So lab this week really inspired me in a way. I know that we all have different labs, and I'm not even sure if we all do the same things, but we did a lab on metabolism, where we factored our own caloric intake and output. My body only needs 1100 calories to carry out it's most basic functions. When I was in high school I was an athlete and a dancer. I was able to eat anything I wanted and it didn't matter. Now, after this lab I realized I have become rather sedentary. Not intentionally mind you, I enjoy going for hikes and being outside, but somewhere between 18 and 26 I became 'too busy' to do those things. Isn't that absurd?
So after this lab, I decided to take the reins again and get active, so that I can keep my body healthy and my heart strong. I was really glad that we got to do that lab. I think we all get 'too busy' at times and as Mainers, we all tend to hibernate a little. It was time for something to jolt me back to reality and take charge again. AHHH...the power of information!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
A&P II
Sorry that I had to run out of class (work thing), and didn't have the opportunity to play any games. I'm sure that they were all awesome! I am glad that Dana gave us the current state of our grades though. I am feeling a lot better about things, and knowing that we have a few minutes to collaborate over the more detail oriented questions on the test helps relieve a lot of the stress I was felling. So thank goodness for that!
In reviewing metabolism, I found one thing that really stuck out in my mind. Dana said that metabolism is the strongest argument for evolution. A striking feature of metabolism is the similarity of the basic metabolic pathways between even vastly different species. For example, the set of carboxylic acids that are best known as the intermediates in the citric acid cycle are present in all organisms, being found in species as diverse as the unicellular bacteria Escherichia coli and huge multicellular organisms like elephants. These striking similarities in metabolism are most likely the result of the high efficiency of these pathways, and of their early appearance in evolutionary history. That's awesome!
Well, that's all. See you all Tuesday! Aimee
In reviewing metabolism, I found one thing that really stuck out in my mind. Dana said that metabolism is the strongest argument for evolution. A striking feature of metabolism is the similarity of the basic metabolic pathways between even vastly different species. For example, the set of carboxylic acids that are best known as the intermediates in the citric acid cycle are present in all organisms, being found in species as diverse as the unicellular bacteria Escherichia coli and huge multicellular organisms like elephants. These striking similarities in metabolism are most likely the result of the high efficiency of these pathways, and of their early appearance in evolutionary history. That's awesome!
Well, that's all. See you all Tuesday! Aimee
Sunday, April 20, 2008
A&P II
That was a large amount of information we absorbed Tuesday. I like having just one class a week, but by the 2 and a half hour mark, I just can't take in anymore. I hope she reviews the ending information again on Tuesday!
So I understand that the digestive system uses a combination of enzymes and pH in order to break down large items into their most simplest form, so that they may be absorbed. The pH is really important, as I found in my reading...I don't know if it just wasn't emphasized or if I was in the "TOO MUCH INFORMATION" mode during lecture.
In the mouth, pharynx, and esophagus, pH is typically about 6.8, very weakly acidic. Saliva controls pH in this region of the digestive tract. Most digestive enzymes are sensitive to pH and will not function in a low-pH environment like the stomach. Low pH (below 5) indicates a strong acid, while a high pH (above 8) indicates a strong base; the concentration of the acid or base, however, does also play a role.
In the small intestines, the duodenum provides critical pH balancing to activate digestive enzymes. The mucosal tissue of the small intestines is alkaline, creating a pH of about 8.5, thus enabling absorption in a mild alkaline in the environment.
So, those are my thoughts for the day...see you all Tuesday! Aimee
So I understand that the digestive system uses a combination of enzymes and pH in order to break down large items into their most simplest form, so that they may be absorbed. The pH is really important, as I found in my reading...I don't know if it just wasn't emphasized or if I was in the "TOO MUCH INFORMATION" mode during lecture.
In the mouth, pharynx, and esophagus, pH is typically about 6.8, very weakly acidic. Saliva controls pH in this region of the digestive tract. Most digestive enzymes are sensitive to pH and will not function in a low-pH environment like the stomach. Low pH (below 5) indicates a strong acid, while a high pH (above 8) indicates a strong base; the concentration of the acid or base, however, does also play a role.
In the small intestines, the duodenum provides critical pH balancing to activate digestive enzymes. The mucosal tissue of the small intestines is alkaline, creating a pH of about 8.5, thus enabling absorption in a mild alkaline in the environment.
So, those are my thoughts for the day...see you all Tuesday! Aimee
Sunday, April 13, 2008
A&P II
So it seems that my blogs are getting longer and longer...I'm going to try to keep this one short. I was happy that we had some time to collaborate after the quiz on Tuesday...although I worried about it for some reason.
So, the digestive system. I am particularly interested in the new 'craze' of colonics that claim to enhance immunity and overall health. I did a little research into the matter...
Enemas in alternative medicine are referred to as colon hydrotherapy or colonic irrigation and involve the use of substances added or mixed with water in order to 'detoxify' the body. Practitioners believe the accumulation of fecal matter in the large intestine leads to ill health, and false urban legends about fecal accumulation circulate the internet. This use is not supported by mainstream medical practitioners and governing bodies, who recommend the use of enemas only in cases of constipation, though its use to treat a variety of ailments has persisted in popular use despite lacking scientific support.
So, in otherwards, despite the fact that the rich and famous swear by colonics for maintaining health, don't do it. There must be a reason why the health professionals and FDA vote against it. Instead, stand by the tried and true exercise, healthy diet, and lots of rest! See you all Tuesday! Aimee
So, the digestive system. I am particularly interested in the new 'craze' of colonics that claim to enhance immunity and overall health. I did a little research into the matter...
Enemas in alternative medicine are referred to as colon hydrotherapy or colonic irrigation and involve the use of substances added or mixed with water in order to 'detoxify' the body. Practitioners believe the accumulation of fecal matter in the large intestine leads to ill health, and false urban legends about fecal accumulation circulate the internet. This use is not supported by mainstream medical practitioners and governing bodies, who recommend the use of enemas only in cases of constipation, though its use to treat a variety of ailments has persisted in popular use despite lacking scientific support.
So, in otherwards, despite the fact that the rich and famous swear by colonics for maintaining health, don't do it. There must be a reason why the health professionals and FDA vote against it. Instead, stand by the tried and true exercise, healthy diet, and lots of rest! See you all Tuesday! Aimee
Sunday, April 6, 2008
A&P II
Well, I hope that everyone had a nice week off...I know I did! I spent a lot of time catching up on my life...but now it's time to get back to business.
I am quite interested in the immune system, as I have always been plagued with a tendency to catch most germs out there. As a child, I got an ear infection with every new tooth that came in, therefore was on antibiotics frequently. As a result, certain antibiotics are ineffective for me now, because I was on them for so long as a kid. I understand that bacteria mutates and therefore certain bacteria are resistant to that medication, but how after years and years of not taking certain antibiotics, could my body know? I know that there is 'acquired' immunity within our bodies, which help us from being struck with the same virus, such as the chicken pox, is there something similar with bacteria/antibiotics?
I am also interested in the autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. I think it's interesting how women tend to be more afflicted with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Why would that be? In my research the only explanation I could find was that testosterone seems to be a immunosuppressor...where as female sex hormones are stimulators. But why? And how?
How do these diseases occur? Is the problem similar with the AIDS virus, in that it disrupts the communication between the Helper T cells and the Killer T cells, or is it completely different? I know several people that are afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis in particular, and it is a debilitating disorder, with a lot of pain and depression wrapped in. As we get closer to being able to cure people from the AIDS virus (Magic Johnson), it should open up several doors to understanding other autoimmune disorders and find relief for those who suffer.
Well, it's off the study for me. I have a lot of questions here...I hope Dana gets to some of them in lecture. See you all on Tuesday...hope your having fun with the project!!! Aimee
I am quite interested in the immune system, as I have always been plagued with a tendency to catch most germs out there. As a child, I got an ear infection with every new tooth that came in, therefore was on antibiotics frequently. As a result, certain antibiotics are ineffective for me now, because I was on them for so long as a kid. I understand that bacteria mutates and therefore certain bacteria are resistant to that medication, but how after years and years of not taking certain antibiotics, could my body know? I know that there is 'acquired' immunity within our bodies, which help us from being struck with the same virus, such as the chicken pox, is there something similar with bacteria/antibiotics?
I am also interested in the autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. I think it's interesting how women tend to be more afflicted with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Why would that be? In my research the only explanation I could find was that testosterone seems to be a immunosuppressor...where as female sex hormones are stimulators. But why? And how?
How do these diseases occur? Is the problem similar with the AIDS virus, in that it disrupts the communication between the Helper T cells and the Killer T cells, or is it completely different? I know several people that are afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis in particular, and it is a debilitating disorder, with a lot of pain and depression wrapped in. As we get closer to being able to cure people from the AIDS virus (Magic Johnson), it should open up several doors to understanding other autoimmune disorders and find relief for those who suffer.
Well, it's off the study for me. I have a lot of questions here...I hope Dana gets to some of them in lecture. See you all on Tuesday...hope your having fun with the project!!! Aimee
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