1/25/16
Unit 5 Reflection
This unit we learned about the digestive system, metabolism, diabetes, the endocrine system, and the lymphatic system.
The digestive system is all about how our system functions. The process starts at the mouth where the food is turned into a bolus. It then goes down the pharynx and esophagus into the stomach, where chemical and mechanical digestion take place, turning the bolus into chyme. The chyme then moves into the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum) where nutrients are absorbed. Next is the large intestine (ascending, transverse, descending colon) and then the left over waste goes to the rectum.
Metabolism is about the stages that the body goes through in order to meet its energy demands. There are three stages: Fed, Fasting, and Starvation. In the fed state, pancreas releases insulin as sugars are absorbed and head straight to liver. Glucose is converted to glycogen, and extra amino acids, fatty acids, and glucose are sent to body cells. In the fasting state, gluconeogenesis starts to take place as glucagon levels rise. Gluconeogenesis takes place in the liver to create glucose to power the body. More fats are stored for energy to conserve glucose in the long run. Ketosis might begin as well, creating ketone bodies to use for energy as well. In the starvation state, the body is no longer producing sufficient glucose and therefore the body must rely on ketone bodies for brain power and fats and proteins for the body.
Diabetes is a concern in the modern day society as around 6% of the population have the disease. There are two types of diabetes: Type I and Type II. Type I is an autoimmune disorder where the body cannot produce any insulin due to the body attacking the beta cells of the pancreas.
The endocrine system is all about hormones in the body, which control the balance in our bodies. It's quite a complex system with many hormones and glands. The lymphatic system is responsible for immunity, lipid absorption, and fluid recovery. It functions like a circulatory system for lymph!
We also had a lab: the digestive system lab from which I learned the approximate length of my alimentary tract. It was quite impressive seeing the different lengths of everyone's tract, considering how long they all were and the fact that all that fits in our bodies. For homework, we had some readings: "Stress, Metabolism, and Liquidating Your Assets" and "Integration of Metabolism". Both proved to be interesting reads. Even though they use complex vocabulary and went further in depth than we had in class, it was nice to be able to get the full picture of what actually happens within our bodies.
At the beginning of the unit I wondered about how people's metabolic rates could differ. I was also unsure of the various hormones in the body. However, throughout this unit I learned about the hormones and their specific glands. I also got to read up on how metabolic rates depend on different factors such as age, gender, etc. In addition, I researched the use of frozen poop pills, as the subject had appeared in the New York Times recently. Interestingly, these pills are suppose to alter gut bacteria to help people improve their metabolism.
As for the New Year's Goals, I'm definitely on track. Starting my second semester, I've consistently gone to bed before 1AM, which is a huge improvement. I make it a game to see how early I can go to bed now since my college apps and such have stopped. My goal for working more has also been semi-fulfilled. I now work a full shift (11AM- 7:30PM) on Saturdays and still manage to fit in other fun activities with my friends.
The digestive system is all about how our system functions. The process starts at the mouth where the food is turned into a bolus. It then goes down the pharynx and esophagus into the stomach, where chemical and mechanical digestion take place, turning the bolus into chyme. The chyme then moves into the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum) where nutrients are absorbed. Next is the large intestine (ascending, transverse, descending colon) and then the left over waste goes to the rectum.
Metabolism is about the stages that the body goes through in order to meet its energy demands. There are three stages: Fed, Fasting, and Starvation. In the fed state, pancreas releases insulin as sugars are absorbed and head straight to liver. Glucose is converted to glycogen, and extra amino acids, fatty acids, and glucose are sent to body cells. In the fasting state, gluconeogenesis starts to take place as glucagon levels rise. Gluconeogenesis takes place in the liver to create glucose to power the body. More fats are stored for energy to conserve glucose in the long run. Ketosis might begin as well, creating ketone bodies to use for energy as well. In the starvation state, the body is no longer producing sufficient glucose and therefore the body must rely on ketone bodies for brain power and fats and proteins for the body.
Diabetes is a concern in the modern day society as around 6% of the population have the disease. There are two types of diabetes: Type I and Type II. Type I is an autoimmune disorder where the body cannot produce any insulin due to the body attacking the beta cells of the pancreas.
The endocrine system is all about hormones in the body, which control the balance in our bodies. It's quite a complex system with many hormones and glands. The lymphatic system is responsible for immunity, lipid absorption, and fluid recovery. It functions like a circulatory system for lymph!
We also had a lab: the digestive system lab from which I learned the approximate length of my alimentary tract. It was quite impressive seeing the different lengths of everyone's tract, considering how long they all were and the fact that all that fits in our bodies. For homework, we had some readings: "Stress, Metabolism, and Liquidating Your Assets" and "Integration of Metabolism". Both proved to be interesting reads. Even though they use complex vocabulary and went further in depth than we had in class, it was nice to be able to get the full picture of what actually happens within our bodies.
 |
| Our digestive tract strings across the ceiling of the classroom |
At the beginning of the unit I wondered about how people's metabolic rates could differ. I was also unsure of the various hormones in the body. However, throughout this unit I learned about the hormones and their specific glands. I also got to read up on how metabolic rates depend on different factors such as age, gender, etc. In addition, I researched the use of frozen poop pills, as the subject had appeared in the New York Times recently. Interestingly, these pills are suppose to alter gut bacteria to help people improve their metabolism.
 |
| Frozen poop pills http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2014/10/11/355126926/frozen-poop-pills-fight-life-threatening-infections |
As for the New Year's Goals, I'm definitely on track. Starting my second semester, I've consistently gone to bed before 1AM, which is a huge improvement. I make it a game to see how early I can go to bed now since my college apps and such have stopped. My goal for working more has also been semi-fulfilled. I now work a full shift (11AM- 7:30PM) on Saturdays and still manage to fit in other fun activities with my friends.
