6th Grade Body Systems Student Edition 1

Name __________________________________________________

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6th Grade Body Systems Student Edition 2

Lesso Topic
Day
n
1 Intro and Integumentary System 1
2 Nervous System 1
3 Skeletal System 1
4 Muscular System 1
5 Circulatory System 1
6 Respiratory System 1
7 Digestive System 1
8 Urinary System 1
9 Endocrine System 1
10 Review and Assessment 1

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Life Skill:
Vocabulary:
I will care for my body systems.
Body System

Nervous System

Circulatory System

Respiratory System

Skeletal System Have you ever watched an automobile racer? To prepare

for a race, the racing team works closely together. Some
Muscular System members of the team care for the car’s engine. Other
Integumentary System members are responsible for changing tires and pumping
fuel at pit stops. The driver’s responsibility is to control
Digestive System the car while going as fast as possible around the track. All
Urinary System
members of the team must work together to have a
winning performance. Your body systems also must work
Endocrine System together for a top performance. This lesson will explain:

 How the Body Systems Work Together

 Ways to Care for Each Body System

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6th Grade Body Systems Student Edition 4

shaped for the task they perform. For

How the Body example, skin cells are flat and thin and fit
tightly together. They make up skin tissue
Systems Work which has a flat and thin appearance. Bone
cells have a tough coating. They make bone
Together tissue firm and strong to support the body.

Your body is made up of cells, tissues and What You Should Know About Organs
organs. Together they form body systems.
An organ is a group of tissues that work
All the body systems work together to keep
together. There are many organs in the
you healthy and alive.
body that perform specific tasks. Your heart
is an organ that pumps blood to body cells.
Your brain is an organ that directs body
What You Should Know About Cells
activities. Your ears are organs that enable
A cell is the smallest living part of the body. you to hear.
There are many different kinds of cells in
your body. Your muscles are made of
muscle cells. Bones are made of bone cells. What You Should Know About Body
Systems
Different kinds of cells have different
shapes and perform different tasks. All cells A body system is a group of organs that
have three parts to their structure. The cell work together to perform certain tasks.
membrane is the thin outer covering of the Each body system performs tasks no other
cell that holds it together. The cell body system does. Some organs belong to
membrane allows water and nutrients more than one body system. All the body
inside the cell. It keeps out anything which systems work together to keep you healthy
might harm the cell, such as germs. The and alive.
nucleus (NOO∙klee∙uhs) is the part of the
cell that controls its activities. The nucleus
tells the cell what to do. The cytoplasm
(SY∙tuh∙pla∙zum) is the inside material
where cell actions take place.

What You Should Know About Tissues

A tissue is a group of like cells that work

together. Cells that make up tissues are

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6th Grade Body Systems Student Edition 5

Name: _____________________________________________________________________

How Body Systems Work Together

What should you know about cells?
A cell is _______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
The cell membrane ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
The nucleus ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
The cytoplasm __________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

What should you know about tissues?

A tissue is _____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Cells that make up tissues are _____________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

What should you know about organs?

An organ is ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
There are many organs in your body that ____________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

What should you know about body systems?

A body system is ________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
 Each body system performs __________ no other body system does.
 Some _________ belong to more than one body system.
 All the _________________________ work together to keep you
_________________________ and _________________________.

(Smallest) ____________________, ____________________, ____________________ (Largest)

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The Integumentary System

The Integumentary (in∙teh∙gyuh∙MENT∙uh∙ree) system is the body system made up of parts that
cover and protect the body. Skin, hair, nails and glands in the skin are parts of this body system.

The skin is the largest organ in the body. It has many important functions. The skin protects
body parts against injury. It serves as a protective layer that keeps microorganisms from
entering the body. Sweat glands are glands in skin that help maintain healthful body
temperature. Sweat glands in the skin produce perspiration when you body is warm. Your body
is cooled as the water in sweat evaporates from the skin.

The skin contains melanin. Melanin (MEL∙uh∙nin) is a substance that protects skin and gives it
color. The greater the amount of melanin in skin, the darker your skin color. Melanin protects
the skin from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. These rays are harmful because they can cause skin
cancer.

Hair is another part of this body system. Hair is hardened dead cells. Hair protects your skin
from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Hair also helps maintain body temperature. Nails are part
of this body system and are made of dead cells.

Ways to Take Care of Your Integumentary System:

 Bathe or shower each day to remove germs, dirt and oil from skin.
 Keep hair clean.
 Use a special shampoo if you have dandruff (flakes of dead skin cells on the scalp).
 Wear a sunscreen with a Sun Protective Factor of at least 15 and clothing to protect skin
from UV rays.
 See a physician if you have a skin rash.

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Name: _____________________________________________________________________

The Integumentary System

1. The Integumentary system is the body system made up of ________________________
_______________________________________________________________________.

2. Parts of this system include:

a. _________________________.
b. _________________________.
c. _________________________.
d. ___________________________________.

3. The _______________ is the largest organ in the body.

4. Sweat glands are glands in the skin that _______________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________.
These glands produce ____________________ when the body is warm. Your body is
cooled as the water in sweat ____________________.

5. Melanin is a _____________________________________________________________.
Melanin protects the skin from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.

6. Care for the Integumentary System by:

a. __________________________________________________________________
b. __________________________________________________________________
c. __________________________________________________________________
d. __________________________________________________________________
e. __________________________________________________________________

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The Nervous System

The nervous system is the body system for communication and control. It is composed of
neurons. A neuron (NOO∙rahn) is a mass of nerve cells. The parts of the nervous system include
the brain, spinal cord, and the nerves that branch off the spinal cord.

The brain is an organ that is the control center for the body. The
cerebrum (suh∙REE∙bruhm) is the part of the brain where
thinking takes place. The cerebellum (ser∙uh∙BEL∙uhm) is the
part of the brain that helps muscles work together. The brain
stem is the lowest part of the brain through which messages
moving between your brain and body pass. The brain stem
controls the functions of inner organs. Critical life functions,
such as maintaining heartbeat, take place in the brain stem.

The spinal cord is a thick band of nerve cells through which

messages enter and leave the brain. The spinal cord is soft and
must be protected by the spine. The spine is a column of bones in the back.

The spinal cord connects the brain with nerves throughout the body. Nerves send messages to
the brain by way of the spinal cord. Sometimes, the spinal cord works without the help of the
brain. A reflex action is a quick movement that is not directed by the brain. For example, you
may remove your hand quickly from a hot object.

Ways to Take Care of Your Nervous System:

1. Use a safety restraint system when riding in a car.
2. Wear a safety helmet for sports.
3. Follow safety rules.
4. Avoid alcohol, other drugs and poisons.
5. Get plenty of rest and sleep.

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Name: _____________________________________________________________________

The Nervous System

1. The nervous system is the body system for

_____________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________.

2. A neuron is ______________________________________________________________.

3. The parts of the nervous system are __________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________.

4. The cerebrum is the part of the brain where _________________________ takes place.

5. The cerebellum is the part of the brain that ____________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________.

6. The brain stem is the lowest part of the brain __________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________.

7. The spinal cord is a ________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________.

8. The spinal cord is __________ and must be protected by the ______________________.

9. Care for the Nervous System by:

a. _________________________________________________________________.
b. _________________________________________________________________.
c. _________________________________________________________________.
d. _________________________________________________________________.
e. _________________________________________________________________.

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Name: _____________________________________________________________________

Please label the following

parts of the nervous
system:
Brain Stem
Cerebellum
Cerebrum
Spinal Cord

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6th Grade Body Systems Student Edition 12

Name: _____________________________________________________________________

Please label the following

parts of the nervous
system:
Nerves
Spinal Cord
Nerve Cell
Brain
Brain Stem

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The Skeletal System

The skeletal system is the body system that serves as a support framework. This body system
holds the body together, protects inner body parts, and helps with movement.

There are 206 bones in the skeletal

system. Bones help the body move in the
following way. Almost every bone is
connected to at least one other bone by a
joint. A joint is a point at which two bones
meet. A hinge joint allows bones to move
back and forth. Your elbow is a hinge
joint. A ball and socket joint allows bones
to move in full circle. Your shoulder is a
ball and socket joint. A fixed joint allow no
movement. The skull is made up of fixed
joints. Cartilage (Kar∙tuh∙lij) is soft
material on the end of bones. Cartilage
protects your bones by keeping them
from rubbing together.

Take Care of Your Skeletal System:

1. Exercise to make bones thicker and stronger.
2. Wear comfortable shoes with good arches.
3. Eat plenty of foods with calcium, phosphorus
and vitamin D to make bones strong.
4. Use correct posture to support the spinal
column.

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6th Grade Body Systems Student Edition 14

Name: _____________________________________________________________________

The Skeletal System

1. The skeletal system is the body system that ____________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________.

2. This system holds the ______________________________, protects ________________

_____________ and ______________________________________________________.

3. There are __________ bones in the skeletal system.

4. A joint is a ______________________________________________________________.

5. A _____________________________ allows bones to move back and forth; a

_____________________________ allows bones to move in a full circle; and a fixed
joint allows no movement.

6. Cartilage is ______________________________________________________________.

7. Care for the Skeletal System by:

a. _________________________________________________________________.
b. _________________________________________________________________.
c. _________________________________________________________________.
d. _________________________________________________________________.

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6th Grade Body Systems Student Edition 15

Name: _____________________________________________________________________

Please label the

following parts of the
nervous system:
Backbone (Vertebrae)
Collarbone (Clavicle)
Fingers (Phalanges)
Hip Bone (Pelvis)
Jaw (Mandible)
Kneecap (Patella)
Rib (Rib)
Shinbone (Tibia)
Shoulder (Scapula)
Skull (Cranium)
Thigh Bone (Femur)

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The Muscular System

The muscular system is the body
system that helps you move and
maintain posture. Voluntary
muscles are muscles that you
control. The muscles used when you
stand are voluntary muscles.
Involuntary muscles are muscles
that you do not consciously control.
Your heart beats without you having
to control it.

Some muscles stretch across joints.

Tendons (TEN∙duhnz) are tough
tissue that connect muscles to
joints. Muscles work in pairs to
move bones. One muscle contracts
and shortens while the other relaxes
and lengthens. Hold one arm and
hand out straight. Place the other
hand around the muscle above your
elbow. Which muscle contracted? Which muscle relaxed?

Ways to Take Care of Your Muscular System:

1. Lift objects by bending your knees and keeping the back straight to prevent injury.
2. Choose exercises for different muscle groups.
3. Warm up before hard exercise to prevent injury.
4. Sleep on a firm mattress.
5. Eat food with protein to help with muscle cell growth.

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Name: _____________________________________________________________________

The Muscular System

1. The muscular system is the body system that ___________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________.

2. The two types of muscles are

a. ______________________________
b. ______________________________

3. ______________________________ muscles are muscles

that you control, for example, your bicep.

4. ______________________________ muscles are muscles

that you DO NOT consciously control, for example, your
heart.

5. Tendons are ______________________________ that

connect _______________________________________.

6. Muscles work in ____________________ to move bones.

When one muscle contracts and shortens, the other
____________________ and ____________________.

7. You have about __________ muscles in your body.

8. Care for the Muscular System by:

a. _________________________________________________________________.
b. _________________________________________________________________.
c. _________________________________________________________________.
d. _________________________________________________________________.
e. _________________________________________________________________.

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Name: _____________________________________________________________________

Please label the

following parts of the
muscular system:
Gastrocnemius
Quadricep
Bicep
Tricep
Abdominals
Trapezius
Deltoid
Pectoralis Major

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The Circulatory System

The circulatory system is the body system that transports oxygen, food and waste
through the body. The circulatory system consists of blood, blood vessels and the heart.

You have about one gallon of blood in your body. Plasma is the liquid part of the blood.
Three main kinds of cells are found in plasma. Red blood cells are blood cells that carry
oxygen to body cells and carbon dioxide away from body cells. White blood cells are
blood cells that fight germs
that cause infection and illness.
Platelets are blood cells that
help blood clot. A scab is a
dried clot.

The heart is a muscular organ

that pumps blood to the body.
Blood vessels transport blood
through the body. An artery
(AR∙tuh∙ree) is a blood vessel
that carries blood away from
the heart. A vein (VAYN) is a
blood vessel that returns blood
to the heart. A capillary
(KA∙puh∙lehr∙ee) is a tiny blood
vessel that connects arteries
and veins.

Ways to Take Care of Your Circulatory System:

1. Exercise regularly to make your heart muscle strong.
2. Keep your arteries clear by eating fewer fatty foods.

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3. Do not smoke, to keep your heart from working too hard.

4. Maintain a healthful weight.
5. Keep stress low to keep blood pressure normal.

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Name: _____________________________________________________________________

The Circulatory System

1. The circulatory system is the body system that __________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________.

2. The parts of the circulatory system are

a. ______________________________________
b. ______________________________________
c. ______________________________________

3. You have about __________ of blood in your body.

4. Plasma is the _________________________________

___________________________________________.

5. List the three main kinds of cells in plasma:

a.
____________________________________________
b. ____________________________________________
c. ____________________________________________

6. The heart is a muscle organ that ____________________________________________.

7. An artery is a blood vessel that carries blood _______________ from the heart.

8. A vein is a blood vessel that _______________ blood to the heart.

9. Care for the Circulatory System by:

a. _________________________________________________________________.
b. _________________________________________________________________.
c. _________________________________________________________________.
d. _________________________________________________________________.
e. _________________________________________________________________.

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Label the following parts:

Heart
Vein
Artery
Capillary

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Name: _____________________________________________________________________

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The Respiratory System

The respiratory system is the body system that helps the body use air that is inhaled. When you
inhale, air enters the nose and mouth.

The trachea (TRAY∙kee∙uh) is the windpipe through which air travels to the lungs. The trachea
divides into two bronchial tubes. The bronchial (BRAN∙kee∙uhl) tubes are two short tubes
through which air enters the lungs. Inside the lung, these tubes branch into smaller tubes. The
alveoli (al∙vee∙OH∙ly) are small air sacs through which oxygen enters the capillaries. Then red
blood cells carry oxygen to the body cells and pick up carbon dioxide.

The quality of the air you breathe is important. The hairs in your nose trap particles from the
air. Mucus in your nasal passages trap germs and particles. Cilia (SI∙lee∙uh) are tiny hairs that
line the air passages.

Ways to Take Care of Your Respiratory System.:

1. Stay away from polluted air.
2. Do not smoke or breathe tobacco smoke.
3. Exercise to strengthen the muscles needed for breathing.
4. See a physician when you have a respiratory infection.
5. Use correct posture to allow the lungs the space needed to breathe deeply.

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Name: _____________________________________________________________________

The Respiratory System

1. The respiratory system is the body system that _________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________.

2. The trachea is the ___________________ through which air travels to the lungs.

3. The bronchial tubes are ___________________ through which ____________________

_______________________________________________________________________.

4. The alveoli are ___________________ through which ____________________________

_______________________________________________________________________.

5. Which type of blood cell carries the oxygen to the body cells and picks up carbon
dioxide? ____________________

6. The ____________________ of air you breathe is important.

7. Cilia are ________________________________________________________________.

8. Care for the Respiratory System by:

a. _________________________________________________________________.
b. _________________________________________________________________.
c. _________________________________________________________________.
d. _________________________________________________________________.
e. _________________________________________________________________.

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Name: _____________________________________________________________________

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The Digestive System

The digestive system is the body system that breaks down food so that it can be used by the
body. Food provides your body with nutrients. A nutrient is a substance in food that helps with
growth and repair of cells, helps with body processes and gives you energy.

Digestion begins in the mouth. The salivary (SA∙luh∙vehr∙ee) glands are two glands that produce
saliva. Saliva is a liquid that softens food. The action
of chewing combined with saliva moistens food and
breaks it into smaller pieces.

Food passes from the mouth into the esophagus. The

esophagus (i∙SAH∙fuh∙guhs) is a tube through which
food passes into the stomach. The stomach is the
organ that releases digestive juices to break down
food. Food passes from the stomach to the small
intestine. The small intestine is the organ in which
most digestion takes place. Digestive juices from
glands help with this process. The pancreas
(PAN∙kree∙uhs) is a gland that secretes insulin and
juices that break down some foods. It secretes a
hormone that regulates the blood sugar level. Insulin
helps your body use sugar. The liver is a gland that
produces bile. Bile helps break down fats. The
gallbladder (GAWL∙blader) is an organ that stores
bile.

Food that is broken down enters the blood through

capillaries in the small intestine. Food that is not
broken down passes to the large intestine.

The large intestine is the organ in which undigested

food is stored until it leaves the body. A bowel
movement is when undigested food leaves the body. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables helps you have a
daily bowel movement.

Take Care of Your Digestive System by:

1. Chew food thoroughly before swallowing.
2. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables to have a daily bowel movement.

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Name: _____________________________________________________________________

The Digestive System

1. The digestive system is the body system that ___________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________.

2. Food provides your body with nutrients that help with ___________________ and
___________________ of cells, help with body processes and give you energy.

3. Saliva is a _______________________________________________________________.

4. The esophagus is a _______________ that passes food from your mouth to your
____________________. The stomach is the organ that ____________________
digestive juices to break down food.

5. Next, the food travels to the __________________ , where most of the digestion takes
place.

6. The large intestine is the organ in which undigested food is ____________________

until it leaves the body.

7. Care for the Digestive System by:

a. _________________________________________________________________.
b. _________________________________________________________________.

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Name: _____________________________________________________________________

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The Urinary System

The urinary system is the body system that removes liquid wastes from the body. As body cells
use nutrients, they produce waste. The waste products pass into the blood for removal from
the body. The blood circulates through two kidneys. A kidney is an organ through which blood
circulates as wastes are filtered.

Urine is the liquid waste that collects in the urinary bladder. When the bladder is full with urine,
nerve signals are sent to the brain. A message from the brain indicates that it is time for the
bladder to be emptied. The urethra (yu∙REE∙thruh) is the tube through which urine leaves the
body during urination.

There’s Water in Those Fruits and Veggies

You can replace water lost through urination in many ways. You can drink at least six to eight
glasses of water a day. Water can be replaced by drinking fruit juices or eating fresh fruits.
Vegetables, such as celery and lettuce, also are a source of water.

Ways to Take Care of Your Urinary System

1. Replace water lost through urination with at least six to eight glasses of water per day.

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Name: _____________________________________________________________________

The Urinary System

1. The urinary system is the body system that ____________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________.

2. As body cells use nutrients, they produced __________________ into the blood.

3. A kidney is an organ through which ___________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________.

4. Urine is the _____________________________________________________________.

5. When the bladder is full, nerve signals are sent to the _____________________. A
message from the brain indicates that it is time for the bladder to be emptied.

6. The urethra is the ________________________________________________________.

7. Care for the Urinary System by:

a. _________________________________________________________________.

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Name: _____________________________________________________________________

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The Endocrine System

The endocrine system is the body system made up of glands that produce hormones. A
hormone is a chemical messenger that regulates body activities. Endocrine glands control many
of the changes in the body. Each gland produces a different hormone. Each hormone has a
different function.

Ways to Take Care of Your Endocrine System

1. Have regular medical checkups.

2. Ask your parents or guardians and doctor questions about your growth.

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