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Levels of Organization

The document discusses the different levels of organization in the human body from cells to the entire organism. At the lowest level, cells are the basic structural and functional units of life that perform all life activities. Groups of cells form tissues like epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissues. Organs are made up of at least two tissue types and perform specialized functions. Multiple organs and accessory structures group together into body systems like the gastrointestinal system. The highest level of organization is the organism, which is a complete living being composed of interacting body systems that work together to sustain life.

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157 views2 pages

Levels of Organization

The document discusses the different levels of organization in the human body from cells to the entire organism. At the lowest level, cells are the basic structural and functional units of life that perform all life activities. Groups of cells form tissues like epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissues. Organs are made up of at least two tissue types and perform specialized functions. Multiple organs and accessory structures group together into body systems like the gastrointestinal system. The highest level of organization is the organism, which is a complete living being composed of interacting body systems that work together to sustain life.

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Levels of Organization

The body is made up of several levels of structure and function. Each of these levels builds on
the previous level, and contributes to the structure and function of the entire organism.
Cell
The study of the body at the cellular level is called cytology. The cell is the structural and
functional unit of life. Body cells perform all activities associated with life, including utilizing
food, eliminating waste, and reproducing. Cells consist of a cell membrane that encloses
cytoplasm and a nucleus.
Tissue
Groups of cells that perform a specialized activity are called tissues. The study of tissues is called
histology. Between the cells that make up tissues are varying amounts and types of nonliving,
intercellular substances that provide pathways for cellular interaction. More than 200 cell types
compose four major tissues of the body:

Epithelial tissue covers surfaces of organs, lines cavities and canals, forms tubes and
ducts, provides the secreting portions of glands, and makes up the epidermis of the skin.
It is composed of cells arranged in a continuous sheet consisting of one or more layers.

Connective tissue supports and connects other tissues and organs. It is made up of diverse
cell types, including fibroblasts, fat cells, and blood.

Muscle tissue provides the contractile tissue of the body, which is responsible for
movement.

Nervous tissue transmits electrical impulses as it relays information throughout the entire
body.

Organ
Organs are body structures that perform specialized functions. They are composed of at least two
or more tissue types. For example, the stomach is made up of connective tissue, muscle tissue,
epithelial tissue, and nervous tissue. Muscle and connective tissue form the wall of the stomach.
Epithelial and connective tissue cover the inner and outer surfaces of the stomach. Nervous
tissue penetrates the epithelial lining of the stomach and its muscular wall to stimulate the release
chemicals for digestion and contraction for peristalsis.

System
A body system is composed of varying numbers of organs and accessory structures that have
similar or related functions. For example, organs of the gastrointestinal system include the
esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and bowel. Some of its accessory structures include the
liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. The purpose of this system is to digest food, remove and use its
nutrients, and expel waste products. Other body systems include the reproductive, respiratory,
urinary, and cardiovascular systems.
Organism
The highest level of organization is the organism. An organism is a complete living entity
capable of independent existence. All complex organisms, including humans, are made up of
several body systems that work together to sustain life.

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