In: Biology
After studying the textbook reading assignment, pick a specific organ or structure from the systems covered this week. Describe how its form supports its function. Discuss the relationship of form and function in general and suggest ways that particular organs or structures might be improved to better fit their functions. Tell us about the organ system that it is part of, and describe some specific ways that system interacts with at least one other organ system.
The function of wah organ in the body is supported by its structure. For example, heart pumps blood to all the body tissues by beating at a constant rate and adjusting the rate and force of contraction according to the body needs.
If we observe the structure of the heart, the deoxygenated blood from all the body cells enters into the vena cava (the great vein in the body), which releases blood into the right atrium. The right atrium and right ventricle are separated by the tricuspid valve, so the blood enters the right ventricle through the tricuspid valve. Then the blood enters the lungs through the pulmonary artery from the right ventricle. The opening between the right ventricle and pulmonary artery is guarded by the pulmonary valve. Then the oxygenated blood enters the left atrium through the pulmonary vein, again, the left auricle and ventricle are separated by the bicuspid valve, the opening between the left ventricle and aorta (great artery of the body) is separated by an aortic valve.
So, the chambers present in the heart are separated by particular valves that avoid mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. The rhythmic contraction of the heart is possible due to the sino-auricular node. Also, the regulation of the heart by autonomic nervous system plays a key role in its functioning. The cardiac muscle allows the expansion of heart structure according to the blood volume, and the coronary blood vessels (smooth muscle) supply blood to the heart. Thus, the coordination of the heart and its associated organ structures allows the appropriate functioning.