Biology Chapter 6

Identify the main function of each of the body's systems.

*circulatory system-brings food, water, and oxygen to body cells; carries away waste products *immune system-protects the body from bacteria, viruses, and other disease-causing organisms *respiratory system-supplies the body tissues with oxygen and removes from them carbon dioxide *digestive system-breaks down food into a form that can be absorbed by the bloodstream *excretory system-excretes waste materials from the body *nervous system-coordinates the activities of the body *endocrine system-regulates many activities of the body (such as growth and digestion) using chemical messengers (hormones) *integumentary system-provides communication with the outside world through sensory receptors; protects the body from its surroundings *skeletal system-gives support and rigidity to the body; protects vital organs; produces blood cells *muscular system-provides movement for the body *reproductive system-responsible for the continuation of the human race

Explain the purpose of tissues, fluids, membranes, cells, and matrix.

*tissues-work together to accomplish the task of an organ *fluids-supply the cells with nutrients and water *membranes-function as coverings or linings *matrix-Answers will vary; some functions mentioned in the text include calcium storage (bone matrix) and holding neighboring cells together (connective tissue matrix).

How do the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and excretory systems work together to supply nutrients to the body's cells and to remove waste products?

Answers should include the following ideas: *The respiratory system and digestive system provide the body with oxygen and nutrients. *The circulatory system transports oxygen and nutrients to body cells and carries away waste products. *The respiratory system expels carbon dioxide, a gaseous waste product, from the body. The excretory system removes other waste products from the body.

What do the supposedly vestigial organs tell you about the wisdom of God and the wisdom of man?

Answers will vary. They may be thought of as revealing that God's designs in nature are not limited by man's understanding; man called these organs "vestigial" out of ignorance of their functions.

Why must the body maintain homeostasis?

Failure to maintain homeostasis results in disease or death.