Structures of the Human Body and Systems

[Danny Elias Dis 1E]

Would individual organs in the human body be considered open, closed, or isolated systems? What about the human body as a whole? Just curious :)

[Theodore_Herring_1A]

Organs would be considered open systems. This is because they exchange heat with their surroundings, as well as matter. All our organs are constantly taking up and expelling molecules, as well as heat energy, to maintain homeostasis.

[Helen Zhao 1F]

The human body as a whole would be considered an open system.

[Cynthia Aragon 1B]

The human body is an open system because an open system refers to both energy and matter getting in and out of the system. Various inputs such as food, oxygen and water go in whereas wastes and carbon dioxide go out. Energy can be transmitted in and out of the body such as when throwing a ball. The kinetic energy is transferred from a person's hand to the ball.

[LedaKnowles2E]

I'd think the human body must be an open system because we give off heat, and we intake and output substances (O2, CO2, nutrients, waste) all the time.

[Roberto Gonzalez 1L]

The human body is an indeed an open system as the heat produced by our body is given off continuously, as we take in resources.