Humanity and the Biological Universe

Instructions : Complete the questions below . Save this form with your last name , first name , and assignment title in the filename (e .g john_smith_assignment1a ) and send it to your faculty member using the form on the Assignment 1b : Unit Questions Overview page in the course

1 . Define homeostasis ' and explain how the body maintains homeostasis

Homeostasis is the natural ability of an organism or a system (in this case the human body and the biological systems in it ) to maintain an internal equilibrium by appropriately adjusting physiological processes

The body maintains homeostasis

by continuously compensating for changes through negative feedback mechanisms controlled by the hypothalamus region of the brain , adjusting physiological processes like breathing metabolic rates , dilation or constriction of the blood vessels heartbeat rate and blood sugar levels to adjust the instantaneous state of the body towards equilibrium

2 . Fill in the following table

TissueTypes LocationFunctionEpithelial ? Squamous ? Cuboidal ? Columnar

NB : These 3 basic types can either exist as simple (one cell thick ) or stratified (many cells thick )Squamous epithelial tissues form the lining of mouth , blood vessels , heart and lungs cavities and form the outer layers of the skin

Cuboidal epithelial tissue are found in glands , lining of kidney tubules and gland ducts . They also form the germinal epithelium which produces ova and sperms in the female and male reproductive organs respectively

Columnar epithelial tissues constitute stomach and intestine lining some are specialized for sensory reception e .g . in the nose , ears and tongue .Squamous epithelium are used for the...