Body Systems and Homeostasis Lab

1409
Objectives
● Complete a virtual dissection of the human body using an interactive website
● Describe basic animal physiology and homeostasis as maintained by organ systems
● Use critical thinking scientific problem solving to investigate human body systems and how they
work together to maintain homeostasis

Introduction

Our organ and organ systems work together to maintain homeostasis; a relatively stable state within the
body. The body systems are constantly adjusting to the internal and external fluctuations. The animal
body has a specific set of values the correlate with some aspect of the body or its cells called a set point.
Overall goal of homeostasis is to maintain this set point with some normal give and take. However, when
internal or external stimuli are detected by receptors that move the value to far away from the set point
the body reacts in the form of a negative feedback loop. As we explore the major organs and organ
systems keep the idea of homeostasis fresh in your mind.

In this lab we will be reviewing the key organs and organ systems within the human body by completing
a virtual dissection using the website Zygotebody.com. I have provided a short instructional video that is
located in the Chapter 16 folder which explains how to navigate the website. I highly suggest watching
the video and playing around with the interface before diving into the lab.

The lab includes three exercises for each body system starting with matching the organs with provided
descriptions. You should use your lecture book and power point as reference material for this section.

The second exercise is the virtual dissection. Using the Zygotebody.com interface, you will navigate
through the human body to find specific organs or structures, take a screenshot or use Snipping tool to
capture an image of the target organ to be placed in the provided area. The instructional power point
will also show you how to place the image this word document. The last exercise of each section includes
follow up questions about the given body system.

Section 1: Urinary System

The urinary system is a major part of excretory system. The primary functions of the urinary system are
waste removal and osmoregulation. The system is comprised of the kidneys, ureter, urinary bladder, and
urethra. The kidneys contains nephrons which filter all the blood in the human body up to 60 times a day
removing the metabolic waste that was produced by the cells of the body.
The rest of the system’s organs collect the urine (the concentrate of waste material formed by the
nephrons), stores the urine, and eliminates the urine from the body. We are also going to look at the
renal artery and renal vein which supply the blood for the kidney.

Exercise 1.1 – Matching

Using your lecture book and supplemental materials provided, match the words in the word bank with
the matching descriptions in the table below.

Word Bank

Kidneys Ureter Renal Vein

Nephrons Urinary Bladder Renal Artery
Urethra

Description Organ
A pair of bean-shaped structures containing
nephrons located below the liver Kidneys

Filters metabolic cell waste from the blood Nephrons

Connected to the kidney and urinary bladder, Ureter
transports urine
Transports oxygenated blood to the kidneys from Renal Artery
the aorta
Transports blood from the kidney to the inferior Renal Vein
vena cava
Connected to the ureter and urethra, stores urine Urinary Bladder
The tube like structure connected to the urinary Urethra
bladder that allows urine to flow out of the body

Exercise 1.2 – Virtual Dissection

If you have not watched the instructional video on how to interact with Zygotebody.com please do so
now before moving forward.

For the virtual dissection, use the Zygotebody.com website to go on a virtual scavenger hunt through the
human body to get a snapshot of the target organs/structure. You can use any screenshot method,
Snipping tool (For Window users), or Command+Shift+4 (For Mac users).

 The image must include: the target organ/structure highlighted and tagged
Example below

To place the image into this word document, click on the photo image in the middle of the square below
organ/structure name. An insert picture window will pop up, choose the appropriate image from your
computer files and push insert. The image will fit right into the provided area.

Kidneys Renal Vein Renal Artery

Ureter Urinary Bladder

Urethra

Exercise 1.3 – Questions

Use your textbook and other resources to answer these questions.

1. What muscle is used to prevent urine exiting the bladder?

a. Pectoral
b. Sphincter
c. Gluteus Maximus
 d. Deltoid
2. Which of these is not one of the functions of the kidneys?
a. Maintaining electrolyte balance
b. Producing hormones
c. Producing bile
d. Removing cellular waste
3. The main function of the urinary system is to get rid of cellular waste, what happens when the
kidneys do not function properly and what medical techniques we use to substitute for kidney
function. Answer and explain.

Section 2: Digestive System

The digestive system is made-up of one long tube of organs called the alimentary canal and accessory
organs. The alimentary channel extends from the mouth to the anus and includes the mouth, oral cavity,
esophagus, pharynx, stomach, small intestines, large intestines, and anus. The accessory organs include
the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

The digestive system allows us to obtain the nutrients from the food we eat. Digestion is defined as the
physical and chemical breakdown of insoluble food molecules into water soluble molecules that can be
absorbed into the blood plasma. Each structure/organ plays an important role in this process. From the
time food enters the mouth chemical and physical breakdown begins.

Exercise 2.1 – Matching

Using your lecture book and supplemental materials provided, match the words in the word bank with
the matching descriptions in the table below.

Word Bank

Esophagus Stomach Liver

Gall Bladder Pancreas Duodenum
Jejunum Ileum Cecum
Colon Rectum Anus

Description Organ
Part of the small intestine that is connected to the duodenum
stomach via the pyloric sphincter where chyme
mixes with pancreatic juices
Middle part of the small intestine that is Jejunum
responsible for absorbing nutrients into the blood
stream
A saclike organ attached to the esophagus and Stomach
small intestine that secretes gastric digestive juices
Produces an alkaline solution that neutralizes the
acidity of chyme from the stomach Pancreas

Part of the large intestine that connects the ileum

to the colon, the receiving area for waste matter Cecum
entering the large intestine

Home of bacteria or “intestinal flora” that aid in

the final stages of digestion Colon

A long tube that connects the mouth to the

stomach, it using peristalsis movements to push Esophagus
food towards the stomach

The end part of the small intestine responsible for

absorption and passing undigested food into the Ileum
colon

Connected to the colon and anus, area of feces Rectum

storage
This organ produces bile, detoxifies blood, and Liver
absorbed vitamins and fatty acids and is located in
the upper right area of the body cavity
The opening at the end of the digestive track the
where waste matter exits the body Anus

A supportive organ that store bile and bile salts

and connects to the duodenum via the bile duct Gall Bladder
Exercise 2.2 – Virtual Dissection

For the virtual dissection, use the Zygotebody.com website to go on a virtual scavenger hunt through the
human body to get a snapshot of the target organs/structure. You can use any screenshot method,
Snipping tool (For Window users), or Command+Shift+4 (For Mac users).

 The image must include: the target organ/structure highlighted and tagged

To place the image into this word document, click on the photo image in the middle of the square below
organ/structure name. An insert picture window will pop up, choose the appropriate image from your
computer files and push insert. The image will fit right into the provided area.

Pancreas

Esophagus Jejunum

Ileum

Gall Bladder
Stomach
Liver Cecum

Colon Anus
Duodenum

Exercise 2.3 – Questions

Use your textbook and other resources to answer these questions.

1. Which organ is filled with “intestinal flora” or beneficial bacteria that help in the digestive
process?
a. Small intestine
b. Stomach
c. Liver
d. Large intestine

2. Which accessory organ stores bile and concentrates bile salts?

a. Liver
b. Gallbladder
c. Pancreas
d. Appendix
3. The digestive system works closely with other body systems including the circulatory system and
the endocrine system. Explain how these two systems work with the digestive system to
maintain homeostasis.
Section 3: Circulatory System

The circulatory system is in direct contact with every major body system. It plays a major role in
maintaining homeostasis. A few of its primary functions include carry oxygen that it collects in the
respiratory system throughout the body, collecting cellular waste and delivering to the urinary system,
absorbing digested nutrients from the digestive system, and carry hormones produced by the endocrine
system.

The heart is complex, consisting of two pumps that control the pulmonary circulation and systemic
circulation. It has four chambers that are separated by valves; two atrium and two ventricles. The right
atrium and ventricle are separated by the tricuspid valve and the bicuspid valve. The superior vena cava
and inferior vena cava bring deoxygenated blood into the heart which is then sent out through the
pulmonary arteries, oxygenated in the lungs and sent back into the heart through the pulmonary veins.
The heart then pumps this oxygenated blood out in the body through the aortic arch.

Exercise 3.1 – Matching

Using your lecture book and supplemental materials provided, match the words in the word bank with
the matching descriptions in the table below.

Word Bank

Heart Atrium Ventricle

Tricuspid valve Bicuspid valve Superior vena cave
Inferior vena cava Aortic Arch Pulmonary trunk

Description Organ
Area of the heart that receives blood Atrium
Deoxygenated blood passes through this valve into Tricuspid valve
the right ventricle, it prevents backflow

This major vein brings deoxygenated blood to the Superior vena cave
heart from the head and arms

This major vein brings deoxygenated blood to the Inferior vena cava
heart from the lower organ and legs
The complex muscle that consists of two pumps Heart
that pumps blood throughout the body

Area of the heart that pumps blood out of the Ventricle

heart
Oxygen-rich blood passes through this valve from Bicuspid valve
the left atrium to the left ventricle
The major artery that takes oxygenated blood from Aortic Arch
the heart and moves it to the organs and muscles
The major artery that takes deoxygenated blood to
the lungs and brings oxygenated back to the heart Pulmonary trunk

Exercise 3.2 – Virtual Dissection

For the virtual dissection, use the Zygotebody.com website to go on a virtual scavenger hunt through the
human body to get a snapshot of the target organs/structure. You can use any screenshot method,
Snipping tool (For Window users), or Command+Shift+4 (For Mac users).

 The image must include: the target organ/structure highlighted and tagged

To place the image into this word document, click on the photo image in the middle of the square below
organ/structure name. An insert picture window will pop up, choose the appropriate image from your
computer files and push insert. The image will fit right into the provided area.
Heart Atrium Ventricle

Bicuspid Valve
Superior Vena Cava

Tricuspid Valve

Pulmonary Trunk
Aortic Arch

Inferior Vena Cava

Exercise 3.3 – Questions

Use your textbook and other resources to answer these questions.

1. Which of the flowing represents the correct sequence of parts through which blood moves in
passing from the vena cava to the lungs?
a. right atrium, pulmonary semilunar valve, right ventricle, right atrioventricular valve,
pulmonary trunk
b. right atrium, right atrioventricular valve, right ventricle, pulmonary semilunar valve,
pulmonary trunk
c. right atrioventricular valve, right atrium, pulmonary semilunar valve, right ventricle,
pulmonary trunk
d. pulmonary semilunar valve, right atrium, right atrioventricular valve, right ventricle,
pulmonary trunk
2. Which organ removes cellular waste from the blood?
a. Lungs
b. Small intestines
 c. Kidneys
d. Gallbladder
3. A newborn child is born with condition called transportation of the great arteries and needs
surgery. This condition is described as the aorta arising from the right ventricle and the
pulmonary trunk connects to the left ventricle. What would be the physiological consequences
of this defect?

4.

Section 4: Respiratory System

The respiratory system main function is to obtain oxygen and discharge carbon dioxide a waste
component from cells. The respiratory system and circulatory system work together exchanging gases
between tissues and the blood. Breathing is both voluntary and involuntary, how often we breathe is
regulated by the respiratory center of the brain. Our nervous system can response to signals about
carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

The whole process of breathing is made possible diaphragm. As we inhale the diaphragm descends
creating negative pressure around the lungs inflating them which draws in air. Exchange of gases
happens within the alveoli of the lungs. As we exhale the diaphragm relaxes the negative pressure
releases deflating the lungs and pushing air out.

Exercise 4.1 – Matching

Using your lecture book and supplemental materials provided, match the words in the word bank with
the matching descriptions in the table below.

Word Bank

Diaphragm Pharynx Larynx

Trachea Bronchus Bronchial Tree
Lungs

Description Organ
Also known as the voice box, this air passage Larynx
connects to the pharynx and trachea
Primary connections from the trachea into the Trachea
lungs
Branching structure within the lungs that ends in
the alveoli, the site of gas exchange Bronchial Tree

Air passage that is connected to nasal cavity and

larynx Pharynx

A pair of air filled organs located on either side of Lungs

the chest
A thin skeletal muscle is located at the base of the
chest and separates the abdomen from the chest, Diaphragm
contraction and relaxation of this muscle is
involved in inhalation and exhalation
Functions to funnel air in and out of the lungs, Bronchus
connected to the trachea

Exercise 4.2 – Virtual Dissection

For the virtual dissection, use the Zygotebody.com website to go on a virtual scavenger hunt through the
human body to get a snapshot of the target organs/structure. You can use any screenshot method,
Snipping tool (For Window users), or Command+Shift+4 (For Mac users).

 The image must include: the target organ/structure highlighted and tagged

To place the image into this word document, click on the photo image in the middle of the square below
organ/structure name. An insert picture window will pop up, choose the appropriate image from your
computer files and push insert. The image will fit right into the provided area.

Diaphragm Trachea Lungs

Pharynx Bronchus Bronchial Tree

Larynx

Exercise 4.3 – Questions

Use your textbook and other resources to answer these questions.

1. Gas exchange takes place in…

a. Pharynx
b. Larynx
c. Alveoli
d. Trachea
2. Which of the following is not a function of the respiratory system?
a. Extract oxygen from the atmosphere
b. Excrete CO2 waste
c. Regulate the heartbeat
d. None of the above

3. Explain the overall importance of the respiratory system in relation to maintaining homeostasis?
How does it work with the other systems and what does it contribute?
Section 5: Endocrine System

The endocrine system is all about producing those hormones that function to control and regulate many
of the body system. It works directly with the nervous system to control other organ systems. This
system is a communication relay. The endocrine system is composed of endocrine cells that secrete
hormones which are mostly located in organs called endocrine glands but can located within other
organs such as the pancreas.

The endocrine system works directly with the circulatory system. Hormones, the chemical released by
the endocrine glands, are carried throughout the body within the blood. There are is a wide variety of
endocrine glands throughout the body all with a different purpose.

Exercise 5.1 – Matching

Using your lecture book and supplemental materials provided, match the words in the word bank with
the matching descriptions in the table below.

Word Bank

Adrenal gland Pituitary gland Thyroid gland

Pancreas Thymus

Description Organ
Located at the base of the brain this gland is
responsible for growth hormone, prolactin (milk Pituitary gland
production), oxytocin, etc.…
Located between the stomach and the beginning pancreas
of the small intestine, this gland is responsible for
reducing blood glucose with insulin and increasing
blood glucose with glucagon
Located in the neck, this gland is responsible for Thyroid gland
the hormone thyroxine and triiodinethyroxine
which effect metabolic activity in the body
Located behind the sternum, produces hormones Thymus
that contributes to development of the immune
system in infants and produces the hormone leptin
in response to eating (makes us feel full)
Located at the top of each kidney, this gland is Adrenal gland
responsible for regulating ion concentrations,
maintaining blood glucose levels, and stimulating
fight-or-flight

Exercise 5.2 – Virtual Dissection

For the virtual dissection, use the Zygotebody.com website to go on a virtual scavenger hunt through the
human body to get a snapshot of the target organs/structure. You can use any screenshot method,
Snipping tool (For Window users), or Command+Shift+4 (For Mac users).

 The image must include: the target organ/structure highlighted and tagged

To place the image into this word document, click on the photo image in the middle of the square below
organ/structure name. An insert picture window will pop up, choose the appropriate image from your
computer files and push insert. The image will fit right into the provided area.

Adrenal gland Pituitary Thyroid gland

Pancreas
Thymus

Exercise 5.3 – Questions

Use your textbook and other resources to answer these questions.

1. Which endocrine gland is located within the neck?

a. Pituitary
b. Thyroid
c. Adrenal
d. None of the above
 2. What secretes insulin to reduce blood-glucose levels?
a. Pituitary
b. Pancreas
c. Thyroid
d. None of the above
3. Johnny, a five year old boy, has been growing by leaps and bounds. His height is 100% above
normal for his age group and recently he has been complaining of headaches and vision
problems. A CT scan reveals a large pituitary tumor. Johnny is exhibiting signs of acromegaly.
What hormone is being secreted in excess? What is the probable cause of his headaches and
visual problems?

Section 6: Musculoskeletal System

Our musculoskeletal system provides structural support and allows us to move about. One might think
that the skeletal system is just there to support and protect our bones do much more than provide
structure. The bones of the body store vital minerals and lipids, while also producing blood cells. Bone
marrow response to the hormone Erythropoietin which is produced by the kidneys in response to low
oxygen levels triggering the production of red blood cells. Our skeletal system is split into groups; the
axial skeleton which includes the skull, vertebral column and rib cage and the appendicular skeleton
which includes the limb bones, pectoral and pelvic girdle.

The muscles of the body provide us with more than just the ability to move. Well, movement is the main
function of the skeletal muscle tissue. It is attached to bones and skin and is consciously controlled so we
call it voluntary muscle. The other two types of muscles are involuntary muscles. Smooth muscle tissue is
found in the walls of organs. It is found in the digestive system, respiratory system, and circulatory
system. The cardiac muscle tissue is only in the heart and is vital part of the circulatory system. The
contractions of the cardiac muscle tissue pumps blood throughout the body and maintain our blood
pressure.

Exercise 6.1 – Matching

Using your lecture book and supplemental materials provided, match the words in the word bank with
the matching descriptions in the table below.
Word Bank

Skull Sternum Hyoid

Femur Humorous Cardiac Muscle
Smooth muscle Skeletal muscle

Description Organ
This structure support the structures of the face of Skull
protects the brain
This bone lies below the mandible and in front of Hyoid
the neck, it is the moveable base for the tongue
This is the largest and longest bone in the arms Humorous
and it joints with the shoulder and elbow
This muscle is only found in one area and is an Cardiac Muscle
involuntary muscle
This is long flat bone located anterior of the chest Sternum
and has the cartilage connects with most of the
ribs
This is the longest, heaviest, and strongest bone in Femur
the body and joints the pelvis to for the hip joint
This muscle connects to bone and controls Skeletal muscle
locomotion, movements are voluntary
This muscle is located in the walls of organs and is Smooth muscle
involuntary

Exercise 6.2 – Virtual Dissection

For the virtual dissection, use the Zygotebody.com website to go on a virtual scavenger hunt through the
human body to get a snapshot of the target organs/structure. You can use any screenshot method,
Snipping tool (For Window users), or Command+Shift+4 (For Mac users).

 The image must include: the target organ/structure highlighted and tagged

To place the image into this word document, click on the photo image in the middle of the square below
organ/structure name. An insert picture window will pop up, choose the appropriate image from your
computer files and push insert. The image will fit right into the provided area.

For the types of muscle tissues include of image of one area the muscle tissue is found. Example cardiac
muscle is only found in the heart so place an image of the heart.
Skull Sternum Cardiac Muscle

Smooth Muscle

Humorous
Femur
Skeletal Muscle

Hyoid

Exercise 6.3 – Questions

Use your textbook and other resources to answer these questions.

1. The skeletal system is composed of bone and cartilage and has many functions. Choose three of
these functions and discuss what features of the skeletal system allow it to accomplish these
functions.

2. What are the wave-like smooth muscle contractions called that push food down the esophagus
towards the stomach?
 3. What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary muscles give an example of each.

Section 7: Nervous System

Exercise 7.1 – Matching

Though our brains have structurally and functionally defined regions many complex functions involve
neurons from multiple regions. Take sleep for example the hypothalamus has neuron cells that act as the
control center for sleep, but also the brainstem communicates with the hypothalamus relaxing the
muscles, the thalamus becomes quite tuning out the external environment, and the pineal gland
increases the production of melatonin. We cannot forget the spinal cord, the superhighway that
connects the brain to the peripheral nervous system.

As you take a tour through the brain think about its importance in maintaining homeostasis. The nervous
system is the control system that maintains the set points and controls many of the negative feedback
loops that keep the human body within equilibrium.

Using your lecture book and supplemental materials provided, match the words in the word bank with
the matching descriptions in the table below.

Word Bank

Cerebellum Spinal Cord Cerebrum

Thalamus Hippocampus Hypothalamus

Description Organ
Located in the temporal lobe and processes Hippocampus
memory formation
Located at the base of the brain and controls
balance, aids in movement, and learning new Cerebellum
motor skills
Largest part of the brain and is divided into four Cerebrum
lobes, responsible for memory, speech, senses, and
emotional responses
Located within the vertebral column, connects the spinal cord
brain with the peripheral nerves and transmits
sensory and motor information
Located below the thalamus and controls the hypothalamus
endocrine system
Located just above the brainstem, relays motor Thalamus
and sensory information from the cerebral cortex
to the brainstem and vis versa

Exercise 7.2 – Virtual Dissection

For the virtual dissection, use the Zygotebody.com website to go on a virtual scavenger hunt through the
human body to get a snapshot of the target organs/structure. You can use any screenshot method,
Snipping tool (For Window users), or Command+Shift+4 (For Mac users).

 The image must include: the target organ/structure highlighted and tagged

To place the image into this word document, click on the photo image in the middle of the square below
organ/structure name. An insert picture window will pop up, choose the appropriate image from your
computer files and push insert. The image will fit right into the provided area.

Cerebellum Thalamus Spinal Card

Cerebrum Hippocampus Hypothalamus

Exercise 7.3 – Questions

Use your textbook and other resources to answer these questions.

1. How are neurons similar to other cells? How are they unique?

2. How is the spinal cord protected by the vertebra column? Describe the design of the vertebra?
How does the spinal cord connect with the peripheral nervous system?

3. Damage to specific regions of the cerebral cortex, such as through a stroke, can result in specific
losses of function. What functions would likely be lost by a stroke in the temporal lobe?