Overview
Discussion :
The integumentary system plays an important role in maintaining homeostasis of body temperature.
In your initial post, discuss how one or all of the following tissue types help regulate body temperature:
Epithelial tissue (surface area, sweat glands, oil glands)
Connective tissue (blood vessels, fat cells)
Nervous tissue (temperature sensors) -I know we have not studied them in detail yet, but you can jump over to the nervous system chapter for some inspiration if you’d like!
- Explain the physiologic mechanisms involving these tissues that help control body temperature when faced with changes like exercise, hot/humid weather, or a fever.
Reply to a classmate's post and compare the role of the integumentary system in temperature regulation to how another organ system, like the respiratory system, also helps maintain homeostasis.
- This discussion aims to connect tissue structure/function to the larger goal of temperature homeostasis. This is just a two-point assignment, so don’t sweat it (sorry, I couldn’t help)! Have fun interacting with and learning from your classmates!
- OR for this module, you can discuss the Bone Tissue
- Discussion :
The skeletal system plays a vital role in calcium homeostasis. In your initial post, discuss the major anatomical structures and cellular components involved in calcium regulation:
- Gross skeletal anatomy (compact bone, spongy bone, epiphyseal plates)
Microscopic bone anatomy (osteoblasts, osteoclasts, osteocytes)
- Bone matrix (hydroxyapatite crystals, collagen fibers)
Explain how these anatomical features help maintain normal calcium levels via bone remodeling and storage/release of calcium. Discuss the homeostatic feedback mechanisms that regulate osteoblast/osteoclast activities. We have talked about this in the lecture, but you might have to read some more in the textbook readings for this one!
Think about including something about
How might a condition like osteoporosis disrupt skeletal system homeostasis? Explain the effects on anatomy and calcium regulation.
OR discuss the homeostatic roles of the skeletal system in maintaining normal calcium levels.
This discussion helps you focus on applying skeletal system anatomy concepts to calcium regulation. You must demonstrate an understanding of bone cell/matrix structure-function relationships critical for homeostasis. Remember, this is just a two-point assignment, so don’t be too hard on yourself (anyone get that? It’s a bone joke!)