Structural Organisation in Animals, Concepts and Previous Year Questions

Structural Organisation in Animals Overview

Structural organisation in animals explains how cells are organised into tissues, tissues into organs, and organs into systems. This organised flow helps in efficient functioning of the body. This topic helps students understand the natural hierarchy in animal bodies. Here, each level supports the next level. Students should note that simple units contribute to complex life processes. Learning this topic helps NEET aspirants understand body coordination in an easy manner.

Important Characteristics of Animal Structure

Structural organisation in animals becomes clear when students know the basic structural features of animals. Animals are multicellular, eukaryotic, and heterotrophic organisms. It means that they depend on other organisms for food. It also shows that animal cells lack a rigid cell wall. Life processes like growth, movement, and reproduction are the basic part of their daily functions. Understanding these features provides students with a simple base for identifying animals and their organisational patterns.

Also Check: Structural Organization in Animals NEET Notes

Levels of Structural Organisation

Structural organisation in animals follows a natural hierarchy. Students should be aware that cells join to form tissues, tissues combine to create organs, and organs work together in systems. This arrangement allows division of work to make survival easier compared to single-celled organisms. Each level has its own specialised function. Students can take this as layers of organisation supporting each other from simple to complex.

Definition of Tissue 

As per NCERT textbooks, tissue is a group of similar cells that have a common origin and perform a specific function. These cells are connected by intercellular substances that provide support and structure. Tissues arise from the same germ layer, such as ectoderm, mesoderm, or endoderm. Understanding tissue formation helps class 11 students identify organ structure and function more clearly. Students should see tissues as organised and purposeful rather than random collections of cells.

Also Check: Structural Organisation in Animals MCQ

Four Main Types of Animal Tissue

There are four main types of tissue in animals. Each type has a unique role but they work together to support the body. Epithelial tissue can be flat, cubical, or columnar, while connective, muscular, and neural tissues perform their specific tasks. Learning these tissues helps students understand the structure of the body and its functions clearly.

Tissue Organisation in Organs

In animals, organs consist of all four tissue types that are arranged in a fixed pattern. This organisation ensures proper functioning of each organ. For example, the heart, lungs, and stomach contain epithelial, connective, muscular, and neural tissues in specific proportions. Understanding this organisation helps students see how structure supports function. Further, students should note that no organ can work alone. Coordination among tissues is essential for life processes.

Previous Year Questions on Structural Organisation in Animals

Learning from past year papers of NEET can help candidates become aware of the trends and question style. Here are a few questions that can help the students learn what kind of queries can be asked on this topic. 

Given below are two statements:

• Statement I: Ligaments are dense irregular tissue

• Statement II: Cartilage is dense regular tissue
   

Q1 In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer:

a) Both Statement I and II are true
b) Both Statement I and II are false
c) Statement I true and Statement II false
d) Statement I false and Statement II true

Answer: (b) Both statements are false.

Explanation: Ligaments are made of dense regular connective tissue (so Statement I is incorrect), and cartilage is a specialised connective tissue, not dense regular connective tissue.

Q2 In cockroach, excretion is brought about by:

A. Phallic gland
B. Urecose gland
C. Nephrocytes
D. Fat body
E. Collateral glands

Choose the correct answer:
a) A and E only
b) A, B and E only
c) B, C and D only
d) B and D only

Answer: (c) B, C and D only.

Explanation:
Urecose glands (B) in some cockroaches produce uric acid.

Nephrocytes (C) function in excretion by removing metabolic wastes from the haemolymph.

Fat body (D) stores and metabolises substances and participates in the storage of nitrogenous wastes (like uric acid).

Q3 Cuboidal epithelium with a brush border of microvilli is found in:

a) Proximal convoluted tubule of nephron
b) Eustachian tube
c) Intestinal lining
d) Ducts of salivary glands

Answer: (a) Proximal convoluted tubule of nephron.

Q4 The ciliated epithelial cells required to move particles or mucus are mainly present in:

a) Bronchioles and fallopian tubes
b) Bile duct and bronchioles
c) Fallopian tubes and pancreatic duct
d) Eustachian tube and salivary duct

 Answer: (a) Bronchioles and fallopian tubes.

Importance of Learning Structural Organisation in Animals in Class 11

Learning about the structure of animals helps students in building a clear understanding of body structure and function. This topic helps students study advanced biology topics and perform well in exams. 

• This topic helps students understand how tissues and organs work together smoothly.

• It enhances logical thinking and clear concept formation for exams.

• It can build a strong foundation for advanced topics in physiology and developmental biology.

• It improves the confidence of the students in classroom discussions and exams.