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The Hierarchy of the Human Body Ladder

In this unit, you learned all about the anatomy and physiology of the human body. You also learned about the hierarchy of the structures within the human body, from atoms all the way up to the whole organism, and how this hierarchy can be compared to rungs on a ladder.
To further your understanding of this hierarchy, you will be creating a visual representation of it using the ladder idea discussed in the unit.
You may choose to create this graphic representation digitally, using a word processing or drawing-type program, or you may choose to create this visual representation by hand on a poster board or large sheet of paper.
Regardless of what medium you choose to express your visual hierarchy, you will need to extend your understanding of what each rung on the ladder represents by doing some online research.
For each rung on the ladder, you will need to include the following:
• A brief explanation or definition of what the rung represents
• Two additional facts that relate to what the rung represents
• An image that helps to explain what the rung represents
• Any specific terms that relate to this rung and their definitions

Make sure that you also create and submit a list of websites that you used for research along with your visual representation of the hierarchy of the human body. If you choose to complete this assignment using a hand-drawn poster, take plenty of clear and concise photographs of your creation to submit for grading.

1 answer

Here's a guide to help you create your visual representation of the hierarchy of the human body using a ladder format. You can follow this structure and research each level to gather your information:

Hierarchy of the Human Body Ladder

Rung 1: Atoms

  • Definition: The basic building blocks of matter, atoms combine to form molecules.
  • Facts:
    1. The most abundant atoms in the human body are hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen.
    2. Atoms are made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
  • Image Idea: An image of an atom model (like a Bohr model).
  • Terms:
    • Proton: A positively charged particle in the nucleus of an atom.
    • Electron: A negatively charged particle that orbits the nucleus of an atom.

Rung 2: Molecules

  • Definition: Groups of two or more atoms bonded together.
  • Facts:
    1. DNA and proteins are key biological molecules essential for life.
    2. Water (H2O) is the most abundant molecule in the human body.
  • Image Idea: A diagram showing a water molecule or a DNA molecule.
  • Terms:
    • Organic Molecule: Molecules that contain carbon and are essential to life (e.g., carbohydrates, proteins).
    • Inorganic Molecule: Molecules that lack carbon-hydrogen bonds (e.g., water, minerals).

Rung 3: Cells

  • Definition: The basic unit of life, cells are composed of molecules and perform vital functions.
  • Facts:
    1. The human body is made up of trillions of cells, each specialized for different functions.
    2. There are over 200 different types of cells in the human body.
  • Image Idea: A diagram of a cell showing its different parts (e.g., nucleus, mitochondria).
  • Terms:
    • Cell Membrane: The outer layer of a cell that controls what enters and leaves.
    • Cytoplasm: The gel-like substance within the cell membrane containing organelles.

Rung 4: Tissues

  • Definition: A group of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function.
  • Facts:
    1. The four primary types of tissues in the human body are epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissues.
    2. Tissues form the structural and functional units of organs.
  • Image Idea: An illustration of the four types of tissues.
  • Terms:
    • Epithelial Tissue: Tissue that covers body surfaces and lines cavities.
    • Connective Tissue: Tissue that supports, binds, and protects other tissues (e.g., bone, blood).

Rung 5: Organs

  • Definition: Structures composed of two or more types of tissues that work together for specific functions.
  • Facts:
    1. The human body has about 78 organs, including the heart, brain, and liver.
    2. Organs often work in systems to perform complex functions (e.g., the heart is part of the circulatory system).
  • Image Idea: Diagram of an organ with labeled parts (e.g., a heart diagram).
  • Terms:
    • Organ System: A group of organs that work together to perform complex functions (e.g., respiratory system).
    • Homeostasis: The maintenance of stable internal conditions in the body.

Rung 6: Organ Systems

  • Definition: Groups of organs that work together to perform complex functions necessary for survival.
  • Facts:
    1. There are 11 major organ systems in the human body, including the circulatory, digestive, and nervous systems.
    2. Each organ system interacts with others to maintain homeostasis.
  • Image Idea: A diagram showing the organ systems of the human body.
  • Terms:
    • Circulatory System: The body system that circulates blood and lymph through the body.
    • Nervous System: The body system that transmits signals between different parts of the body.

Rung 7: Organism

  • Definition: A living being that is capable of functioning independently; in this case, the human body.
  • Facts:
    1. The human body is made up of approximately 60% water.
    2. Humans share about 99.9% of their DNA with all other humans.
  • Image Idea: A diagram of a human body showing different systems.
  • Terms:
    • Homeostasis: The ability of an organism to maintain stable internal conditions.
    • Organism: An individual living entity capable of growth and reproduction.

Conclusion and Submission

Once you have all the information, images, and terms collected:

  1. Design your Ladder: Place each rung with the corresponding information and images in a visually appealing way, whether it's on a digital platform or on paper.

  2. Cite Your Sources: Include a list of websites where you researched each level to ensure credibility and academic integrity.

  3. Photograph Your Work: If hand-drawn, take clear photos for submission, ensuring all elements are visible.

Example Research Websites:

Good luck with your project!