Organ Systems and Body Regulation

This unit examines the structure and function of major organ systems—cardiovascular, respiratory, immune/lymphatic, digestive, integumentary, musculoskeletal, endocrine, nervous, and reproductive—and how they interact to maintain homeostasis. Students build on foundational concepts to analyze physiological processes, immune responses, and human development from gametogenesis through the trimesters, preparing for clinical applications in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze anatomical organization from cells to organs by explaining tissue types, cellular building blocks, skin and accessory structures, and bone formation as they relate to protection, growth, and repair
• Apply principles of cardiopulmonary and digestive physiology to interpret gas exchange, circulation, nutrient processing, and fluid/excretory control under normal and perturbed conditions
• Demonstrate understanding of innate and adaptive immune mechanisms and lymphatic function by predicting immune responses to specific pathogens and describing basic defense strategies
• Evaluate reproductive anatomy and hormonal regulation involved in gametogenesis, fertilization, and trimester development, integrating feedback mechanisms to assess implications for health and patient education