University Nursing Program: Body Systems Life Sciences Workbook

This workbook serves as a comprehensive guide to human anatomy and physiology, designed for nursing students. It covers a wide range of topics, starting with the basics of body compartments, cells, and homeostasis. It delves into the integumentary system, exploring skin layers, wound healing, and temperature regulation. The workbook further examines the musculoskeletal system, heart, blood vessels, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, nervous, endocrine, and reproductive systems. Each section includes definitions, identification exercises, and explanations of key processes. The workbook aims to provide a solid foundation in life sciences, preparing students for their nursing program by enhancing their understanding of the body's structures and functions. It's a valuable resource for anyone seeking to learn about the complexities of the human body.

Life Sciences Work
Book
(To accompany APL portfolio for
Pg Dip nursing programmes)
Name ............................................
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Work book on Body Systems
The aim of this workbook is to enable our Pg Dip nursing applicants,
who have been offered a place on the programme and who have not studied
a health/science related degree before, to develop and enhance their
knowledge of the structures and systems of the body. It is essential to have a
good understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the body prior to
commencing your programme of study as one of your modules will build upon
this knowledge. The completed workbook must be submitted with your APL
portfolio as evidence that you have acquired this knowledge.You may use any
resources you wish to help you with its completion and at the back of this
work book you will find a recommended reading list.
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Contents
Body System Page
Body Compartments, Cells and Homeostasis 4-7
The Skin (Integumentary System), Wound Healing and
Temperature Regulation
7-10
The Musculo Skeletal System 11-13
The Heart 14-15
Blood and Blood Vessels 16-17
Respiratory System 18-20
Renal System, Fluid and Electrolytes 21-24
Gastrointestinal Tract 24-27
The Nervous System 28-30
The Endocrine System 31-32
The Reproductive System 32-33
Learning Resources 34
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Body Compartments, Cells and Homeostasis
1) Define the following terms:-
Cell
Cells are defined as the most fundamental and smallest unit of the
living organisms which is responsible for performing all functions of body.
Organ
An organ is defined as the tissue or a differentiated structural unit of body
which performs specific function. For instance heart is a organ which performs
the function of pumping of blood.
System
A system is defined as the group or integration of different organs to
perform a specific task or function. For instance pharynx, nose, trachea,
lungs, bronchi and larynx collectively forms the respiratory system for
breathing purpose.
Body compartments
2) Identify the location of the following organs in the body cavities: -
Spinal cord .........................................., Dorsal cavity
lungs.................................................. Thoracic cavity
kidneys......................................, Abdominal cavity
heart.................................................., Thoracic cavity
liver ..........................................., Abdominal cavity
stomach............................................. Abdominal cavity
Cells
3) Insert the appropriate words in the blank space against the correct
description below:-
(a) Ribosomes (b) Mitochondria (c) nucleus (d) Golgi apparatus (e)
Centrioles
i Mitochondria is where production of energy in the form of ATP occurs
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ii Centrioles are found near the nucleus and are involved in cell division
iii Ribosomes is an intracellular factory that manufactures protein
iv Golgi apparatus is the processing and packaging station for the protein
from the endoplasmic reticulum.
v Nucleus is essential for all cellular activities and contains genetic materials
4) Insert the following appropriate words in the blank space against
the correct description below:-
(a) osmosis, (b) active transport, (c) pinocytosis, (d) simple diffusion
(e) lysosomes
i Osmosis is the movement of water through a semi permeable membrane
from a region of low solute concentration to one of higher solute
concentration.
ii Simple diffusion is the movement of solutes/gas through a semi
permeable membrane from a region of higher solute/gas concentration to a
region of lower solute/gas concentration.
iii Pinocytosis is a mechanism by which cell membrane indents and actually
engulf the substance to be absorbed into the cell
iv Active transport requires energy derived from cellular chemical reactions
to move molecules or ions against their concentration gradient
v Lysosomes contains digestive enzymes which digest bacteria and cellular
debris
5) Which word fully describes the cell structure; please enter your
response in the spaces provided under each heading?
Cell structure Location Function
Plasma membrane
Forms the external
boundary of cells
Serves as a selectively
permeable membrane
which regulate material
to and from the cell
Lysosome
Found in the cytoplasm Contains digestive
enzymes
Mitochondria
Scattered throughout
the cells
Control release of energy
from food and forms ATP
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Ribosomes Found in all cells Manufactures protein
Cytosol
Found in the cytoplasm Contains ribosomes and
is involved in protein
synthesis
6) Describe the structure of the cell membrane
Cell membrane is made up of lipids and proteins. Lipids such as cholestrol,
phospholipids and glycolipids provide flexibility while peripheral and integral
proteins maintain the chemical climate of cell and helps in molecular transfer.
7) Explain the function of the cell membrane
Cell membrane prevents toxic substances from entering into the cell. The cell
membrane channels and receptors allows selective molecules like nutrients,
metabolic products and waste material from entering into the cell. It acts as a
separation between intracellular and extracellular components. Thus it
controls the particle movement and physical integrity of the cell. It helps in
maintaining the shape of cell and regulate its growth by balance of exocytosis
and endocytosis.
8) Explain briefly what occurs during osmosis
During osmosis water molecules are tends to move from both sides so that
concentration can be balanced. However since pure water has high
concentration than sugar solution, net molecular transfer occurs through
concentration gradient. Gradually water level on lower concentration side
increases and when concentration on both sides become same, equilibrium
occurs.
9) Explain how diffusion across the cell membrane occurs
The selective substances can move across cell membrane through passive
mechanism called diffusion. The small molecules passes through lipid bilayer
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of cell membrane. The molecules which are not able to diffuse through
membrane can pass through facilitated diffusion which is accomplished by the
protein molecules which are embedded in the cell membrane.
Homeostasis
10) What are ‘receptors’?
Receptors are defined as the cellular structures which are used for detection
of external stimuli and transfer it to sensory nerves so that suitable response
can be given by the body.
11) What are the receptors that detect body temperature called?
The sensory receptors which detects the body temperature are known as the
thermoreceptors.
12) The ‘pathway’ that conveys messages towards the control centre is
known as the Afferent pathway.
13) The ‘pathway’ that conveys messages away from the control centre is
known as the Efferent pathway.
14) What are ‘effectors’?
Effector is defined as the cell structure which provide response against stimuli
and produces body changes so that homeostasis can be restored and body
functions are performed in routine or normal pattern.
.
15) The 2 most important systems involved in regulation and the
maintenance of homeostasis are:-
I Endocrine system
ii Nervous system
16) Explain how the body strives to maintain homeostasis.
In order to maintain homeostasis body shows appropriate response to
the external stimulus by accomplishing changes or adjustment to internal
body functions or features.
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The Skin (Integumentary System), Wound Healing and
Temperaturee Regulation
The Skin
1) Using the key choices, select the correct term with the definition given.
(nb S stands for stratum)
(a) S. basale (e) Hypodermis
(b) S. corneum (f) Papillary layer
(c) S. granulosum (g)Epidermis (whole)
(d) S. lucidum (h)Dermis (whole)
Choice Description
Stratum lucidum Layer of cells present only in thick skin
Stratum corneum Layer containing all dead cells
Stratum corneum Layer that sloughs off
Dermis (whole) Contains the blood vessels
Stratum basale Epidermal layer undergoing mitosis (cell division)
Stratum corneum Cells with most keratin in them
Epidermis (whole) Outer layer of skin
Hypodermis Deeper layer of skin
Epidermis (whole) Layer where accessory structures are found
Stratum basale Epidermal layer where most melanocytes are
found
Stratum lucidum Layer that produces lipid rich secretion
Stratum corneum Epidermal layer containing the oldest cells
Hypodermis Largely adipose tissue and anchors skin to
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underlying tissue
2) Name the 5 layers of the epidermis starting with the innermost
layer
 Stratum basale (Innermost layer )
 Stratum spinosum
 Stratum granulosum
 Stratum lucidum
 Stratum corneum (Outermost layer)
3) For the protective functions of skin, match the term given with the
definition of the role each part plays in providing protection. Choose an
answer from the following:
(a) Melanin, (b) Sweat, (c) Normal flora, (d) Skin, (e) Macrophages, (f)
Lipids, (g) Langerhans cells, (h)Keratin
Answer Description
Skin Involved in the sensation of touch
Macrophages Resist invasion by organisms by preventing harmful
bacteria from colonising
Normal flora Prevent some evaporation on skin, protects hair and
skin from drying out, antibacterial due to low pH
Melanin Protects from UV light
Sweat Increases heat loss
Lipids Forms a protective barrier and protects underlying
tissues
Langerhans
cells
Phagocytose bacteria and viruses
Keratin A tough fibrous protein
4) What is an exocrine gland?
The glands which secretes and produces the substances onto an epithelial
structure by means of duct are known as exocrine glands. It includes sweat
glands, salivary and mucous glands etc.
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5) List some of the structures found in the dermis
 Nerve endings
 Sweat glands
 Sebaceous or oil glands
 Blood vessels
 Hair follicles
6) List the cells found in the epidermis and briefly describe their
function
 Melanocytes: It is responsible for melanin production which gives
protection from UV radiations.
 Kerintocytes: Reduces fricksion and gives protection.
 Langerhans cell: Provide protection to micros
 Merkel cells: These cells acts as sensory receptors
Wound healing
7) If the epidermis is damaged during injury, which layer of the
epidermis enables new cells to grow?
Stratum basale
8) Name the cells found in the skin that protect the skin from pathogenic
organisms
 Keratinocyte cells
 Langerhans cells
 Dermal dendritic cells
9)
State what happens during each stage of wound healing.
i) Inflammation
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In this phase homeostasis begins and clot is formed. When homeostasis is
achieved wound healing is promoted and infection is stave off.
ii) Regeneration
In the second stage new and healthy tissues are grown and damaged
mesenchymal cells are transformed into fibroblasts so that cells can move
around influenced area.
iii) Maturation
This last stage of healing is initiated when the wound is closed up. In this
phase non-functional fibroblasts are replaced by the functional ones and
tensile strength of dermal tissues is enhanced.
Homeostatic control of temperature
10) Using the key choices, select the terms that match the following
descriptions pertaining to body temperature regulation.
Key choices
(a)Hypothermia (b) Hyperthermia (c) Heat (d) Sensory (afferent
pathway) (e) Thermoreceptors(f) Blood (g) Hypothalamus
(h)Sweating (i) Shivering (j) Temperature control centre
(k) Motor (efferent pathway) (l) Vasoconstriction (m) Vasodilation
Answer Description
Heat Produced as a result of cell metabolism
Hypothalamus Thermoregulatory centre
Blood Medium that distributes heat to all the tissues and
carries it to the skin
Temperature control
centre
Site of the body’s temperature control centre
Sensory (afferent
pathway)
Nerves that carry information about temperature to the
hypothalamus (control centre)
Motor (efferent pathway) Nerves convey impulses away from the control centre
and activate the effectors
Sweating Means of liberating excess body heat
Hypothermia Extremely low body temperature
Hyperthermia Extremely high body temperature
Thermoreceptors Receptors that detect temperature
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Shivering Generates heat when temperature falls too low
Vasodilation Increases blood flow to the skin
Vasoconstriction Reduces blood flow to the skin
The Musculo Skeletal System
1) How many bones does the adult human body have?
Adult humans have 206 bones.
2) Name 3 substances that bone contains when fully developed
 Collagen
 Hydroxyapatite
 Calcium
3) Name, and give examples of the four main types (shapes) of
bone Flat bones: It consist of a spongy bone between two parallel compact
bones. Coxal bones, cranial bones, scapula and ribs are example of
flat bones.
 Long bones : The length of these bones is greater than their width and
their diaphysis is curved. Example: Fibula, Femur and Humerus.
 Short bones: These are compact, cubical and spongy bones.
Examples: Tarsals and Carpals.
 Irregular bones: The examples of these odd shaped bones includes
facial bones, vertebrae and calcaneus.
4) State the main function of a:
. i) ligament
Ligaments provides connection between bones so that joints can be formed.
ii) tendon
They provide tensile forces between bones and muscles. They also provides
compressive forces around bones.
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