In this unit, students learn about the form and function of the human heart through lecture, research and dissection. Following the steps of the Legacy Cycle, students brainstorm, research, design and present viable solutions to various heart conditions as presented through a unit challenge. Additionally, students study how heart valves work and investigate how faulty valves can be replaced with new ones through advancements in engineering and technology. This unit demonstrates to students how and why the heart is such a powerful organ in our bodies

This video segment from Wild Europe: "Wild Arctic" explores the struggle for survival in one of Earth's most extreme environments.

Biology 2e is designed to cover the scope and sequence requirements of a typical two-semester biology course for science majors. The text provides comprehensive coverage of foundational research and core biology concepts through an evolutionary lens. Biology includes rich features that engage students in scientific inquiry, highlight careers in the biological sciences, and offer everyday applications. The book also includes various types of practice and homework questions that help students understand—and apply—key concepts. The 2nd edition has been revised to incorporate clearer, more current, and more dynamic explanations, while maintaining the same organization as the first edition. Art and illustrations have been substantially improved, and the textbook features additional assessments and related resources.

By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:

Define homeostasis
Describe the factors affecting homeostasis
Discuss positive and negative feedback mechanisms used in homeostasis
Describe thermoregulation of endothermic and ectothermic animals

By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:

List the different types of hormones
Explain their role in maintaining homeostasis

By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:

Identify and describe the properties of life
Describe the levels of organization among living things
Recognize and interpret a phylogenetic tree
List examples of different subdisciplines in biology

Throughout the day, your nervous system monitors and makes endless adjustments to your body's basic systems -- all to keep you alive. This interactive feature illustrates the complexity of such a task.

This pathway provides and introduction to some of the systems of the body and the concept of homeostasis.

Paul Andersen introduces Anatomy and Physiology in this podcast. He starts by describing how the form of an object fits the function. He then explains the themes of homeostasis and hierarchy. He describes the four major types of tissues; epithelial, muscle, nervous and connective. [11:25]

Paul Andersen explains how hugs between tissues can help maintain homeostasis. Countercurrent heat exchange allows heat to stay within the core of the body. Close contacts between the capillaries and alveoli allow our body to maintain the correct concentration of oxygen. Capillaries also hug the tubules in the nephron to maintain osmolarity and filter the blood. [8:34]

In this video segment adapted from A Science Odyssey, learn about bubonic plague and how city officials in San Francisco tried to contain its spread in the early 1900s. [5:06]

This video describes the role of the brain in regulating body temperature and how sometimes fever is employed to fight off infection.

This video describes the role of the brain in regulating body temperature and how sometimes fever is employed to fight off infection.

Students learn about the form and function of the human heart through lecture, research and dissection. They brainstorm ideas that pertain to various heart conditions and organize these ideas into categories that help them research possible solutions. An expert in the field of cardiac valve research was interviewed for this lesson and shares his ideas with the class. Students conclude by researching various possible heart defects.

This lesson will explain the process of homeostasis and how it allows organisms to maintain a stable internal environment. It is 3 of 10 in the series titled "Homeostasis."