Body Systems Function and Homeostasis

This unit examines anatomy and physiology of major organ systems (integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, immune, and reproductive) with emphasis on structure–function relationships, cellular mechanisms, and pathophysiology. Students explore processes that maintain homeostasis, interpret physiological data (e.g., cardiac and respiratory cycles), and connect molecular and genetic principles to tissue repair and disease.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze structure–function relationships of the integumentary, skeletal (axial and appendicular), muscular, and cardiac systems by identifying key anatomical components and explaining how they enable protection, movement, and circulation
• Apply principles of neural transmission, gas exchange, and the cardiac cycle to interpret physiological data and trace pathways of impulse conduction and respiratory gas flow in clinical or laboratory scenarios
• Demonstrate understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms (cell cycle, genes, immune molecules) by explaining tissue repair, genetic probability, and immune responses in examples of skin, digestive, and muscular pathophysiology
• Evaluate disruptions to homeostasis across systems (endocrine, immune, cardiovascular) by assessing case-based disturbances and proposing appropriate, evidence-based interventions or preventative strategies