Systems in Action
Types of Systems
Natural Social Systems
human body
different biological subsystems
skeletal system
supports body form
supports and protects vital organs
muscular system
controls heartbeat
allows movement
nervous system
controls the body
Human Made Physical Systems
the internet
different types of hardware
modems
ethernet cables
servers
Human Made Social Systems
orchestra
different instruments (and the players)
percussion instruments
string instruments
woodwind instruments
Systems Evolve
evolution of the telephone
Examining Physical Systems
human skeletal system
components
appendicular skeleton
subsystems
arm bone
help arms withstand stress during exercise and other various activities
shoulder girdle
allows the shoulder a large range of motion, and acts as an anchor to
pelvic girdle
to support body weight and hold leg bones in place
leg bones
to allow us to perform crucial functions such as moving, standing and performing other various activities
axial skeleton
subsystems
ribcage
shields heart and lungs while providing structural stability to upper body
trauma to the chest can cause ribs to break, which in turn causes sharp pains to inner organs
vertebrae
protects spinal cord and supports and allows movement to body
vertebrae can develop osteoporosis because of malnutrition and other reasons
(osteoporosis is a skeletal disease that weakens the vertebrae)
skull
severe trauma to this subsystem can cause a skull fracture
to protect brain and support facial structure
System Components
Output
e.g. can opener opening a can
Input
Subsystems
helps system perform task/smaller systems within a system
System Side Effects
e.g. cars causing pollution