Content Category 3B: Structure and integrative functions of the main organ systems

Animals 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:

nutrients absorbed in the digestive system;
gases absorbed from the respiratory system and muscle tissue;
hormones secreted from the endocrine system; and
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
Respiratory System (BIO) General function Gas exchange, thermoregulation Protection against disease: particulate matter Structure of lungs and alveoli Breathing mechanisms Diaphragm, rib cage, differential pressure Resiliency and surface tension effects Thermoregulation: nasal and tracheal capillary beds; evaporation, panting Particulate filtration: nasal hairs, mucus/cilia system in lungs Alveolar gas exchange Diffusion, differential partial pressure Henry’s Law (GC) pH control Regulation by nervous control CO2 sensitivity	NA	39.1 Systems of Gas Exchange 39.2 Gas Exchange across Respiratory Surfaces 39.3 Breathing 39.4 Transport of Gases in Human Bodily Fluids	Ch. 18 The Respiratory System	Ch. 5 Aerobic Respiration and the Mitochondrion, p. 168 Ch. 9 The Cytoskeleton and Cell Motility, pp. 327-334
Circulatory System (BIO) Functions: circulation of oxygen, nutrients, hormones, ions and fluids, removal of metabolic waste Role in thermoregulation Four-chambered heart: structure and function Endothelial cells Systolic and diastolic pressure Pulmonary and systemic circulation Arterial and venous systems (arteries, arterioles, venules, veins) Structural and functional differences Pressure and flow characteristics Capillary beds Mechanisms of gas and solute exchange Mechanism of heat exchange Source of peripheral resistance Composition of blood Plasma, chemicals, blood cells Erythrocyte production and destruction; spleen, bone marrow Regulation of plasma volume Coagulation, clotting mechanisms Oxygen transport by blood Hemoglobin, hematocrit Oxygen content Oxygen affinity Oxygen transport by blood; modification of oxygen affinity Carbon dioxide transport and level in blood Nervous and endocrine control	NA	40.1 Overview of the Circulatory System 40.2 Components of the Blood 40.3 Mammalian Heart and Blood Vessels 40.4 Blood Flow and Blood Pressure Regulation	Ch. 14 The Cardiovascular System: The Heart Ch. 15 The Cardiovascular System: Blood Vessels and Hemodynamics Ch. 16 The Cardiovascular System: The Blood	NA
Lymphatic System (BIO) Structure of lymphatic system Major functions Equalization of fluid distribution Transport of proteins and large glycerides Production of lymphocytes involved in immune reactions Return of materials to the blood	NA	NA	Ch. 17 The Immune System, pp. 613-615	Ch. 17 The Immune Response, pp. 688-691
Immune System (BIO) Innate (nonspecific) vs. adaptive (specific) immunity Adaptive immune system cells T-lymphocytes B-lymphocytes Innate immune system cells Macrophages Phagocytes Concept of antigen and antibody Antigen presentation Clonal selection Antigen-antibody recognition Structure of antibody molecule Recognition of self vs. nonself, autoimmune diseases Major histocompatibility complex	42.1 Innate Immune Response 42.2 Adaptive Immune Response 42.3 Antibodies 42.4 Disruptions in the Immune System	NA	Ch. 17 The Immune System, pp. 615-645	Ch. 17 The Immune Response
Digestive System (BIO) Ingestion Saliva as lubrication and source of enzymes Ingestion; esophagus, transport function Stomach Storage and churning of food Low pH, gastric juice, mucal protection against self-destruction Production of digestive enzymes, site of digestion Structure (gross) Liver Structural relationship of liver within gastrointestinal system Production of bile Role in blood glucose regulation, detoxification Bile Storage in gall bladder Function Pancreas Production of enzymes Transport of enzymes to small intestine Small Intestine Absorption of food molecules and water Function and structure of villi Production of enzymes, site of digestion Neutralization of stomach acid Structure (anatomic subdivisions) Large Intestine Absorption of water Bacterial flora Structure (gross) Rectum: storage and elimination of waste, feces Muscular control Peristalsis Endocrine control Hormones Target tissues Nervous control: the enteric nervous system	NA	34.1 Digestive Systems 34.2 Nutrition and Energy Production 34.3 Digestive System Processes 34.4 Digestive System Regulation	Ch. 21 The Digestive System	Ch. 1 Introduction to the Study of Cell and Molecular Biology, pp. 3-5 Ch. 15 Cell Signaling and Cell Transduction: Communication Between Cells, pp. 599-602
Excretory System (BIO) Roles in homeostasis Blood pressure Osmoregulation Acid-base balance Removal of soluble nitrogenous waste Kidney structure Cortex Medulla Nephron structure Glomerulus Bowman’s capsule Proximal tubule Loop of Henle Distal tubule Collecting duct Formation of urine Glomerular filtration Secretion and reabsorption of solutes Concentration of urine Counter-current multiplier mechanism Storage and elimination: ureter, bladder, urethra Osmoregulation: capillary reabsorption of H2O, amino acids, glucose, ions Muscular control: sphincter muscle	NA	41.1 Osmoregulation and Osmotic Balance 41.2 The Kidneys and Osmoregulatory Organs 41.3 Excretion Systems 41.4 Nitrogenous Wastes 41.5 Hormonal Control of Osmoregulatory Functions	Ch. 19 The Urinary System Ch. 20 Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Homeostasis	NA
Reproductive System (BIO) Male and female reproductive structures and their functions Gonads Genitalia Differences between male and female structures Hormonal control of reproduction Male and female sexual development Female reproductive cycle Pregnancy, parturition, lactation Integration with nervous control	NA	43.3 Human Reproductive Anatomy and Gametogenesis 43.4 Hormonal Control of Human Reproduction 43.5 Human Pregnancy and Birth	Ch. 23 The Reproductive Systems	NA
Muscle System (BIO) Important functions Support: mobility Peripheral circulatory assistance Thermoregulation (shivering reflex) Structure of three basic muscle types: striated, smooth, cardiac Muscle structure and control of contraction T-tubule system Contractile apparatus Sarcoplasmic reticulum Fiber type Contractile velocity of different muscle types Regulation of cardiac muscle contraction Oxygen debt: fatigue Nervous control Motor neurons Neuromuscular junction, motor end plates Sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation Voluntary and involuntary muscles	NA	38.4 Muscle Contraction and Locomotion	Ch. 11 Muscle Ch. 12 Control of Body Movement	Ch. 4 The Structure and Function of the Plasma Membrane, pp. 162-167 Ch. 9 The Cytoskeleton and Cell Motility, pp. 345-352
Specialized Cell-Muscle Cell (BIO) Structural characteristics of striated, smooth, and cardiac muscle Abundant mitochondria in red muscle cells: ATP source Organization of contractile elements: actin and myosin filaments, crossbridges, sliding filament model Sarcomeres: “I” and “A” bands, “M” and “Z” lines, “H” zone Presence of troponin and tropomyosin Calcium regulation of contraction	NA	38.4 Muscle Contraction and Locomotion	Ch. 11 Muscle	Ch. 9 The Cytoskeleton and Cell Motility, pp. 345-352
Skeletal System (BIO) Functions Structural rigidity and support Calcium storage Physical protection Skeletal structure Specialization of bone types, structures Joint structures Endoskeleton vs. exoskeleton Bone structure Calcium/protein matrix Cellular composition of bone Cartilage: structure and function Ligaments, tendons Endocrine control	NA	38.1 Types of Skeletal Systems 38.2 Bone 38.3 Joints and Skeletal Movement	Ch. 13 The Endocrine System, pp. 459-462, 489-492	NA
Skin System (BIO) Structure Layer differentiation, cell types Relative impermeability to water Functions in homeostasis and osmoregulation Functions in thermoregulation Hair, erectile musculature Fat layer for insulation Sweat glands, location in dermis Vasoconstriction and vasodilation in surface capillaries Physical protection Nails, calluses, hair Protection against abrasion, disease organisms Hormonal control: sweating, vasodilation, and vasoconstriction	NA	NA	Ch. 17 The Immune System, pp. 615-616	NA

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