Urinary Video

Engaging in class

It is no surprise that I am introverted. I am not one to ask many questions or say my opinion on certain topics in class. However, i am still engaged in what we are learning about. At times it may seem as though I am not paying attention in class because I am so quiet but that's not the case! I have unusual ways of listening and participating. For example, I may be listening to everything said in class but I won't be making direct eye contact which gives the appearance that i am not engaged. I'm not going to lie, there are times when I randomly zone out.. But who doesn't! So really the main way I stay in engaged is by listening and talking to friends near me about what we have learnt. I also take what others say in class and learn from their questions since most of the time, i have the same questions. Listening and taking everything into account is how I stay engaged in class. In addition, blogposts and   notes really help me be engaged in class. 

Urinary System Question

What happens if you're born with one kidney? Will you survive?

Nothing, you will survive! Many people are born with only one kidney; the left kidney being more absent than the right.

The single kidney will grow faster and grow bigger than a paired kidney. This makes the single kidney larger and heavier making it more vulnerable to injury. Therefore one has to be very careful in regards to physical activity such as boxing, football, soccer, etc.

In conclusion, if you are born with one kidney you do not need to fret! The only thing you need to do is be careful and visit your doctor yearly (urine test & blood pressure).

Learn more!

Playland!!!

Heart Rate: 

My heart rate increased drastically when I was in line for a ride. Well it really depend ed on what ride it was.. like for atmosphere I was a nervous wreck! I was fine at first but when my friends started to get nervous, it made me nervous causing my heart rate to increase. I do not have exact numbers or anything but I do know that my heart rate increased when I was in lineups and on rides!

I think heart rate is affected because our brain signals our heart that we feel nervous/anxious which makes the heart beat faster.

Breathing Rate:

My breathing rate was definitely affected by the rides!! The rides which affected my breathing rate were: the Atmosphere and the Enterprise. These two rides had me breathless!! I had to start breathing in and out through my mouth and at times it felt like I could not breathe at all... the constant laughing did not help my breathing either.

Other Physiological Effects: 
I actually puked at playland! (yuck) but it was not due to the rides. I was starving!!! So when we finally sat down to eat, I think I ate way too quick which gave me the worst tummy ache ever! I could not even walk, it was horrible. But after puking, I felt much better and went on the crazy beach party right after!

Other than that, on rides such as the pirate ship or hellsgate, I would get that dropping feeling in my stomach. Plus my heart rate would increase and sometimes my breathing rate would as well! 

Heart Dissection

Compare the structure of the atria and ventricles - how are they different?  Why is that?

Atria: thin muscular walls, blood enters them through a blood vessel and leaves through a valve
Ventricles: thick muscular walls, blood enters them through a valve and leaves through a blood vessel.

Did you notice a difference between the veins and arteries entering and leaving the heart?  How is their structure different?
Veins: carry deoxygenated blood back to  heart (except in pulmonary vein), thin muscular wall, little elastic tissue, blood under low pressure, blood flows slowly  

Arteries: carry oxygenated blood from heart (except in pulmonary artery), thick muscular wall, have lots of elastic tissue, blood under high pressure, blood flows rapidly

Describe the valves that you found in the heart - what are their functions?

AV Valves (Tricuspid & Mitral):  

Tricuspid: between right atrium and right ventricle, closes when the right ventricle contracts therefore the blood from the ventricles are able to go out of the heart  

Mitral: between left atrium & left ventricle, closes when left ventricle contracts, preventing back flow of blood into left atrium

Semi-lunar Valve: allow blood to flow from atria to ventricles, & prevent back flow of blood when the ventricles contract

What surprised you about dissecting the heart?  Why?

I was just surprised about how complex the heart really was! Although I did not participate in the act of cutting the heart apart, I was able to see everything. It is so weird to think that that thing is actually in our body and one of the main reasons why we're alive! I was also surprised when I was able to recognize the ventricles and atrium's. Excluding the fact that the heart was VERY disgusting, it was very cool/interesting to see what the heart actually looked like since we always saw it on paper! 

Circulatory Quiz Review



Pulmonary vs. Systematic:

Pulmonary:
blood takes up oxygen in lungs
deoxygenated blood
right side of the heart
walls are thinner

Systematic:
oxygenated blood
blood distrubuted to body
walls are thicker

Similarities:
carry blood to the tissues of whole body
both necessary to homeostasis

Arteries vs. Veins:

Arteries:
have a thicker wall because of larger middle area
have arteriole

Veins:
layer in diameter
have venule and valves
thinner wall
walls have less smooth muscle & connective tissue

Similarities:
walls have 3 layers
inner layer composed largely of endothelium with basement membrane that has elastic fibers
middle layers is smooth tissue
outer layer is connective tissue (collagen fibers)

Fetal Circulation:

Ductus Venosus: umbilical vein attaches to vena cava
Ductus Arteriosis: between pulmonary trunk and aorta, make sure blood doesnt go into fetus lungs
Foramenovale: allows blood into R.A and L.A

Circulatory Question

How long does it take for red blood cells to circulate the whole body?

It takes about 20 seconds!
Click here to learn more about RBC's


How much blood does a healthy heart pump?

A healthy heart pumps 2,000 gallons of blood
More about the heart

What is Lymphedema and how is it caused?

Lymphedema is a common disease which occurs in the lymphatic system. It is the swelling caused by the build up of lymph fluid, which may occur if the lymphatic system is damaged. It usually affects limbs (legs, arms) but the face/neck  may also be affected. In an extreme state the edema progresses. Skin becomes thicken with an appearance similar to elephant limbs.

It is most frequently seen after lymph node dissection, surgery and/or radiation therapy, in which damage to the lymphatic system is caused during the treatment of cancer. However the exact cause is unknown. 

Unfortunately there are no cures for this, but it can be controlled. :( 

Diseases of the Lymphatic System

*Fun fact: In 1929, German surgeon Werner Forssmann (1904-1979) examined the inside of his own heart by inserting a catheter into his arm vein and pushing it into his heart, inventing cardiac catheterization.
Learn more about Mr. Forssmann