Science Lesson 5
Human Body System
Conducted by: Aman Rasool
Dated: 10 July 2025
Objectives
● Understand the structure and function of the major body
systems: nervous, digestive, circulatory.
● Recognize how these systems interact to maintain homeostasis.
● Analyze diagrams and scientific texts related to human body
systems.
● Prepare for GED-style questions involving these systems.
Introduction to Body Systems
The human body is made up of organ systems that work
together.
Each system has specific functions but also interacts with
others.
GED focuses on understanding:
● How systems work
● How they interact
● How to read charts and texts about them
NERVOUS SYSTEM
What is the Nervous System?
● The control center of the body
● Responsible for sending and receiving signals
● Main parts:
○ Brain: processes information
○ Spinal cord: connects brain to body
○ Nerves: carry signals
Functions of the Nervous System
● Controls voluntary and involuntary actions (e.g., walking, heartbeat)
● Detects stimuli through sensory organs
● Sends responses to muscles and glands
● Maintains homeostasis (body balance)
GED Skill Focus – Interpreting Diagrams
Display labeled diagram of the nervous system
GED Tip: Practice reading diagrams—know brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
Nervous System – GED-Style Question
Question: What would happen if the spinal cord is injured?
A. Food will stop digesting
B. Blood will not circulate
C. Signals from brain may not reach the body
D. Oxygen will not be absorbed
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
What is the Digestive System?
● Breaks down food into nutrients the body can absorb
● Involves both mechanical and chemical digestion
● Major parts:
○ Mouth, esophagus, stomach, small & large intestines, liver
Functions of the Digestive System
● Converts food into energy
● Absorbs nutrients into bloodstream
● Removes waste
GED Skill Focus – Reading Texts
Excerpt: “The small intestine is the major site for nutrient absorption.”
GED Tip: Look for main ideas and key details in science texts.
Digestive System – GED-Style Question
Question: Which organ is primarily responsible for nutrient absorption?
A. Stomach
B. Liver
C. Small intestine
D. Large intestine
CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
What is the Circulatory System?
● Also called the cardiovascular system
● Transports oxygen, nutrients, and waste
● Major parts:
○ Heart, blood vessels, blood
Functions of the Circulatory System
● Delivers oxygen and nutrients to cells
● Carries carbon dioxide and waste away
● Helps regulate body temperature
GED Skill Focus – Cause and Effect
If the heart stops pumping effectively, what will happen?
GED Tip: Understand cause-effect relationships in body systems.
Circulatory System – GED-Style Question
Question: What is the main function of the circulatory system?
A. Absorb nutrients
B. Carry oxygen and remove waste
C. Control body movements
D. Produce hormones
Interactions Between Systems
● Nervous system controls heart rate and digestion
● Circulatory system delivers nutrients from digestion and
oxygen to nervous tissues
● Systems work together to maintain balance
Key Vocabulary – Definitions
Term
Definition
Homeostasis
The body’s ability to maintain a stable internal environment (balance).
Neuron
A nerve cell that carries electrical signals in the nervous system.
Digestion
The process of breaking down food into smaller molecules the body can use.
Absorption
The process by which nutrients from digested food are taken into the
bloodstream.
Circulation
The movement of blood throughout the body, powered by the heart.
Organ system
A group of organs that work together to perform a major body function.
Summary
● The human body has multiple systems that work together.
● Nervous system controls and coordinates.
● Digestive system breaks down food and absorbs nutrients.
● Circulatory system transports materials throughout the body.
● Understanding their functions and interactions is key to the GED Science test.
GED Science Exit Ticket: Human Body Systems
Part A – Multiple Choice (Circle the correct answer)
1. Which body system controls body movements and responses to stimuli?
A. Circulatory system
B. Digestive system
C. Nervous system
D. Respiratory system
2. What is the main function of the small intestine?
A. Pump blood
B. Absorb nutrients
C. Filter waste
D. Send nerve signals
3. Which organ is part of the circulatory system?
A. Brain
B. Liver
C. Heart
D. Stomach
4. Which of the following shows how the body systems work together?
A. The digestive system controls heartbeat
B. The nervous system absorbs nutrients
C. The circulatory system carries nutrients absorbed by the digestive system
D. The nervous system digests fats and proteins
Part B – Short Answer
5. In your own words, describe one way the nervous system and circulatory system work together.
6. Why is homeostasis important for the human body?