystem”• VISUALAID:“OtherBodySystems”• STUDENTINFORMATIONSHEET:“BodySystemsDescriptions”• STUDENTWORKSHEET:“DiagrammingBodySystems”

Activity Preparation:MakeenoughcopiesofSTUDENTWORKSHEET:“DiagrammingBodySystems”foreachsmallgroup.(SeeActivityProcedure 8.)

Activity Procedure:1. Askstudentstodiscusstheconceptofinterdependenceinthecommunity.(SeeWholePicture;share

relevant concepts.) Ask students for examples of community interdependence. Explain many systems, including communities, are interdependent. In fact, the human body is made up of interdependent systems.

2. Askstudentshowmanyhumanbodysystemstheycanname.Writeresponsesontheboard.Iftheynameanorgan(ratherthanasystem),askthemtonamethesystemtheorganbelongsin.Forexample,“Theheartisanorgan.Itworkswithotherorgansinwhatsystem?”(Thecirculatorysystem.)Givestudentshintsuntilall10systemsinthislessonhavebeennamedandrecorded.Askstudent,“Ifanyoneofthesesystemsfail,canthebodystillsurvive?”

3. Ask students to stand then hold one arm straight in the air while letting the other arm fall to the side. Time students for one minute, then ask students to look at both hands side by side. The hand that was raised uphighismuchpalerthantheonehangingdown.Askstudentstoexplain.(Gravityworksagainstflowofbloodthroughveinsandarteries.Bloodisheavy!Gravitymadeitharderforyourhearttopumpbloodtothehand over your head.) The circulatory system works hard 24 hours a day distributing blood, with nutrients and gases, throughout the body.

4. ShowVISUALAID:“CirculatorySystem.”Discuss.Askstudents,“Whatotherorgansandbodysystemsaredependentonthecirculatorysystem?”(Allofthem.)Bodysystemsare“interdependent,”meaningtheyfunction with the assistance of other body systems.

AKSCI ©2011 Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Living Systems

LIVING SYSTEMS

5. Askstudents,“Howdoesthecirculatorysystemobtainoxygenandothergasesinorderbeabletodistributethemthroughoutthebody?”(Bypassingthroughthelungs.)ShowVISUALAID:“RespiratorySystem.”Discuss.Again,thetwosystemsaredependentononeanother.Thelungsneedthecirculatorysystemtohelp distribute the oxygen they take in. The circulatory system needs the respiratory system to provide it with oxygen.

6. Askstudents,“Howdoesthecirculatorysystemobtainnutrientstofeedthebodywhatitneedstogrowandrepairitself?”(Thedigestivesystembreaksdownthefoodweeatintousableformsbeforeitentersthebloodstream.)ShowVISUALAID:“DigestiveSystem.”Discuss.Ask,“Doanyotherbodysystemsneedthedigestivesystem?”(Yes,allofthemneednutrientstomaintain,repairandgrow.)

7. ShowVISUALAID:“MuscularSystem.”Askstudentstoflextheirarm.Nowaskthemtojustthinkaboutflexing,butdon’tactuallymove.Bothinvolvethinking.Whatisthedifference?Askstudents,“Howdoyourmusclesknowtomove?”(Mostmusclesarecontrolledbythenervoussystem;some,liketheheart,isautonomous.)Again,themuscularsystemisdependentonallthesystemsnamedsofarandmore.Muscleswouldnotbeabletodotheirworkiftheyweren’tattachedtoastructure.Ask,“Whatisthatstructure?”(Theskeletalsystem.)Wewouldbelikejellyfishwithoutit.

8. RepeattheprocesswithVISUALAIDS:“SkeletalSystem,”“NervousSystem,”“UrinarySystem,”and“OtherBodySystems.”HandoutSTUDENTINFORMATIONSHEET:“BodySystemsDescriptions.”Discussthefunctionandinterdependence of each system.

9. Dividestudentsintosmallgroups.Explaingroupswillresearchabodysystem,includingwhatthesystemdoes,whatorgansareinvolvedinthesystemandhowitisinterdependentwithothersystems.(NOTE:Dependingonclasssize,groupsmayneedtoresearchmorethanonebodysystem.)HandoutSTUDENTWORKSHEET:“DiagrammingBodySystems.”Groupswillneedonecopyofpage1foreachbodysystem.Groupswillneedmultiplecopiesofpage2andpage3foreachbodysystem.Inaddition,allowstudentsto use the corresponding visual aid for each body system researched. Students should use the information sheet as well as other classroom resources such as textbooks and the Internet to describe the body system, name the organs involved, illustrate the organs and be ready to describe how the system is interdependent.

10. Oncestudentshavecompletedresearchonbodysystems,askeachgrouptosharetheirfindings.Displaystudent work.

Extension Idea:ThewebsiteBBCScience:HumanBodyandMindoffersinteractivegamesabouthumanbodysystems.UsinganInternetsearchengine,enterthesearchterms,“BBCScienceinteractivegames.”

Answers: STUDENT LAB: “Diagramming Body Systems”

Studentdiagramswillvary,butshouldreflecttheinformationoncorrespondingvisualaids,aswellasSTUDENTINFORMATIONSHEET:“BodySystemDescription.”

AKSCI ©2011 Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Living Systems

CIRCULATORY SYSTEM

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AKSCI ©2011 Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Living Systems

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

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AKSCI ©2011 Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Living Systems

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

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MUSCULAR SYSTEM

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AKSCI ©2011 Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Living Systems

AKSCI ©2011 Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Living Systems

SKELETAL SYSTEM

Skull

Cranium

Mandible

Clavicle

ManubriumScapulaSternum

Ribs

Humerus

UlnaRadius

Pelvic Girdle

Carpals

Metacarpals

Phalanges

Femur

Patella

Tibia

Fibula

Tarsals

Metatarsals

Phalanges

CervicalVertebrae (I-VII)

ThoracicVertebrae (T I - T XII)

LumbarVertebrae (L I - L V)

SacrumCoccyx

Spinal Column

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NERVOUS SYSTEM

brain

cerebellum

spinal cord

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AKSCI ©2011 Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Living Systems

AKSCI ©2011 Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Living Systems

URINARY SYSTEM

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kidney

abdominal aorta

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urethra

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AKSCI ©2011 Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Living Systems

OTHER BODY SYSTEMS

Endocrine System

Lymph Node Structure

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pituitarygland

hypothalmus

pineal gland

larynx

thyroid gland

trachea

Integumentary System

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epidermis

hair shaft

hair follicledermis

hypodermis

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©Guniita|Dreamstime.com

NAME: __________________________ BODY SYSTEM DESCRIPTIONS

AKSCI ©2011 Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Living Systems

body system – a group of organs working together to perform a certain task

organ – a distinct part of an organism that performs one of more particular functions; examples of organs are the eyes, ears, lungs, and heart of an animal, and the roots, stems and leaves of a plant

Circulatory System – the system of organs that circulates blood through the body carrying nutrients, gases, hormones, and blood cells; in all vertebrates and certain invertebrates, the circulatory system is completely contained within a network of vessels

Organs involved: heart, veins, arteries and capillaries

Digestive System – the system of organs that processes and digests nutrients, breaking them down by mechanical and chemical processes

Organs involved: salivary glands, esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, intestines, rectum and anus

Lymphatic System – the system of organs that transfers lymph (fluid that carries bacteria to be destroyed) between tissues and the blood stream; includes the immune system which defends the body against disease-causing agents

Organs involved: lymph nodes and vessels, tonsils, adenoids, thymus and spleen

Respiratory System – the system of organs used for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide (breathing)

Organs involved: lungs, diaphragm, trachea, bronchi, larynx and pharynx

Urinary System – the system of organs responsible for fluid balance and the excretion of urine

Organs involved: kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra

Nervous System – the organ system, made of specialized cells called neurons, that collects and transfers information

Organs involved: brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and nerves

Endocrine System – the organ system of glands that regulates communication within the body using hormones made by endocrine glands

Organs involved: hypothalamus glands, pituitary glands, pineal glands, thyroid glands, parathyroid glands, and adrenal glands

Muscular System – the system of organs that allows the body to move, controlled through the nervous system; some muscles can be completely autonomous (such as the heart muscle)

Organs involved: muscles; cardiac muscle and smooth muscle

Skeletal System – the system of organs that provides structural support to the body

Organs involved: bones, cartilage, ligaments and tendons

NAME: __________________________ DIAGRAMMING BODY SYSTEMS

AKSCI ©2011 Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Living Systems

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NAME: __________________________ DIAGRAMMING BODY SYSTEMS

AKSCI ©2011 Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Living Systems

______________________________________________ Organ

Function: Illustration:

______________________________________________ Organ

Function: Illustration:

NAME: __________________________ DIAGRAMMING BODY SYSTEMS

AKSCI ©2011 Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Living Systems