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Nervous, endocrine, digestive, respiratory, circulatory, excretory, and reproductive systems.
Animal physiology is the study of how animals function and respond to their environment. It encompasses various systems such as nervous, endocrine, digestive, respiratory, circulatory, excretory, and reproductive systems that work together to maintain homeostasis and ensure survival. Understanding animal physiology is crucial for appreciating the diversity of life on Earth.
The nervous system is a complex network of specialized cells called neurons that transmit and process information. Neurons have three main parts: the dendrites, cell body, and axon. The dendrites receive signals from other neurons, the cell body processes the information, and the axon carries the signal to other neurons or muscles. The nervous system is responsible for controlling movements, regulating body functions, and facilitating communication between different parts of the body.
The endocrine system is a network of glands that produce and secrete hormones into the bloodstream. Hormones are chemical messengers that help regulate various bodily functions, such as growth and development, metabolism, and reproductive processes. The major endocrine glands include the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, pancreas, and gonads. These glands work together to maintain homeostasis and respond to changes in the body's internal environment.
The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food into nutrients that can be absorbed and utilized by the body. The process begins with ingestion, where food enters the mouth and is chewed by teeth. The food then passes through the esophagus and into the stomach, where it is mixed with stomach acid and enzymes to break down proteins and carbohydrates. The partially digested food then enters the small intestine, where most of the nutrient absorption takes place.
The respiratory system brings oxygen into the body and removes carbon dioxide through the process of breathing. Air enters the nostrils or mouth and passes through the trachea, which divides into two bronchi that lead to the lungs. The lungs are made up of tiny air sacs called alveoli, where oxygen is absorbed into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide is removed. The diaphragm and intercostal muscles work together to expand and contract the chest cavity, allowing for inhalation and exhalation.
The circulatory system, also known as the cardiovascular system, is responsible for transporting oxygenated blood from the heart to the body's tissues and organs. The heart pumps blood through a network of arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins. Oxygen-depleted blood returns to the heart via the superior and inferior vena cavae, where it is re-oxygenated and pumped back out to the body.
The excretory system removes waste products from the body through the process of filtration, reabsorption, and excretion. The kidneys filter waste products from the blood and reabsorb essential nutrients and electrolytes. The filtered waste products then pass into the ureters and bladder, where they are stored until eliminated through urination.
The reproductive system is responsible for producing sex cells (gametes) and supporting the development of a fertilized egg into a new individual. In males, the testes produce sperm, which travel through the epididymis and vas deferens to the urethra. In females, the ovaries produce eggs, which travel through the fallopian tubes to the uterus. The reproductive system also includes organs such as the prostate gland in males and the cervix in females.
What is the primary function of the nervous system?
Which system is responsible for breaking down food into nutrients?
What is the term for the ability of an organism to regulate its internal environment despite changes in external conditions?
Which system transports essential substances throughout the body?
What is the role of hormones in regulating bodily functions?
What is the primary function of the excretory system?
Which system is responsible for bringing oxygen into the body and removing carbon dioxide?
What is the term for the complex network of specialized cells that transmit and process information?
Which system is responsible for regulating growth, development, and metabolism?
What is the role of the circulatory system in maintaining homeostasis?
What is the term for the process by which animals adapt to their environments through physiological changes?
Describe the structure and function of the nervous system. (2 marks)
Explain how the circulatory system helps maintain homeostasis. (2 marks)
Describe the process of digestion in the digestive system. (2 marks)
Explain how the respiratory system brings oxygen into the body and removes carbon dioxide. (2 marks)
Describe how the endocrine system regulates growth, development, and metabolism. (2 marks)
Discuss the importance of understanding animal physiology in appreciating the diversity of life on Earth. (20 marks)
Explain how animals adapt to their environments through physiological changes, providing specific examples from different species. (20 marks)