Graded
The purpose of the unit is to develop students’ understanding of body processes and structure including the role of cardio-respiratory systems and neural and hormonal control mechanisms. Then unit builds on an understanding specific cells and tissues to an understanding the interrelatedness of the systems.
Understand the characteristics of human cells and tissues in the cardiovascular and respiratory system.
Organisation of animals into cells, tissues, organs, systems.
3 different tissues found in the cardiovascular and 3 in the respiratory system.
Adaptation for specialised cells of cardiovascular and respiratory system e.g. number of Mitochondria, actin and myosin, cell appearance, shape, size, thickness, branching, mucus/matrix secretions, ER and Golgi.
Students could explore the hierarchical nature of cells, tissues and organs and explain the importance of cells working together to form tissues and organs using a specific example.
Explain the structure and function of five different cells in humans.
Describe 3 different tissues found in the cardiovascular system.
Describe 3 different tissues found in the respiratory system.
Explain how the structure of cells in the tissues in 1.1 and 1.2 are adapted to their function.
Understand the structure and function of the cardiovascular system.
Cardiovascular system basic structure and function.
Valves, chambers, and vessels, electrical conduction system.
The role of the heart and blood vessels in circulation. Emphasis should be on the physiology of the heart and how the structure of the blood vessels allows them to play their role. The relationships between heart rate, stroke volume and cardiac output.
The roles of the major components of the blood e.g. erythrocytes, leucocytes, thrombocytes, plasma. How these components each contribute to the functions of the blood in terms of transport e.g. oxygen, nutrients, hormones and protection e.g. immunity, blood clotting.
Describe the structure of the cardiovascular system.
Explain the role of the cardio-vascular system in ensuring an adequate flow of blood is supplied to cells and tissues to meet the changing needs of the body.
Relate the structure of blood to its function.
Understand the structure and function of the respiratory system.
Respiratory system:- basic structure and function.
Nose/mouth/throat, Conducting airways, lungs, alveoli, ribs, diaphragm and intercostal muscles, function of individual structures, warming of air, cilia and mucous trap dust bacteria, epiglottis protects airway.
Particular feature: - Changes in trachea –> bronchi –> bronchioles. Function of cartilage in keeping airways open, alveoli providing a large surface area, ribs provide protection to lungs/heart. Number of lobes in right and left side and relate it to position of heart.
Other features of alveoli that link structure to function - such as proximity to blood vessels and being one cell thick. Possible lung dissection.
Composition of air. How warming/ moisture in air affects rates of diffusion and gas exchange. Fick’s law.
Process of inspiration and expiration.
Describe the structure of the respiratory system.
Explain the role of the respiratory system in ensuring there is an adequate exchange of gases according to demand.
Understand the importance of homeostasis.
Components of homeostatic systems:
Measuring respiratory rate and lung volumes (spirometer and peak flow).
Factors affecting respiratory rate and lung volumes (Age, gender, exercise, fitness, smoking, medication, emotional state, disease states, increased abdominal pressure e.g. pregnancy). May include cough reflex.
Control of respiratory rate and lung volumes oxygen and carbon dioxide levels (brief). Receptors (chemo stretch), integrators (respiratory centre medulla oblongata), effectors (diaphragm and intercostal muscles).
Role of surfactant.
Changing demands impacting gaseous exchange; physical activity such as exercise, resting, changes in altitude etc.
Measuring heart rate and blood pressure.
Factors affecting heart rate and blood pressure (Age, exercise, fitness, nicotine, caffeine, medication, emotional state, disease states).
Control of heart rate and blood pressure (brief) Receptors (chemo and Barro), integrators (CV centre medulla oblongata), effectors (Cardiac and smooth muscle).
Role of adrenalin.
Might include an exercise practical.
Explain the need for nervous and endocrine control mechanisms in the human body using appropriate examples.
Explain, using an example, how the nervous and endocrine systems collaborate to maintain homeostasis under changing conditions.