Concept Organizer

Unit A Concept Organizer

The following concept organizer illustrates the relationships between the nervous and endocrine systems and how they establish homeostasis. System health results when these relationships are in balance. The concepts at the top of the chart identify the unit inquiry and indicate the importance of considering the roles and applications of technologies throughout the unit. You may wish to revisit this concept organizer as you work through the unit. You may also want to use it as a study guide.

Module 1—The Nervous System

In Module 1 you will explore both the conscious and unconscious communication of your body. You will do this through an examination of the structure, organization, and function of the nervous system. You will relate this information to explain how the nervous system maintains homeostasis. You will also examine what occurs when communications are disrupted. You will research some imbalances and disorders that cause the nervous system to not function properly and the medical technologies that can be applied to correct these situations.

Specifically, you will be asked to apply your knowledge to answer the following question:

• How does the nervous system communicate with the body?

Module 2—The Endocrine System

In Module 2 you will investigate how hormones communicate with parts of your body to maintain homeostasis. You will do this by examining the endocrine glands and observing what happens when these glands produce too little or too much hormone. You will research how medical technologies can be applied to correct these situations.

You will be asked to apply your knowledge to answer the following question:

• What is the role of the endocrine system in maintaining homeostasis?