Hierarchical Organization of Multicellular Organisms
NGSS HS-LS1-2: Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms.
Organization Levels
Select a level to explore how parts combine to form a more complex system.
Enterocyte (Intestinal Cell)
Structure
Columnar epithelial cells with microvilli (brush border) on their apical surface to increase surface area.
Specific Function
Absorbs nutrients (water, sugars, peptides, lipids) from the lumen of the intestine into the bloodstream.
Hierarchy Interaction
Millions of these specialized cells work together to form the epithelial tissue layer.
Visual Model
Build the Tissue Level
Drag the correct lower-level components into the drop zone to construct the current level.
System Interactions
System
Provides O₂
Removes CO₂
System
Provides Nutrients
(Glucose, Amino Acids)
Interaction: The Respiratory System brings in oxygen needed for cellular respiration. The Digestive System breaks down food into glucose and other nutrients. Both systems pass these resources to the Circulatory System, which delivers them to every cell in the organism so they can produce energy (ATP).