Mastering Biological Coordination and Control

• Human Regulation and Reproduction
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)

Mastering Biological Coordination and Control

Learning Objective

Understand the physiological mechanisms and coordination of key processes in the human body.

What do you already know about the role of the medulla oblongata in coordination?

The Role of the Medulla Oblongata

The medulla oblongata is located between the spinal cord and the pons. It controls vital functions such as heartbeat, breathing, and reflexes.

The Functions of the Medulla Oblongata

Cardiovascular Control:

     1. Regulates heart rate and blood pressure.

     2. Adjusts cardiac output to meet the body's needs.

Respiratory Control:

     3. Manages breathing rate and rhythm.

     4. Responds to changes in oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.

How does it do this? 

You have 20 minutes to look up how the medulla oblongata regulates these vital reflexes. Then you are to teach me! 

Medulla

Pons

Cerebellum

00:25

What does the medulla sit between?

00:47

What detects changes in blood pressure?

01:09

What detects changes in carbon dioxide and oxygen levels?

Elasticity of Blood Vessels

Blood vessels have elastic properties that
aid in maintaining blood pressure and
regulating blood flow.

Practical time! 

Control of Heart Rate

SA node initiates the heartbeat, AV node delays the signal, bundle of His and purkinje
fibres coordinate the
contraction of the
ventricles.

SA

AV

Bundle of His

Purkinje Fibers

Inspiration and Expiration Control

Inspiration is controlled by the diaphragm contracting and moving down, while expiration is a passive process. Ventilation rate is regulated by the body's need for oxygen and removal of carbon dioxide.

Interactive Quiz

Test your knowledge on the coordination and control of biological processes.

Which of the following is NOT a function of the medulla oblongata?

1. Coordinating vomiting reflex
2. Regulating blood pressure
3. Processing complex mathematical calculations
4. Controlling swallowing reflex

What happens if the medulla oblongata is damaged?

1. Improved cognitive abilities
2. Disruption of vital autonomic functions
3. Enhanced sense of smell
4. Increased muscle coordination

In which region of the brain is the medulla oblongata located?

1. Occipital lobe
2. Cerebrum
3. Thalamus
4. Brainstem

What is the primary function of the medulla oblongata?

1. Storing long-term memories
2. Regulating vital functions such as breathing and heart rate
3. Controlling voluntary muscle movements
4. Processing visual information

Which part of the brain is responsible for the coordination and control of biological processes?

1. Frontal lobe
2. Medulla oblongata
3. Hippocampus
4. Cerebellum

Importance of Coordination

Understanding the coordination of these processes is crucial for maintaining homeostasis and overall health.

Application in Real Life

Discuss real-life scenarios where understanding biological coordination and control is essential, such as in sports, emergency medical situations, and chronic health conditions. You have 10 minutes before feeding back to me.

Lesson Summary

Recap the key points covered in the lesson and emphasize the significance of understanding biological coordination and control.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.