Health

What you need to understand:

Essential Ideas: 

All systems within an organism interact and are interdependent  

Health of an organism depends on the homeostatic functioning of biological systems 

Learning Objectives: 

Adaptations in Organisms 

1. Apply the concept of surface area to volume ratio to understand adaptations in organisms to optimize their physiological processes. 

2. Calculate the surface area to volume ratio for different shapes commonly found in biological organisms 

3. Demonstrate the role of diffusion in fundamental cellular processes, including nutrient absorption, waste elimination, and gas exchange 

Cellular Processes and Differentiation 

4. Explain the process of cell differentiation from stem cells to specialized cell types in various tissues and organs. 

5. Identify that gene expression influences cell differentiation 

6. Explain how the specialization and coordination of cells lead to the formation of tissues, organs and systems with specific functions. 

7. Describe cellular respiration as an exothermic reaction which is continuously occurring in all cells. 

Respiratory System Integration 

8. Identify the structures of the human respiratory system, including the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli, ribs, intercostal muscles and pleural membrane 

9. Explain how alveoli are adapted for gas exchange, including their large surface area, moist lining, and short diffusion pathway to surrounding capillaries 

10. Explain how concentration gradients influence the movement of respiratory gases in the lungs, specifically oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) 

11. Explain the role of mucus and cilia in protecting the lungs from pathogens and pollution 

12. Evaluate the effects of smoking or vaping on the lungs and understand its impact on respiratory health 

13. Compare carbon dioxide levels between inspired and expired air 

Circulatory System Integration 

14. Draw diagrams of red blood cells and white blood cells and describe their functions 

15. Discuss the role of plasma in transporting oxygen and nutrients while removing waste products 

16. Analyze the relationship between blood components and their functions in supporting overall health and immunity 

17. Calculate the size of a red blood cell or white blood cell 

18. Differentiate between arteries, veins and capillaries based on their structure and function 

19. Determine the path of the blood through the heart including deoxygenated and oxygenated blood 

20. Identify the structures of the human heart, including the chambers (atria and ventricles), valves (atrioventricular, pulmonary, and aortic), and major blood vessels connected to the heart 

21. Apply knowledge of heart anatomy and physiology to explain common heart conditions such as arrhythmias and coronary artery disease, and their impact on cardiovascular health 

22. Interpret blood pressure readings and understand the significance of systolic and diastolic pressures on cardiovascular health 

23. Analyze the impact of exercise on heart rate, breathing rate, and cardiac output 

24. Describe how mitochondria utilize chemical energy from glucose and other molecules to generate ATP, the primary energy currency of cells 

25. Discuss how the interconnection between the respiratory system and the circulatory system contributes to sustaining homeostatic equilibrium 

26. Diagnose hypothetical patient scenarios related to respiratory system and the circulatory system diseases