THE ORGANIZATION OF THE

HUMAN BODY
 1. ORGANIZATION OF LIVING MATTER
Living things are highly organized and complex organisms. Inorganic matter and organic
matter are formed by the same chemical components; however in living things, these
chemical components are grouped into structures with different levels of complexity
known as levels of organization. These levels are:

Levels of Organization

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRFykdf4k
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1. ORGANIZATION OF LIVING MATTER
 1. ORGANIZATION OF LIVING MATTER
1.1. Definition of a human being

Human beings are living things and as such they have the
following characteristics:
They are composed of chemical substances known
as biomolecules.
They are made of cells.
They perform the three vital functions: nutrition, interaction and
reproduction.
Human beings are multicellular organisms: they have many cells.
Not all cells are the same and cells have different structures and
functions.
Human beings are also animals and have the following
characteristics:
They have eukaryote cells. This means that they present cell
organelles, which specialise in a particular function and their
genetic material is enveloped by a cover.
They present heterotrophic nutrition: in order to obtain their own
organic matter they feed on other living things.
 1. ORGANIZATION OF LIVING MATTER
1.2. Levels of organization of the human being

Cells are elemental units

of independent life and
are different from each
other. They have
specialized features and
group together to form
more complex structures
(in multicellular
organisms).
The level of organization
found in human beings
are: cells, tissues, organs,
or systems and organism.
 1. ORGANIZATION OF LIVING MATTER
1. Explain the meaning of the following terms: heterotroph,
multicellular, eukaryote.
Heterotroph: living thing that feeds on other living things.
Heterotrophic living things cannot synthesize organic matter from
inorganic matter, so they must obtain organic matter from their
environment.

Multicellular: organisms that consist of more than one cell, in

contrast to unicellular organisms. All species of animals, land
plants and most fungi and algae are multicellular organisms.

Eukaryote: organism whose cells have a nucleus enclosed within a

nuclear envelope, with complex cells or a single cell with a complex
structure. In these cells the genetic material is organized into
chromosomes in the cell nucleus. Animals, plants, protoctists (algae
and protozoa) and fungi are all eukaryotes.
 1. ORGANIZATION OF LIVING MATTER
2. Which of the following characteristics correspond to human
beings?
They are composed of chemical substances known as biomolecules.
They are composed of chemical substances known as atoms which are the
smallest units of life.
They present autotrophic nutrition.
They present heterotrophic nutrition.
They have eukaryotic cells.
They have prokaryotic cells.
They are made of cells. Human beings are multicellular organisms.
They perform the three vital functions: nutrition, interaction and reproduction.
They perform the three vital functions: they are born, grow and die.
 1. ORGANIZATION OF LIVING MATTER
3. List and briefly explain the levels of organization of the human
being.
The level of organization found in human beings are: cells, tissues,
organs, or systems and organism.
Cells: cells are the smallest units of life. Cells are elemental units of
independent life and are different from each other. They have specialized
features and group together to form more complex structures (in multicellular
organisms).
Tissues: tissues are groups of cells of the same type and origin, which are
specialized in performing a particular function.
 Organ: formed by several different tissues that join together to perform a
particular function.
System: group of organs that have different types of tissues and participate
in one or more functions.
Organism: formed by the ensemble of systems that function in a coordinated
way.
 1. ORGANIZATION OF LIVING MATTER
4. Order the following terms according to their complexity (levels
of organization): molecule, tissue, organism, system, organ,
protein, cell, cell organelle, atom.
atom
molecule
protein
cell organelle
cell
tissue
organ

system
organism
 1. ORGANIZATION OF LIVING MATTER
5. Watch the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OpBylwH9DU

Cell theory explains that the cell is the vital unit in all organisms.
Complete the following sentences so they match the findings of cell
theory:

cells
• All living things are made of______.
• Cells are the _________
functional and _______units
structural of living things.
• Each cell comes from the __________ cell
reproduction of other _________.

• The _____
cell is the most simple, independent unit of _______.
life
 1. ORGANIZATION OF LIVING MATTER
Why is this theory so important?

You may be surprised by how obvious the cell theory seems. Anyone who’s
taken a basic biology class already knows what cells are and that living things
are made up of cells. However, that just goes to show how important the cell
theory is. It’s one of the fundamental principles of biology, and it’s so
important that it has become information many of us take for granted.

Knowing that all living things are made up of cells allows us to understand
how organisms are created, grow, and die. That information helps us
understand how new life is created, why organisms take the form they do,
how cancer spreads, how diseases can be managed, and more. Cells even
help us understand fundamental issues such as life and death: an organism
whose cells are living is considered alive, while one whose cells are dead is
considered dead.
 1. ORGANIZATION OF LIVING MATTER
Why is this theory so important?

Before the cell theory existed, people had a very different view of biology.
Many believed in spontaneous generation, the idea that living organisms can
arise from nonliving matter. An example of this would be a piece of rotten
meat creating flies because flies often appear around rotten meat.
Additionally, before cells and the cell theory were known, it wasn’t understood
that humans, as well as all other living organisms, were made up of billions and
trillions of tiny building blocks that controlled all our biological
processes. Disease, how organisms grow, and death were much more of a
mystery compared to what we know today. The cell theory fundamentally
changed how we look at life.
 1. ORGANIZATION OF LIVING MATTER
6. Classify each term under the correct heading: reproductive, centriole, cones,
muscular, neuron, respiratory, liver, connective, endoplasmic reticulum, leukocyte,
Golgi apparatus, stomach, kidney, ovule, mitochondria, hepatocyte, epithelial,
ovary, digestive, pancreas:
Organelle Cell Tissue Organ System

Endoplasmic Neuron Epithelial Stomach Reproductive

reticulum

Golgi Leukocyte Muscular Kidney Muscular

apparatus
Mitocondria Ovule Connective Ovary Respiratory

Centriole Cones Pancreas Digestive

Hepatocyte Liver
 1. ORGANIZATION OF LIVING MATTER
Match all the systems of the human body with its corresponding
function: It is in charge of removing waste substances from the
Digestive blood.
It is in charge of brining oxygen into the body and
Respiratory releasing carbon dioxide to the exterior.

Circulatory It is in charge of producing offspring.

It is in charge of delivering oxygen and nutrients to cells
Reproductive and of carrying their waste products away.
Excretory It is responsible for the control of the body and
communication among its parts.
Nervous
It is in charge of converting food into the nutrients cells
need.
Skeletal
It provides the structural support for the human body and
protects our organs.
 1. ORGANIZATION OF LIVING MATTER
Why are bones considered to be organs? Choose the correct answer.

• Because they are formed by two types of tissue: bone and cartilage.

• Because they are formed by several types of tissue: bone, cartilage and blood.

• Because they are formed by several types of tissue: bone, cartilage, blood and

fibrous connective tissue.

 2. CELL STRUCTURE
Human cells are eukaryote cells: their genetic material is found inside their nucleus.
They are also heterotrophic cells: they feed on organic matter.
Cells are the basic structural and functional units that form our organism.
 2. CELL STRUCTURE
2.1. Cells: Functional units

Cells can have different shapes

and sizes, however they all
present a basic structure
composed of:
Membrane: it is a thin layer that
separates the cell from the
external environment. It allows
entrance and release of
substances.
Cytoplasm: this is the cell's
interior, where organelles can be
found. The majority of vital
chemical reactions take place in
this area.
Nucleus: it contains genetic
material that has the essential
information to control the vital
functions.
2. CELL STRUCTURE
 2. CELL STRUCTURE
2.2. Exchange with the environment

Cells have to exchange substances with the environment in

order to obtain what they need to perform their
functions, like eliminating waste products.
The cell membrane is semipermeable and this means it
only allows the passage of certain substances.
Substances can go through the membrane in different
ways:
• Diffusion. This refers to the free passage of small Diffusion through the plasma
molecules, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide. This membrane
movement is always performed from the environment
where the concentration of these molecules is greater to
the one that has a lower concentration of molecules.
• Osmosis. This is a special type of diffusion that consists
in the passage of water from the more diluted to the
more concentrated medium.
 2. CELL STRUCTURE
2.2. Exchange with the environment

• Osmosis. This is a special type of diffusion that consists in the passage of water
from the more diluted to the more concentrated medium.

Tonicity is a measure of the concentration of a solution. If we compare two solutions, we say that
one is hypertonic to the other one when the amount of solute is higher (it is more concentrated);
hypotonic, if it is less (it is more diluted) or isotonic, if it is the same (both solutions have the
same level of concentration).
 2. CELL STRUCTURE
2.2. Exchange with the environment

• Active transport: sometimes the

concentration of substances is less
in the exterior of the cell and they
can't go through the membrane by
the process of diffusion. If the
substances are essential for the cell,
the cell can incorporate them by
using an active transport system
that uses energy. The same process
can occur when the cell needs to
eliminate substances into a medium
where the concentration of
Active transport
substances is higher.
 2. CELL STRUCTURE
2.2. Exchange with the environment

• Endocytosis: sometimes the cell needs to incorporate large particles that

cannot go through the plasma membrane. When this happens, the membrane
collapses to encompass the particles and forms a small vesicle that is
incorporated into the cytoplasm. The opposite process is called exocytosis.
 2. CELL STRUCTURE
Write the name of each organelle and cell structure. Match each organelle and
cell structure to its function.
Cell membrane It is a thin layer that separates the cell from the external
environment. It allows entrance and release of substances.
Cytoplasm This is the cell’s interior, where organelles can be found. The
majority of vital chemical reactions take place in this area.
Nucleus It contains genetic material that has the essential information to
control vital function.
Rough It forms a complex net of tubules and sacs around the
endoplasmic cytoplasm. It has ribosomes attached to the external face of
reticulum their membranes. It synthesizes and stores proteins.
Smooth It forms a complex net of tubules and sacs around the
endoplasmic cytoplasm. It does not contain ribosomes. It synthesizes lipids
reticulum and destroys toxic substances.
Mitochondria Elongated organelles made of a double membrane. Their
function is to obtain energy for the cell. In order to do this task,
they perform cell respiration.
 2. CELL STRUCTURE
Write the name of each organelle and cell structure. Match each organelle and
cell structure to its function.
Vacuoles Membranous vesicles in charge of storing the different types of
substances.
Lysosomes Membranous vesicles that host digestive enzymes inside them.
They perform the digestion of large molecules.
Golgi apparatus Membranous organelle formed by grouped vesicles and
flattened sacs. It processes proteins made in the endoplasmic
reticulum, and then sends them out to other organelles or for
secretion.
Ribosomes Small organelles without a membrane composed of RNA and
proteins. They can be scattered throughout the cytoplasm or
attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum. They synthesize
proteins.
Cytoskeleton Set of protein filaments that form complex networks. They keep
the cell’s shape and intervene in the movement of organelles as
well as cell division.
 2. CELL STRUCTURE
Write the name of each organelle and cell structure. Match each organelle and
cell structure to its function.
Centrioles Cylinders formed by tubules that direct movement of cilia (or
flagella) and take part in the sharing of genetic material that
occurs during cell division.
 2. CELL STRUCTURE
Write the name of each organelle and cell structure. Match each organelle and
cell structure to its function.
Centrioles Cylinders formed by tubules that direct movement of cilia (or
flagella) and take part in the sharing of genetic material that
occurs during cell division.
 2. CELL STRUCTURE
Indicate name and function of the organelles labelled.

1 Mitochondria
2 Plasma membrane
3 Cytoplasm
4 Golgi apparatus
5 Vacuoles
6 Lysosomes
7 Centrioles
8 Nucleus

9 Rough endoplasmic
reticulum
10 Ribosomes
 2. CELL STRUCTURE
Explain the different ways in which substances can go through the membrane.
This refers to the free passage of small molecules, such as oxygen and carbon
Diffusion dioxide. This movement is always performed from the environment where the
concentration of these molecules is greater to the one that has a lower
concentration of molecules.
This is a special type of diffusion that consists in the passage of water from the
Osmosis more diluted to the more concentrated medium.

Sometimes the concentration of substances is less in the exterior of the cell

Active and they can't go through the membrane by the process of diffusion. If the
transport substances are essential for the cell, the cell can incorporate or eliminate
them by using this system that uses energy.
Sometimes the cell needs to incorporate large particles that cannot go
Endocytosis through the plasma membrane. When this happens, the membrane
collapses to encompass the particles and forms a small vesicle that is
incorporated into the cytoplasm.
Sometimes the cell needs to eliminate large particles that cannot go through
Exocytosis the plasma membrane. When this happens, the membrane collapses to
encompass the particles and forms a small vesicle that goes out of the cell.
 2. CELL STRUCTURE
What processes are shown in the following images? Justify your answer.
Free passage of small molecules, such as oxygen and carbon
Diffusion dioxide through the plasma membrane. This movement is
always performed from the environment where the
concentration of these molecules is greater to the one that
has a lower concentration of molecules.
Sometimes the concentration of substances is less in
Active the exterior of the cell and they can't go through the
transport membrane by the process of diffusion. If the
substances are essential for the cell, the cell can
incorporate or eliminate them by using this system
that uses energy and a protein.
Large particles cannot go through the plasma
membrane, so the membrane collapses to
Endocytosis encompass the particles and form a small vesicle
that is incorporated into the cytoplasm.

Osmosis Water passes through the plasma membrane from the more
diluted to the more concentrated medium.
 2. CELL STRUCTURE
Match:
This refers to the free passage of small molecules, such as oxygen and carbon
Diffusion dioxide. This movement is always performed from the environment where the
concentration of these molecules is greater to the one that has a lower
concentration of molecules.
This is a special type of diffusion that consists in the passage of water from the
Osmosis more diluted to the more concentrated medium.

Sometimes the concentration of substances is less in the exterior of the cell

Active and they can't go through the membrane by the process of diffusion. If the
transport substances are essential for the cell, the cell can incorporate or eliminate
them by using this system that uses energy.
Sometimes the cell needs to incorporate large particles that cannot go
Endocytosis through the plasma membrane. When this happens, the membrane
collapses to encompass the particles and forms a small vesicle that is
incorporated into the cytoplasm.
Sometimes the cell needs to eliminate large particles that cannot go through
Exocytosis the plasma membrane. When this happens, the membrane collapses to
encompass the particles and forms a small vesicle that goes out of the cell.
 2. CELL STRUCTURE
Which organelle would be more developed in a cell of the salivary glands?

Golgi apparatus, since its function has to do with secretion.

Membranous organelle formed by grouped vesicles and flattened sacs.

It processes proteins made in the endoplasmic reticulum, and then
sends them out to other organelles or for secretion.
 2. CELL STRUCTURE
Which cell has more mitochondria: a spermatozoid or an ovum?

A spermatozoid, since it needs more energy to reach the ovum in order to join
the ovum (in order fertilization to take place).
 2. CELL STRUCTURE

Why are cells considered to be the functional units of living things?

What is the relationship between ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi
apparatus? Complete the sentence in order to show your answer.

_______________make
Ribosomes make proteins_____________that
that pass intopass theintorough
the _______________ for
endoplasmic reticulum for
storage and
andmaturation.
maturation.Some
Someof these _____________________are
of these then transferred
proteins are then transferred to
to the Golgi
the _______________
apparatus that expels
that expels them outsidethem
usingoutside using vesicles.
vesicles.
 2. CELL STRUCTURE
Look at the image, read all the information and match each organelle to its function.
 2. CELL STRUCTURE
Look at the image, read all the information and match each organelle to its function.
 2. CELL STRUCTURE
Activity 8
Are the particles entering or exiting the cell?

The particles are ______________the cell

because _________________occurs from
the environment where the concentration
of molecules is greater and
the concentration of molecules is greater
in the ____________________.
 2. CELL STRUCTURE
Activity 9
Indicate how solutions A, B and C are related to the cell that is submerged in them.

- Solution A is ______________as
hypotonic as the amount
the amount
of solute
of solute
is lower
_____________
than in the cell.than in the cell.

- Solution B is ______________
hypertonic as the as
amount
the amount
of solute
of solute
is higher
______________.
than in the cell.

- Solution C is isotonic
______________
as both solutions
as both solutions
have the have
same__________
solute concentration.
solute concentration.
 2. CELL STRUCTURE
Activity 9
Indicate how solutions A, B and C are related to the cell that is submerged in them.

Deplasmolysis or cytolysis, can Plasmolysis /plazˈmɒlɪsɪs/.

occur if the cell is in is the process in which cells
a hypotonic solution resulting in a lose water in
lower external osmotic pressure and a a hypertonic solution.
net flow of water into the cell.

- Solution A is ______________as
hypotonic as the amount
the amount
of solute
of solute
is lower
_____________
than in the cell.than in the cell.

- Solution B is ______________
hypertonic as the as
amount
the amount
of solute
of solute
is higher
______________.
than in the cell.

- Solution C is isotonic
______________
as both solutions
as both solutions
have the have
same__________
solute concentration.
solute concentration.
 2. CELL STRUCTURE
Activity 10
When we place a teabag in hot water, the water takes a brownish colour. Explain which
process has taken place.

Activity 11
What would happen to a human cell if it were to be placed in distilled water?

The water will enter the cell by the process of osmosis. Then, the plasma
membrane would be unable to withhold the pressure and will blow.
 3. TISSUES AND ORGANS
Inside the cell each organelle fulfills a function and they all work in a coordinated way.
However, in the human body there are different types of cells that have a different
morphology.

3.1. Cell differentiation

As cells multiply during their embryonic development, a process of cell differentiation
occurs. Cell groups specialize so they can perform different tasks and different types of
cells are created.

The process used by cells to

specialize is referred to as
cell differentiation.

Cell differentiation
 3. TISSUES AND ORGANS
Cell differentiation involves changes at different levels:
• Cell shape: the shape of cells is related to the different
specific functions they perform. Most cells have a
spherical shape. However, their adaptations to perform
concrete functions or the pressure from adjacent cells
can make different shapes: polyhedral, prismatic,
elongated, starry, amongst others.
• Function: because of cell differentiation, some cells are
programmed to perform certain functions and not
others. For example, a muscle cell can contract, but
they are not able to create antibodies. A nerve cell can
transport a nerve impulse but does not transport Diversity of cellular forms
oxygen.
• Activity of the cytoplasmic organelles: cell
specialization also requires changes at cytoplasmic
level that affect the number and activity of the
different organelles. In this way, muscle cells have a
great amount of mitochondria to obtain the energy
they need; glandular cells have a very developed Golgi
apparatus, capable of releasing substances to the
external medium and a red blood cell does not contain
organelles, so they have more space to transport
 3. TISSUES AND ORGANS
3.2. Types of tissues

In order to increase their efficiency, cells of the same type group together. They
collaborate in a common task and so they form a tissue. Tissues complete specific
processes cells have specialized for.

A tissue is a cluster of cells with the same morphology and function.

Tissues are characterized by the type of cells that constitute them as well as the
intercellular substance between them. A basic classification of tissues groups them
according to the function they perform: epithelial, connective, muscular and nervous.
 3. TISSUES AND ORGANS
3.2.1. Epithelial tissues

They cover the surface of the body, lining internal cavities and enveloping the
different organs. Cells are arranged very closely together (there is almost no
intercellular substance between them). According to their function, epithelial
tissues are classified into various types: the epithelium tissue and the glandular
epithelium.

• Epithelium tissue: Lining the surface of the body, both the outside (skin) as well
as hollow cavities that communicate with it, such as the digestive and respiratory
tract (mucus).

• Glandular epithelium: produces and releases substances for different purposes.

In certain occasions, cells group forming structures called glands, such as salivary
glands.
 3. TISSUES AND ORGANS
3.2.1. Epithelial tissues

• Epithelium tissue: Lining the surface of the body, both the outside (skin) as well as
hollow cavities that communicate with it, such as the digestive and respiratory tract
(mucus).
 3. TISSUES AND ORGANS
3.2.1. Epithelial tissues

• Glandular epithelium: produces and releases substances for different purposes. In

certain occasions, cells group forming structures called glands, such as salivary
glands.
 3. TISSUES AND ORGANS
3.2.2. Connective tissues

The main function of connective tissues is to support, unify and connect systems in the
organism.

Connective tissues have a large amount of extracellular matrix (set of substances

found outside cells) in which they are embedded.

There are two types of connective tissues: non-specialised, which are connective, and
specialised, including adipose, cartilage and bone tissue.
 3. TISSUES AND ORGANS
3.2.2. Connective tissues

Connective tissue: located in the deepest layer of our skin, it constitutes the ‘stuffing’
between organs. The extracellular matrix contains many fibres, such as collagen.
 3. TISSUES AND ORGANS
3.2.2. Connective tissues

Adipose tissue: composed of cells that accumulate fat. Their main function is to be
an energy reserve, although it also has other functions
 3. TISSUES AND ORGANS
3.2.2. Connective tissues

Cartilaginous tissue: is a firm and elastic tissue, that

protects joints from the bones, strengthens the larynx,
trachea and forms structures such as the pinna or nose.
 3. TISSUES AND ORGANS
3.2.2. Connective tissues

Bone tissue: is a rigid tissue, due to the great amount of minerals that are
deposited in its matrix. It supports the organism.
 3. TISSUES AND ORGANS
3.2.3. Muscle tissue

Muscle tissue is composed of special types of elongated cells called muscle fibres.
Their most important characteristic is that they are able to contract and for this reason
they are responsible for the organism's movement.
Muscle tissue that allows the skeleton to move is referred to as striated muscle tissue
and they contract voluntarily. Smooth muscle tissue, which is responsible for the
movements of organs such as the stomach or uterus, contracts involuntarily. Cardiac
muscle tissue is a special type of tissue because it has striated fibres, but contracts
involuntarily.
 3. TISSUES AND ORGANS
3.2.4. Nervous tissue

Nervous tissue is composed of very specialized cells called neurons, which transmit
nerve impulses. The nervous system coordinates the functioning of the organism.
 3. TISSUES AND ORGANS
3.3. Organs

Tissues group together to form organs; as they do so, the functions each organ
performs complement each other leading to even more complex functions. Displayed
in the images below you can see some of the many organs humans have.

Heart Stomach Muscle

 3. TISSUES AND ORGANS
Match each tissue to its function.
Lining the surface of the body, both the outside (skin) as well as hollow cavities
Epithelium tissue
that communicate with it, such as the digestive and respiratory tract (mucous)
It produces and releases substances for different purposes. In certain
Glandular epithelium
occasions, cells group forming structures called glands
It is located in the deepest layer of our skin. It constitutes the ‘stuffing’ between
Connective tissue
organs. The extracellular matrix contains many fibres, such as collagen.
Cartilaginous tissue It is a firm and elastic tissue that protects joints from the bones, strengthens the larynx, trache
forms structures such as the pinna or nose.
It is composed of cells that accumulate fat. Their main function is to be
Adipose tissue
an energy reserve.
It is a rigid tissue due to the great amount of minerals that are deposited in
Bone tissue
its matrix. It supports the organism
Blood It has a lot of intercellular substance (plasma). It is a specialized connective tissue
that performs specific functions of transport and defence of the organism.
Striated muscle tissue It allows the skeleton to move and contracts voluntarily
It is responsible for the movements of organs such as the
Smooth muscle tissue
stomach or uterus, since it contracts involuntarily
Cardiac muscle tissue It is a special type of tissue that has striated fibres, but contracts involuntarily.
It is composed of very specialised cells called neurons, which transmit
Nervous tissue
nerve impulses
 3. TISSUES AND ORGANS
Identify the tissues displayed in the following images:

Striated muscle tissue Blood Bone tissue

Nervous tissue
Adipose tissue Epithelium tissue
 3. TISSUES AND ORGANS
Why are bones considered to be organs? Choose the correct answer.

• Because they are formed by several types of tissue:

bone, cartilage, blood and fibrous connective tissue.
• It is specialized to perform a function.
 3. TISSUES AND ORGANS
Can you think of any other functions that adipose tissue performs, apart from being
an energy reserve?

It cushions and insulates the body.

 3. TISSUES AND ORGANS
Are the following statements true or false? Correct the false sentences.

a) Striated muscle tissue allows the skeleton to move.

b) Smooth muscle tissue is not responsible for the movements of organs such as
the stomach or uterus.
c) Striated muscle tissue contracts involuntarily.
d) Smooth muscle tissues contract involuntarily.

Smooth muscle tissue is responsible for the movements of organs such as the stomach
or uterus.

Striated muscle tissue contracts voluntarily.

 3. TISSUES AND ORGANS
Activity 12
Which organelle would be more developed in a cell of the salivary glands?

Activity 13
Which cell has more mitochondria: a spermatozoid or an ovum?

Activity 14
Embryonic cells have the capacity to differentiate and reproduce indefinitely. In adult
tissues certain cells keep these properties. They are mother cells. Investigate the
importance of these particular cells for science and health and write a small report bellow.
 3. TISSUES AND ORGANS
Activity 15
Describe the shape of the cells represented in the image.
 3. TISSUES AND ORGANS
Activity 16
Apart from salivary glands, do you know any other glands?
Activty 17
Why do you think cells of epithelial tissues are close together, with almost no intercellular
substance between them?
Activity 18
Mucus tends to be moist and thin. On the other hand, the epidermis is thicker and
covered by a layer of dead cells. Explain why they are different.
Activity 19
Blood is a connective tissue. Explain why. What type of tissue is it?
Activity 20
What is the function of the cartilaginous tissue in the larynx and trachea?
Activity 21
Can you think of any other functions that adipose tissue performs, apart from being an
energy reserve?
 3. TISSUES AND ORGANS
Activity 22
Listen to the following statements and say true or false. Correct the false sentences.

Activity 23
Why do you think nerve cells have numerous branch-like extensions? Choose the correct
answers.

• Because nerve cells transmit nerve impulses from one to another.

• Because they are completing the process of cellular division.
• Because the existence of these extensions allows the connection of each
neuron with many others, therefore increasing the possibility of networking as
well as increasing the complexity of coordination.

Activity 24
Identify an organ that has:
Nervous tissue Brain
Connective tissue Heart
Muscle tissue Skin
 4. SYSTEMS
Systems, formed by organs, share the necessary tasks to perform the functions of
nutrition, reproduction and interaction of an organism.

4.1. Nutrition

Nutrition is the group of processes that

allows us to use and transform the
substances we need in order to stay alive.
Four systems carry out nutrition:
Digestive system: it prepares ingested
foods so the cells can use them.
Respiratory system: it carries the oxygen
that cells need to the blood.
Circulatory system: It shares nutrients and
oxygen between cells. It also collects
unwanted substances that the cells
produce.
Excretory system: it takes excretory
substances and releases them to the
exterior. It also participates in regulating
the internal environment.
 4. SYSTEMS
4.2. Reproduction

Reproduction ensures our survival over time. The male and female reproductive
system are involved in this function.

Male reproductive system: it produces Female reproductive system: it

male gametes (spermatozoids) and produces female gametes (eggs). It’s
makes the fertilization of the female fertilized when united with male
gametes (eggs) possible. gametes (spermatozoids).
 4. SYSTEMS
4.3. Interaction
Interaction takes place due to the existence of the nervous, endocrine, skeletal and
muscular systems as well as the sense organs.

Nervous system: it Endocrine system: formed Skeletal and muscular

receives information from by certain organs that systems: these systems are in
the environment and secrete substances charge of movement.
makes adequate (hormones) that affect an Bones and muscles
answers. organism in different ways. respectively form the
skeletal and muscular systems.
 4. SYSTEMS

Sense organs. They capture important information for the organism and enable the
body to adapt and survive.
 4. SYSTEMS
Compare organ and system.

An organ is a group of tissues that work together for the overall

function of the organ, and a system is a group of organs that work
together to perform a specific function.
 4. SYSTEMS
Complete the following sentences:

Four systems (……………..... , ......................... , ................................ and

…………………….....) intervene in the function of
……………………………………...... .
The ………………………….... and ..................................... reproductive
systems perform the function of....................................
The ............................. system, ................................. system and sense
organs participate in the function of ...................................
 4. SYSTEMS
Complete the following sentences:
Four systems (digestive, circulatory, respiratory and excretory) intervene
in the function of nutrition.
The male and female reproductive systems perform the function of
reproduction.
The nervous system, endocrine system, locomotor (skeletal and
muscular systems) system and sense organs participate in the function of
interaction.
 4. SYSTEMS
Which system is represented in each image?

digestive, circulatory,
respiratory and
excretory
 4. SYSTEMS
Match the systems of the human body with their corresponding job:

Digestive It is in charge of converting food into the nutrients cells need.

Respiratory It is in charge of bringing oxygen into the body and releasing

carbon dioxide to the exterior.

Circulatory It is in charge of delivering oxygen and nutrients to cells and of

carrying their waste products away.
Excretory It is in charge of removing waste substances from the blood.

Reproductive It is in charge of producing offspring.

Nervous It is responsible for the control of the body and communication

among its parts.
Skeletal It provides the structural support for the human body and protects our
organs.
 4. SYSTEMS
Activity 25
Which system is represented in each image?

Activity 26
Explain which common characteristics all the tissues that form our organism share.
Activity 27
What type of information does each sense organ capture?
Activity 28
Listen to the following statements and say true or false. Correct the false sentences.
Activity 29
Why do we say that the sense organs enable organisms to adapt and survive?
 5. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SYSTEMS

All systems that form an

organism have to work in a
coordinated way, so the
organism functions
adequately. This way, cells can
correctly perform the
necessary functions to
maintain an organism's
health.
 5. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SYSTEMS
5.1. Coordination of vital functions
The human body is composed of organs, systems that work together in a coordinated
way.
For all the different systems to work, each organ needs to react to the organism's needs.
These jobs are coordinated by the nervous and endocrine systems. The nervous
system detects stimuli and answers it by sending nerve impulses to different parts of
the body, activating or stopping some of their functions. Simultaneously, the
endocrine system controls many of the reactions that take place in the organism by
using specific molecules that act as messengers.
• An organism's need for matter and energy is covered by the response of the system
involved in nutrition, via the endocrine and nervous systems. The digestive system
gives an organism nutrients; the respiratory system provides the oxygen needed to
extract the energy in the nutrients; the circulatory system distributes the nutrients
and collects unwanted substances from cells and the excretory system eliminates
waste products.
• Reproduction takes place due to the reproductive system's response to stimuli
received via the nervous system, as well as a complex regulation of the endocrine
system.
• Movements performed by the skeletal and muscular systems are a consequence of a
response of the nervous system to different stimuli. It allows us to perform everyday
activities as well as react to dangers.
 5. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SYSTEMS
5.1. Coordination of vital functions

Relationship between systems

 5. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SYSTEMS

What do similar cells form when they group together?

Tissues.
What do similar tissues create when they group together?
Organs.
What is a system?
A group of organs that works together to perform a function.
What would happen if any of the structures we have just
described stopped working or did not do its job adequately?
The whole organism would suffer and even perish
 5. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SYSTEMS
Write a text in which you explain the relationship
between systems.
Digestive and respiratory systems are responsible for absorbing
nutrients and oxygen to the body so that it can have raw
matter and energy to perform the three vital functions.
Waste products are removed by the excretory system. The
system responsible for the transport and distribution of these
substances is the circulatory.
The interaction with the environment depends on the
existence of receptor organs of stimuli (sense organs) and
others responsible for performing the orders, which often
involve movements (in this case, the skeletal and muscular
systems are involved). The nervous system is responsible for
interpreting the stimuli and developing responses. In addition,
it plays a vital role in coordinating other vital functions.
Reproduction is carried out by the male and female
reproductive
systems, whose maturation and activity are controlled by the
endocrine system, it uses certain molecules, sexual hormones.
Additionally, the endocrine system also produces other
hormones that regulate the activity of other organs such as the
liver or kidney, all of them are distributed through the blood.
 5. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SYSTEMS
Answer the following questions:

a) Why is the excretory system part of nutrition?

Because it is essential for the function of nutrition to take place as it releases
the waste substances produced by the function of nutrition itself.

b) Which systems are responsible for coordinating all

the organs in the body?
The nervous system

c) What would happen if we didn’t have sense organs?

We wouldn’t be able to perceive external stimuli and therefore we would not be
able to adapt to the environment and would probably perish.

d) What is the function of the endocrine system?

Secretes hormones that help regulate the organism.
 5. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SYSTEMS
What do the following descriptions refer to?

A group of cells that act as energy storage.

It covers the spaces between organs.
It protects the joints and strengthens bone structures such as the larynx or the
pinna.
It coordinates and links all bodily functions.
Organs responsible for the reproduction function.
It supports the body.
It lines and protects the surface of the body.
Organs that work in a coordinated way in order to transport nutrients to all cells
in an organism.
It creates and secretes substances.
It protects the hollow cavities that communicate with the outside of the body.
 5. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SYSTEMS
Match the following to the system they belong to:

Kidney:
Lung:
Stomach:

Liver:
Veins:
 5. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SYSTEMS
Indicate which system performs the following functions:

It collects unwanted substances that the cells produce.

It expels the carbon dioxide that cells produce.
It removes waste substances from the blood and expels them.
It receives information from the environment and makes the appropriate
response.
It carries the oxygen that cells need to the blood.

It shares nutrients and oxygen between cells.

It secretes hormones that help regulate the organism.
 5. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SYSTEMS
Activity 30
Look at the images and write a text in which you explain
the relationship between systems.

Activity 31
There are four systems involved in nutrition. Which system controls all of the other
ones?
Activity 32
Explain the meaning of the following terms. To do this, match each term with its
definition.

Activity 33
Order the following terms according to their complexity (levels of organization):
Activity 34
Cell theory explains that the cell is the vital unit in all organisms. Complete the following
sentences so they match the findings of cell theory:

Activity 35
What is the function of the endoplasmic reticulum? Match each reticulum to its
definition.
Activity 36
Why do you think cell membranes are semipermeable? Select the right answers.
Activity 37
Name the different parts of the cell.
Activity 38
Imagine two cells with the following shapes and dimensions:
Activity 39
Match each cellular function to its correspondent cytoplasmic organelle.
Activity 40
What happens to a human cell when it is submerged in salt water? Select the right
answer.
Activity 41
In order to incorporate nutrients obtained by endocytosis into the cytoplasm, particles
need to be digested. Which organelle would perform this function? Select the right
answer.

Activity 42
Human tissue is submerged into nine solutions that have different concentrations of salt.
The tissue is weighed before and after being submerged in each solution. The following
graph displays the variations in mass after 30 minutes.
Activity 43
Do all human cells have exactly the same organelles?
Activity 44
Identify the tissues displayed in the following images
Activity 45
What cell has more mitochondria, one found in muscle tissue or one found in bone
tissue?
 Activity 42
Human tissue is submerged into nine solutions that have different concentrations of salt.
The tissue is weighed before and after being submerged in each solution. The following
graph displays the variations in mass after 30 minutes.

a) What is causing the variation of the tissue’s mass?

b) What happened to the tissue that was submerged in the solution whose concentration
was 0.1?
c) What happened to the tissue that was submerged in the solution whose concentration
was 0.6?
d) Which solutions did not alter the mass of the tissue?
e) Which solutions are hypotonic in relation to the tissue?
f) Which solutions can be considered hypertonic?
Activity 43
Do all human cells have exactly the same organelles?

Activity 44
Identify the tissues displayed in the following images
Activity 45
What cell has more mitochondria, one found in muscle tissue or one found in bone
tissue?
Activity 46
Identify the tissue that relates to the following definition: “its cells are found in all organs
covering and connecting other tissues.”
Activity 47
What type of tissue is predominant in the following organs?
Activity 48
Can all cells incorporate substances by endocytosis? Investigate which cells are able to
perform this process and relate it to their function in our organism.
Activity 49
Identify the relevant tissue, organ or systems corresponding to the following functions.
Activity 50
Complete the following table by placing the following terms under their correct heading:

Organelle Cell tissue organ system

endoplasmic reticulum
muscular
neuron
respiratory
leukocyte
Golgi apparatus
kidney
reproductive
nervous
mitochondria
epithelial
red blood cell
ovary
digestive
pancreas
Activity 51
What system will be affected if any the following events happened? Match the different
situations to their corresponding systems.

Activity 52
Answer the following questions:

a) Why is the excretory system part of nutrition?

b) Which systems are responsible for coordinating all the organs in the body?
c) What would happen if we didn’t have sense organs?
d) What is the function of the endocrine system?