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How Human Body Systems Work Together: A Closer Look at Interdependence
Have you ever wondered why you breathe faster when you run? Or how the food you eat turns into energy that helps you move? Our body is like a team of players, with different systems working together to keep us alive and healthy. Just like a soccer team needs strikers, defenders, and a goalkeeper, our body needs multiple systems to function properly.
You might encounter PSLE Science questions about how body systems interact. Understanding these connections will help you answer open-ended questions with confidence. Let’s explore how our body’s systems interact and how to tackle PSLE-style questions!
Major Human Body Systems and Their Functions
Before diving into how body systems work together, let’s take a brief look at the main systems and their functions:
|
Human Body System |
Function |
|---|---|
|
Circulatory System |
It transports oxygen, nutrients, and waste around the body. |
|
Respiratory System |
It allows us to breathe in oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. |
|
Digestive System |
Breaks down food into nutrients for the body to absorb. |
|
Muscular System |
The system contracts and relaxes to help us move. |
|
Skeletal System |
It supports the body, gives it shape, and protects important organs. |
How Human Body Systems Work Together
1. Circulatory and Respiratory Systems – The Oxygen Transport Team
When we breathe in, the respiratory system takes in oxygen from the air. This oxygen enters the lungs and is absorbed into the bloodstream. The circulatory system then transports oxygen-rich blood to all parts of the body, keeping us alive.
Example: When you go for a jog, your breathing rate increases to take in more oxygen. At the same time, your heart beats faster to pump oxygen-rich blood to your muscles.
PSLE Tip:
- If asked why breathing and heart rates increase during exercise, explain how the circulatory and respiratory systems work together to supply oxygen to muscles.
2. Digestive and Circulatory Systems – The Energy Supply Team
The digestive system breaks down food into simpler substances (nutrients), which are absorbed into the bloodstream. The circulatory system then transports this digested food to different parts of the body.
PSLE Tip:
- If asked how digested food reaches different parts of the body, remember to link digestion and circulation together in your answer.
- The small intestine absorbs digested food, which the circulatory system then transports to the rest of the body.
|
Feature |
Human Circulatory System |
Plant Transport System |
|---|---|---|
|
Main Function |
Transports oxygen, digested food, and water to the rest of the body Transports waste and carbon dioxide away from the body for removal |
Transports water and nutrients |
|
Transport Medium |
Blood |
Water-carrying tubes and food-carrying tubes |
|
Pump System |
The heart pumps blood |
No pumping organ to help transport materials |
PSLE Practice Questions & Answers
Question 1:
Which of the following correctly matches the body system with its function?
|
System |
Function |
|
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Circulatory |
Breaks down food into nutrients |
| 2 |
Respiratory |
Takes in oxygen and removes carbon dioxide |
| 3 |
Muscular |
Provides structure and support |
| 4 |
Skeletal |
Pumps blood throughout the body |
Correct Answer: 2
Explanation: The respiratory system is responsible for gaseous exchange (oxygen in, carbon dioxide out).
The circulatory system transports substances such as digested food and oxygen to all parts of the body.
The muscular system works together with the skeletal system to enable movement.
The skeletal system provides support and body shape and protects important organs.
Conclusion
Now that you understand how body systems work together, you’ll be able to tackle PSLE Science questions with confidence! Try answering more questions and apply what you’ve learnt.
Want to test yourself further? Try solving more PSLE Science questions on Geniebook today!
