Grade levels: Senior High (10-12)

Illustrates how the human body senses and responds to its internal and external environments. Describes the structures and functions of the peripheral nervous system and examines current research on nerve regeneration.

Highlights the structures and functions of the mammalian eye and illustrates how visual sensory receptors relay messages to the brain. Describes a number of visual disorders, along with the corrective lenses and techniques that can be used to treat them.

Discusses the structures and functions of the human ear and tells how sound waves are transmitted. Examines the role of the inner ear in maintaining balance and equilibrium. Provides examples of technologies which help the hearing impaired communicate.

Investigates the structures and functions of various tactile and chemoreceptors. Uses touch, taste and smell experiments to demonstrate how the sensory-somatic cortex works. Explores Wilder Penfield’s work on the sensory cortex.

Describes how the pituitary and hypothalamus work together to control many body functions. Highlights the homeostatic feedback mechanism involved with regulating water balance in the body. Examines the use of growth hormone in humans.

Explains the function and structure of the thyroid gland. Demonstrates the role of thyroxine in regulating metabolic rate. Examines disorders that may result when the thyroid does not function properly and describes treatments for these conditions.

Explores the many roles of the pancreas and its hormonal secretions. Illustrates how insulin and glucagon help regulate blood glucose levels in the body. Reviews the discovery of insulin and discusses current research on diabetes.

Examines the parts and functions of the adrenal glands. Uses the work of Hans Selye to explain the physiological basis of positive and negative stress. Illustrates how hormones regulate primary and secondary sex characteristics in males and females.

Provides references to relevant pages in print resources and additional information on concepts presented in the video programs.

Compares the nervous and endocrine systems by describing how each responds to a number of different situations — physical activity, body temperature, eating and stress. Summarizes the regulation of blood glucose and fluid levels in the body.