Human Body Basics BW• Margy’s argument is the best answer.

All living organisms are made of cells. The cell is the basic unit of structure in all living organisms. What is less obvious is that the cell is also the basic unit of function.

• It is within the cell that most of life’s basic processes such as getting rid of waste molecules, growth, repair, movement occur.

Human Body Basics• In addition to the basic cell functions,

specialized cells in multicellular organisms perform functions that support life processes. Ex: muscle cells contract to support movement.

• Specialized cells can be arranged to form tissues, such as muscle, nerve tissue, and blood tissue.

• Tissues can be arranged to form organs• Organs to Organ Systems

LT #4 I can express that cells differentiate to form specialized cells, tissues, organs, organ systems,

and organisms.

Labor of Division• Within a multicellular (meaning

made of more than one cell, so yourself) organisms there is a division of labor. • Division of labor means that the

work of keeping the organisms alive is divided among different parts of the body.• Each part has a specific job, it

works in harmony with all the other parts.• The arrangement of specialized

parts within a living thing is sometimes referred to as levels of organization.

Level 1: Cells• Cells, of course, are the first level of organization. • In multicellular organisms, many cells are

specialized to perform a specific function for the organism.

• Ex: Muscle Cells, Nerve Cells, Bone Cells, Red Blood Cells, White Blood Cells, Lung Cells, Etc.

Level 2: Tissues• In any multicellular organisms, cells

rarely work alone. • Cells that are similar in structure and

function that work together to do a specific job are called tissues.

• Your body, like that of many other animals, is made up of several types of tissue.

• Ex: Bone cells form bone tissue, a strong, solid tissue in your body that gives you shape and support.

Level 2: Tissues• You also have muscle tissue and

nerve tissue that work together to move your body.

• Cells of the muscle tissue contract or relax to allow your body to move. But this movement does not occur until direction is given by cells of the nervous tissue.

Level 2: Tissues• Plants have tissues, too.• One tissue moves food around

the plant to cells that need it.• Another tissue carries water up

from the plant’s roots to its leaves.

• Still another plant tissue forms the hard outer covering of trees known as bark. Bark is a tissue that acts as a protective covering for woody plants.

Level 3: Organs• Just as cells join together to form tissues, different

tissues join together to form organs. • An organ is a structure made up of two or more

tissues that work together to carry out a specific job.

• Ex: Your heart, is an organ made up of muscle tissue, blood tissue, and nerve tissue.

• Others organs are: Bones, Brain, Spinal Cord, Pancreas, Spleen, Tonsils, Lungs, Small Intestine, Kidneys, Bladder, Etc.

• Roots, stems, and leaves are three organs found in many plants.

Level 4: Organ Systems• Organs do not usually work alone.

Instead, several organs work together as an organ system. • An organ system is made up of

all organs that work together to do a specific job. • Ex: A plant’s leaves, stems, and

roots work together to make, transport, and store food.

System Main Organs FunctionIntegumentary Skin Protects the body and

prevents water loss

Muscular Muscles Movement of the body, attached to bones

Skeletal Bones Support and protection of soft body parts

Nervous Brain, Spinal Cord, Nerves

Controls mental and bodily functions

Endocrine Pancreas, Pituitary Gland

Controls homeostasis by releasing hormones

System Main Organs FunctionCirculatory Heart, Blood

VesselsTransport of materials to and from body cells

Lymphatic Spleen, Thymus, Tonsils

Remove dead cells and foreign bodies from body fluids

Respiratory Lungs, Trachea Exchange of gases between blood and the environment

Digestive Stomach, Small Intestine

Break down food for absorption into the blood

Urinary Kidneys, Bladder Control of water balance and chemical makeup of blood

Level 5: Organisms• You are an organism. Dogs and trees

are also organisms.• An organism is an entire living thing

that carries out all the basic life functions.

• The organism is the fifth and highest level of organization.

• Organisms are made up of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems.

Cells, Tissues, Organs, Organ Systems, and

Organisms• By now two things should be clear to you:• Each level of organization interacts with every other level.• The smooth functioning of a complex organism is the result of all its various parts working together.

Levels of Organization

Five-Tab Foldable

• For each level include:–definition–example –picture