Foundational Concept 3
Foundational Concept 3Complex systems of tissues and organs sense the internal and external environments of multicellular organisms, and through integrated functioning, maintain a stable internal environment within an ever-changing external environment.
Content Categories:
Content Category 3A: Structure and functions of the nervous and endocrine systems and ways in which these systems coordinate the organ systems
Content Category 3A: Structure and functions of the nervous and endocrine systems and ways in which these systems coordinate the organ systemsThe nervous and endocrine systems work together to detect external and internal signals, transmit and integrate information, and maintain homeostasis. They do all of this by producing appropriate responses to internal and external cues and stressors. The integration of these systems both with one another, and with the other organ systems, ultimately results in the successful and adaptive behaviors that allow for the propagation of the species.
Animals have evolved a nervous system that senses and processes internal and external information that is used to facilitate and enhance survival, growth, and reproduction. The nervous system interfaces with sensory and internal body systems to coordinate physiological and behavioral responses ranging from simple movements and small metabolic changes to long-distance migrations and social interactions. The physiological processes for nerve signal generation and propagation involve specialized membranes with associated proteins that respond to ligands and/or electrical field changes, signaling molecules and, by extension, the establishment and replenishment of ionic electrochemical gradients requiring ATP.
The endocrine system of animals has evolved to produce chemical signals that function internally to regulate stress responses, reproduction, development, energy metabolism, growth, and various individual and interactive behaviors. The integrated contributions of the nervous and endocrine systems to bodily functions are exemplified by the process whereby the signaling of neurons regulates hormone release, and by the targeting of membrane or nuclear receptors on neurons by circulating hormones.
The content in this category covers the structure, function, and basic aspects of nervous and endocrine systems, and their integration. The structure and function of nerve cells is also included in this category.
| Topic | Biochemistry | Biochemistry: A Short Course | Biology, 2e | Fundamentals of Biochemistry | Human Physiology | Karp’s Cell and Molecular Biology |
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Nervous System: Structure and Function (BIO)
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NA | NA | NA | NA |
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Nerve Cell (BIO)
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NA | NA | NA |
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Biosignalling (BC)
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Lipids (BC, OC)
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Endocrine System: Hormones and Their Sources (BIO)
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NA | NA | NA |
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NA | |
Endocrine System: Mechanisms of Hormone Action (BIO)
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NA | NA |
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Content Category 3B: Structure and integrative functions of the main organ systems
Content Category 3B: Structure and integrative functions of the main organ systemsAnimals use a number of highly-organized and integrated organ systems to carry out the necessary functions associated with maintaining life processes. Within the body, no organ system is an island. Interactions and coordination between organ systems allow organisms to engage in the processes necessary to sustain life. For example, the organs and structures of the circulatory system carry out a number of functions, such as transporting:
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nutrients absorbed in the digestive system;
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gases absorbed from the respiratory system and muscle tissue;
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hormones secreted from the endocrine system; and
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blood cells produced in bone marrow to and from cells in the body to help fight disease.
The content in this category covers the structure and function of the major organ systems of the body including the respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic, immune, digestive, excretory, reproductive, muscle, skeletal, and skin systems. Also covered in this category is the integration of these systems and their control and coordination by the endocrine and nervous systems.
| Topic | Biochemistry | Biology, 2e | Human Physiology | Karp’s Cell and Molecular Biology |
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Respiratory System (BIO)
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NA |
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Circulatory System (BIO)
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NA |
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NA | |
Lymphatic System (BIO)
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NA | NA |
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Immune System (BIO)
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NA |
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Digestive System (BIO)
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NA |
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Excretory System (BIO)
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NA |
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NA | |
Reproductive System (BIO)
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NA |
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NA | |
Muscle System (BIO)
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NA |
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Specialized Cell-Muscle Cell (BIO)
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NA |
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Skeletal System (BIO)
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NA |
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NA | |
Skin System (BIO)
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NA | NA |
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NA |