Despite the great degree of specialization of the body's organs, they are still capable of working together. The human body systems studied in this unit include the digestive, circulatory, immune, excretory, respiratory, and motor systems. Each system can be studied separately and independently, but none of these systems can exist in isolation. Their interdependence is necessary for the body's survival. The human body exchanges matter and energy with the environment. The body maintains an internal equilibrium because each system has the ability to interact and adjust to any changes that may occur. Some conditions can tip the balance and the body's systems fail. Modern medical technologies can support the prevention and treatment of the disorders that may result.

Big Ideas

This unit consists of four modules. These modules will explain how the maintenance of metabolic equilibrium involves a number of physical and biochemical processes. You will use the human body to model how energy and matter are exchanged with the environment through the processes of gas exchange, digestion, excretion, circulation, and the function of the motor system. You will also learn how equilibrium is maintained with the help of an immune system.

Specifically, you will be able to

• explain how the human digestive and respiratory systems exchange energy and matter with the environment

• explain the role of the excretory system in maintaining an internal equilibrium in humans through the exchange of energy and matter with the environment

• explain the role of the circulatory and defence systems in maintaining internal equilibrium

• explain the role of the motor system in the function of other body systems

Assessments

Each module has three assignments listed on the module introduction page. At the end of the entire unit, you will write the Unit D Test.