Organ Systems and Homeostasis

This unit examines the structure and function of major human organ systems (cardiovascular, lymphatic/immune, respiratory, digestive, integumentary, musculoskeletal, nervous, endocrine, and reproductive) and how they interact to maintain homeostasis. It builds on cellular and tissue foundations from earlier study and prepares students for applied pathophysiology and clinical topics in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the anatomical structures and physiological functions of major organ systems listed in the unit and explain how each contributes to maintaining homeostasis, using diagrams and case examples.
• Demonstrate key physiological processes—including cardiac blood flow and circulation, respiratory gas exchange, stages of digestion, neural impulse conduction, and bone remodeling—by labeling models, tracing pathways, and interpreting data from simulations or lab activities.
• Apply principles of innate and adaptive immunity and lymphatic system function to evaluate common immune responses and disorders and recommend basic prevention or management strategies.
• Evaluate male and female reproductive anatomy and human developmental stages by comparing system structures, describing fertilization and embryonic/fetal development, and summarizing trimester-specific maternal and fetal changes.