You’ve learned the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular, immune, lymphatic, and respiratory systems. As much as we like to partition the body into discrete units, it is often the case that systems are interdependent and their function is intimately tied to other organ systems.

For the Week 8 discussion of 255, I would like you to think back on the previous sessions and choose one organ or organ system covered in BIOS251 and BIOS252 (Chemical and cellular organization, tissues, integumentary system, skeletal system, joints, muscular system, nervous system, special senses and endocrine system).

After that, discuss how that organ/organ system is connected to the material we have covered in BIOS 255.

For example, we talked about the importance of intrinsic factor to making red blood cells in Week 1. You could discuss the connection between dietary absorption of intrinsic factor, vitamin B12, and the maintenance of a healthy hematocrit.

Answer preview

Normal functioning of the body requires that all body systems remain in perfect harmony. All organs and organ systems must work in tandem to achieve one goal: a healthy status. For instance, the central nervous system must work hand in hand with the skeletal system to produce seamless movements and achieve excellent mind-body coordination. Similarly, the digestive system must be in perfect condition to absorb intrinsic factors and Vitamin B12 and thus achieve and maintain a healthy hematocrit.

540 words