Course Outline
Course Overview
The human body is made up of complex systems that work together to maintain life, respond to the environment, and keep the body functioning properly. In this course, students will explore how cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems interact to support processes such as digestion, circulation, respiration, coordination, reproduction, and immunity. Through the study of body systems and their interactions, students will develop a deeper understanding of human biology and the importance of maintaining health.
Unit 1: Organization of the Human Body
Explore how the human body is organized from individual cells to fully functioning organ systems.
1.1 Levels of Organization
- Cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems
- Organization within living organisms
1.2 Tissues of the Human Body
- Epithelial tissue
- Connective tissue
- Muscle tissue
- Nervous tissue
1.3 Major Organ Systems
- Functions of body systems
- Interactions among systems
1.4 Homeostasis
- Maintaining stable internal conditions
- Feedback mechanisms
1.5 Maintaining Internal Balance
- Temperature regulation
- Blood glucose regulation
- Organ system interactions
Unit 2: Digestion and Nutrition
Investigate how the body obtains, processes, and uses nutrients.
2.1 The Digestive System
- Digestive organs
- Pathway of food through the body
2.2 Mechanical and Chemical Digestion
- Physical breakdown of food
- Enzyme action
2.3 Absorption in the Small Intestine
- Villi and microvilli
- Nutrient absorption
2.4 Nutrients and Their Functions
- Carbohydrates
- Proteins
- Lipids
- Vitamins and minerals
- Water
2.5 Maintaining Digestive Health
- Fiber and hydration
- Beneficial bacteria
- Digestive disorders
Unit 3: Respiration and Circulation
Learn how the body obtains oxygen and transports substances to cells.
3.1 The Respiratory System
- Respiratory organs
- Breathing mechanisms
3.2 Gas Exchange in the Lungs
- Alveoli
- Diffusion
- Oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange
3.3 The Circulatory System
- Heart, blood, and blood vessels
- Functions of circulation
3.4 The Heart and Blood Vessels
- Blood flow through the heart
- Arteries, veins, and capillaries
3.5 Transport of Substances
- Oxygen transport
- Nutrient transport
- Waste removal
Unit 4: Coordination and Response
Discover how the body senses changes and coordinates responses.
4.1 The Nervous System
- Central nervous system
- Peripheral nervous system
4.2 Neurons and Nerve Impulses
- Neuron structure
- Synapses
- Nerve signaling
4.3 The Brain and Spinal Cord
- Major brain regions
- Functions of the spinal cord
4.4 The Endocrine System
- Endocrine glands
- Hormones
4.5 Hormones and Homeostasis
- Hormonal regulation
- Feedback mechanisms
- Coordination between body systems
Unit 5: Reproduction, Immunity, and Health
Examine how the body reproduces, develops, protects itself from disease, and maintains health.
5.1 The Reproductive System
- Male and female reproductive systems
- Fertilization
5.2 Human Development
- Embryonic and fetal development
- Growth and development
5.3 The Immune System
- Body defenses
- White blood cells
- Innate and adaptive immunity
5.4 Disease and Prevention
- Infectious and non-infectious diseases
- Vaccines
- Active and passive immunity
5.5 Maintaining Human Health
- Healthy lifestyles
- Nutrition and exercise
- Disease prevention
- Mental and physical well-being
Course Summary
By the end of this course, students will be able to explain how the major body systems function and interact to maintain life. They will understand how nutrients and oxygen are obtained and transported, how the body coordinates responses to changes in the environment, how reproduction and development occur, and how the immune system protects against disease. Students will also develop an appreciation for the importance of healthy lifestyle choices and the role they play in maintaining long-term well-being.