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

Lab: Exploring pH

INTRO: 

What is an acid? 
pH of 0-7, releases H+ ions, [H+] > [OH-]
What is a base? 
pH of 7-14, releases OH- ions (or takes up H+ ions), [OH-] > [H+]
What is a buffer?
compound that maintains pH by accepting or releasing H+ ions, bicarbonate & phosphate

MATERIALS:

• HCL
• NaOH
• Unknown A,B,C,D
• Distilled water
• Litmus paper
• pH paper
• Buffer pH 7
• Spot plate
• Test tubes

RECORDINGS:

EXPLANATION: 

Classify, explain how the buffer worked? Baking soda + vinegar? 
A buffer has a very stable pH. For instance, if you add acid or base to a buffered solution, its pH will not change significantly. Therefore when hydrogen ions are added to a buffer, they will be neutralized by the base in the buffer. Same will happen to hydroxide ions, which will be neutralized by the acid. These neutralization reactions will not have much effect on the overall pH of the buffer solution. *We did not use the baking soda or vinegar. 

CONCLUSION:

Two questions that have arisen from your experiment.
1. Has their ever been an incident where a buffer was not able to work?
2. What can cause your body to have an out of balance pH?

Respiration Questions

How inspiration and expiration work: 

Inspiration:

The intercostal muscles and the diaphragm contract to begin inspiration.
Process: 

the intercostal muscles contract -> ribs elevate -> increase dimension of thoracic cavity -> air pressure in lungs is lowered -> air moves into lungs

contraction of diaphragm -> diaphragm moves down -> dimension of thoracic cavity increases -> air pressure in lungs lower -> air moves into lungs

Expiration:
intercostal muscles and diaphragm relax -> diaphragm & ribs relax -> volume of thoracic cavity decreases -> pressure in lungs increase -> air is exhaled

Inflate and Deflate?  

Inflation:

Caused when your chest moves up (contraction of thoracic cavity). Your lungs inflate with oxygen when you breath causing them to expand therefore expanding your lungs/chest.

Deflation:
Caused when your diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax. 

What part of the process requires a "muscle contraction" of the diaphragm?

Inhalation! 

All About Lungs

Are our lungs the same size? 

No, your left lung is smaller than your right lung because the larger part of your heart bulges out to the left side of your chest leaving very little room for your left lung.

Can your lungs float?

Yes, if our lungs are filled with air they are able to float because air is lighter than water therefore a lung filled with air rises to the surface.

Do both lungs hold the same amount of air as one another?

No, the right lung is capable of holding more air than the left because it is larger in size when compared to the left lung.

Does the breathing rate differ in people?

Yes, the breathing rate does differ in people; the breathing rate is faster in women and children than men.

Approximately how big are our lungs?

If you roll out a lung, flat, it would be the same size of a tennis court.

http://dragoncity.50webs.com/lung.htm
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Why_do_lungs_float
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_makes_the_right_lung_take_in_more_air_than_the_left
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_long_is_your_lungs_when_rolled_out

Kamalvir Narwal
Ashpreet Gill

Vital Capacity Lab

1. How does your vital capacity compare to others in the class? Describe some reasons why you think your vital capacity is what it is. Why are the highest and lowest vital capacities the way they are?
When comparing my vital capacity to others in the class, my vital capacity was farely lower. For example, Ashpreet and Brianna both received a 2.4 where as I received a 1.6. I think one's vital capacity depends on physical activity, sex, weight, and height. I think that the lowest and highest capacities are the way that they are because of the height. For example my vital capacity was very low especially compared to Monica who received a 3.2. 

2. How much air is in a usual breath? Why are our breaths the volume that they are?
There is 500mL of air in a usual breath. Our breaths are the volume that they are due to healthy lungs.

3. How is the mechanism of exhaling forcefully different than a usual exhalation? Why would practice at this via exercise/instrument playing/singing make you better at it?
The mechanism of exhaling forcefully is different than a usual exhalation because you are putting more pressure on your lungs to exhale than you normally would. Practicing through exercise, playing instruments, or singing can make you better at it because all these activities involve heavy breathing and exahling for long periods of time.