Project Blog - Human Body 2.0 Redesign 11/20

Summary:

         During the Human Body 2.0 Redesign project, I learned a variety of specific information about all of the body systems. This including the Digestive System, the Skeletal System, the Muscular System, the Circulatory System, the Respiratory System, the Immune System, the Urinary System, and the Nervous System. Because of this project, I now have knowledge on the detailed structure and function of all of the different body systems. Along with information on how the structure of the system effects it's function. In addition, I also now know information on the major organs of each body system and how these organs function. As well as I have knowledge on how the systems of the body interact and work with each other in many different ways to perform a variety of different functions. However for the group project, my group and I really focused on the condition of Acid Reflux. From filling out our Human Body 2.0 Redesign Brief, writing the redesign essay, and creating a presentation to share with the class, I learned a lot about the process of how Acid Reflux occurs. Along with the causes, symptoms, and restrictions of Acid Reflux. In addition, I collected a lot of knowledge on how Acid Reflux can be prevented as well as how to reduce the risk of Acid Reflux while brainstorming and coming up with ideas of how my team and I could possibly redesign the esophagus and LES (Lower Esophageal Sphincter) to eliminate the condition all together.

Backward-Looking:

        While working on the Human Body 2.0 Redesign Brief, my group and I ran into one single major problem that really delayed our productiveness during the project. This problem forced us to do a load of extra work outside of school. The problem that we encountered was the fact that a team last year had the same redesign idea. This meant that they did the same project we were planning to do. Once we were allowed to see their Redesign Brief, we instantly panicked. At this moment we should have been finishing up our Redesign Brief, but now we had to change our idea! After days of getting frustrated and confused while trying to brainstorm ideas of how we were going to make our redesign totally different than last year's team, we finally realized that changing the redesign wasn't our only option. We could also build upon the redesign of last year's team and improve their idea. While only having a day to think, we came up with the "Goose" muscle. The "Goose" muscle is a 2.5 inch long ring of smooth muscle. This muscle is located right above the LES (Lower Esophageal Sphincter).  The function of this muscle is to contract from top to bottom and essentially push acid coming up from the stomach, back down and out of the esophagus. This action will help reduce the risk of Acid Reflux and heartburn.

Inward-Looking:

       Looking at my team and I's work, I feel that we did a great job at all of the aspects of the project. I like how we included a lot of detailed information in the Human Body 2.0 Redesign Brief and the Redesign essay. As well as I liked how our idea for the redesign was well though out and clear especially with what little time and lots of rush we had to come up with a redesign. In addition, I liked how we included specific information both in our redesign idea and in the other context and details of Acid Reflux. Such as the symptoms and cause of Acid Reflux. These components that we included really makes our redesign idea easy to understand and very convincing. However, the only part of our project that I disliked was our model. It was a little sloppy and incorrectly painted. Although this aspect of our project was optional and not mandatory, I still wish we had taken more time and effort in the model to make it look presentable and nice. The part of our project that I enjoyed was how we included a skit in the beginning of our presentation. This skit was really fun to perform and it certainly got the audience's attention. Which helped get them excited about our project and engaged ad well ad interested in our presentation and redesign.

Outward-Looking:

      I would say that my team did our work both mostly different than the other groups did their work. My group and I did do our project different than other groups did their projects because my group executed our presentation using power point and slides while other groups decided to create a video to present their work. Although some groups did however decide to use power point to present their projects as well, our presentation was different because we sort of made an ignite presentation. My group and I only put images and visuals on our slides, while other groups put bullet points and notes on their slides and didn't have any visuals at all. I think that my group did do our work some what similar than how the other groups did their work because we did use power point just as some of the groups did and we did base what we were going to say in our presentation off of a script like some other groups.

Forward-Looking:

     Just as I mentioned before, the only aspect of my team and I's project that I didn't completely like was our model. This piece is the only thing that I would improve if I had the chance to redo the project. If I had the chance to do this piece over again, I would start making the model earlier on into our project. Firstly, this would give more time to do the model and hopefully take away the sloppiness of the project because of the rush to finish. In addition, this would allow more time for the clay that we used for the model to dry. Which would allow us to be patient and wait until the clay dried to paint. That component would make the paint job of the model more neat altogether. Lastly, I would also try to paint the model more less sloppy. As well as I would try to pay attention to the colors of the real organs of the human body that we included in our model, and try to follow those color patterns while painting our model to make the model more realistic.

Acid Reflux 11/12

https://files.graphiq.com/4553/media/images/t2/Acid_reflux_3984543.jpg

Acid Reflux is a very common condition in which acid gastric fluid regurgitates into the esophagus. As the acid backs up into the esophagus it irritates the lining of the esophagus, which most commonly causes discomfort in the upper abdomen, heartburn, nausea, and dry cough. Acid Reflux occurs when the upper part of the stomach and Lower Esophagus Sphincter (LES) move above the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a muscle that separates your stomach from your chest. Normally, the diaphragm helps keep acid in your stomach. However if you have a hiatal hernia, acid can move up into your esophagus and cause symptoms of Acid Reflux. There are more than 3 million U.S. cases of Acid Reflux a year. In addition, this condition most commonly affects newborns of the ages 0-2 years old, teens of the ages 14-18 years old, and adults of the ages 19+. 

S&EP - SP7: Engaging in argument from evidence

I used evidence to defend my explanation. I answered a document called, "Human Body 2.0 Design Brief", providing websites where I researched information, as evidence. I formulated evidence based on solid data when I stated that Acid Reflux is a very common condition, using information that I researched as evidence. Information such as, "there are more than 3 million United States cases of Acid Reflux a year". I examined my own understanding in light of the evidence. I used to think that Esophageal Cancer wasn't very critical and serious, but because of researching this topic, now I think that Esophageal Cancer is one of the most dangerous cancers that the body can contract. I collaborated with my peers in searching for the best explanation. I did some research on Acid Reflux which I discussed with my project team. Together we figured out that Acid Reflux is a very common condition that has many painful symptoms and restricts everyday activities.

XCC: Cause and Effect

The cause and effect relationship that occurs at the condition of Acid Reflux is when the action of Acid Reflux causes acid to regurgitate into the esophagus, this acid effects the esophagus by irritating it. More specifically, when the upper part of the stomach and the Lower Esophagus Sphincter move above the diaphragm and the diaphragm doesn't perform it's function of keeping acid in the stomach, properly. It causes acid to freely move up the esophagus and irritate the lining of the esophagus. This irritation most commonly causes the symptoms of discomfort in the upper abdomen, heartburn, nausea, and dry cough. This information of the cause and effect relationship of the Acid Reflux can help me "take over the world" by giving me some specific details and information on the condition of Acid Reflux and the esophagus. This knowledge can possibly help me in future education and career, especially if I decide to specialize in the topic of the human body.

WAC - Is being a vegetarian healthier than being an omnivore?

      Living a vegetarian lifestyle is healthier than being an omnivore. This is because having a plant-based diet is more beneficial to your health than eating meat, for many reasons. One reason being is that when you are a vegetarian, you consume more fiber and antioxidant rich produce. In addition, avoiding meat reduces risk of disease, such as cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and chronic disease. Lastly, being a vegetarian helps avoid obesity by keeping your weight down.

      A benefit of being a vegetarian is that you have a plant-based diet. This helps your body consume more vegetables, as well as no meat. Living this lifestyle helps you intake more fiber and antioxidant rich produce. In the article by ProCon.org, titled, "Should people become vegetarian?", it states that according to the American Dietetic Association, having a vegetarian diet can meet protein requirements of eating meat. In addition, it can provide essential amino-acids and phyto chemicals, which improves health. This proves that being a vegetarian can provide nutrients vital for health and maintenance of the body.

       Being a vegetarian also means that you are reducing risk of many diseases by having a plant-based diet. These diseases include, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, and chronic disease. In the article, "Is it healthier to be a vegetarian or omnivore?", by SENCER, it states that being a vegetarian can reduce the risk of chronic disease, cardiovascular disease, and cerebrovascular disease linked to fat of animal product. This is because, avoiding meat means that you are reducing the intake of unhealthy fats and saturated fats. In addition, in the article, "Should people become vegetarian?" by ProCon.org, it states that being a vegetarian also reduces the chance of kidney stones and gallstones. This is because diets high in animal protein cause the body to excrete calcium, oxalate, and uric acid. These are the main components of kidney stones and gallstones. So because you avoid meat when being a vegetarian, you are also avoiding the components of kidney stones and gallstones.

         Going vegetarian means that you are converting to a plant-based diet. This helps vegetarians reduce the risk of obesity and being over weight. In the article, "Is it healthier to be a vegetarian or an omnivore?" by SENCER, it states that because vegetarians have a plant-based diet and are avoiding meat, it reduces the risk of being over weight and obesity. Just as avoiding unhealthy fats and saturated fats help reduce cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, and chronic disease, it also reduces the risk of obesity. This is because when you are vegetarian you are avoiding meat and animal product altogether. Which gets rid of the consumption of unhealthy and saturated fats.

          Reading this essay, omnivores might say that being a vegetarian with a plant-based diet means that you lack in vitamins, minerals, protein, and calories. Such as  B12, iron, zinc, and vital Omega 3 fats. This is because being a vegetarian means that you are avoiding meat and because meat is such a great provider in protein, it means that you lack in all the protein meat provides. However, this isn't much of a problem for vegetarians although it may seem like a big deal. The reason being is that there are many ways a vegetarian can easily avoid meat while still getting those vital nutrients and proteins. One way is that a vegetarian can take extra supplements  to replace the deficiency in these nutrients. For example, a vegetarian can take B12 and Omega 3 supplements. In addition, a vegetarian can also eat more servings of food to make up for the lack of nutrients in only one serving of food. Also, a vegetarian can eat more legumes, soy, and nuts.

         All of the points I have presented are examples of how having a plant-based diet and avoiding meat is better for your health. I hope that you will consider the benefits of vegetarianism. As you have read, vegetarianism means that you are consuming more fiber and antioxidant rich produce. Along with reducing the risk of many diseases. In addition, vegetarianism keeps you healthy by keeping your weight down and reducing the risk of obesity.   

The Urinary System

http://classes.midlandstech.edu/carterp/Courses/bio211/chap25/figure_25_01_labeled.jpg

The Urinary System removes liquid waste from the blood, in the form of urine. The Urinary System produces erythropoietin, a hormone that aids the formation of red blood cells. The Urinary System also filters body fluids by pulling harmful molecules out of the bloodstream and leaving the good molecules. The Urinary System keeps a stable balance of salts and other substances in the blood. In addition, this system helps control hydration levels of the body. When your body is lacking water, the Urinary System creates less urine, so the body losses less water.

The major organs of the Urinary System are:

Two Kidneys: These Kidneys extract waste from blood by pulling out harmful molecules from the bloodstream and leaving the good molecules. In addition, the Kidneys help balance body fluids by creating less urine when the body is lacking water. Also, the Kidneys form urine to get rid of waste from the body.

Bladder: The main purpose of the Bladder is to store urine. This allows infrequent and voluntary urination.

Urethra: In females, the Urethra tube conveys urine from the urinary bladder to the outside of the body. In males, the Urethra also functions as a urinary canal and as a passageway for cells and secretions, for various reproductive organs.

Two Ureters: The two Ureters are attached to each kidney. The function of the Ureters is to carry urine from the Kidney to the Urinary Bladder.

The Urinary System works very closely with the Circulatory System and the Endocrine System. The Urinary System interacts with the Circulatory System because blood that circulates through the body, via the Circulatory System, passes through the Kidneys of the Urinary System. As this happens, the Kidneys filter the blood by removing urea, uric acid, and water. Most of this water is put back into the system. The Urinary System interacts with the Endocrine System because the Endocrine System is the major controller of the Urinary System. As the levels of compounds and fluids are monitored, kidney function must be constantly altered to provide the best internal environment for the cells. The kidneys are also connected to the Endocrine System because the adrenal gland position of the top of the kidney. 

Analogy

http://www.tandemchillers.com/
images/strainers/filtration1.jpg

The Kidneys are like a filtration system because ...

• it filters liquid
• it has a safety benefit
• it removes bacteria

The Kidneys are like a filtration system because both filter liquids. The Kidneys filter blood as it circulates like how a filtration system usually filters water. In addition, the Kidneys are like a filtration system because both filter for a benefit. The Kidneys filters blood so that it is safe for the body. This is like how a filtration system filters water so it is safe for us to consume. Lastly, the Kidneys are like a filtration system because both remove bacteria. The Kidneys remove harmful molecules from the bloodstream as a filtration system removes bacteria such as Cholera.

Structure and Function

The Urinary Bladder is a muscular sac. The function of the Urinary Bladder is to store urine. This muscle that the sac is made up of, is expandable. When the Bladder is full, it expands. However when the Bladder is empty, it is the size of a pear. Knowing this information, I believe that because the Urinary Bladder is the structure of a sac, it is able to carry fluids like urine. In addition, I believe that because the Urinary Bladder is entirely made up of muscle, that it is able to expand or stretch when full of urine. As well as, shrink or go back to it's original size when it is empty. I believe that the structure of the Urinary Bladder allows it to be responsible for storing urine. knowing this information, 

Sources:
http://www.biology4kids.com/files/systems_excretory.html
http://www.kidneyhealthcare.com/2010/02/organs-of-urinary-system-and-their.html

The Nervous System

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/ba/Nervous_system_diagram.png

The Nervous System is a complex collection of nerves and cells, known as neurons, that transmit signals between different parts of the body. The Nervous System senses when something is happening not only outside, but inside the body as well. In addition, the Nervous System sends signals to different parts of the body, telling them to perform a certain function.

The major organs of the Nervous System are:

Brain: The Brain receives information directly from the body's Sensory Organs, as well as the rest of the body. These Sensory Organs include the eyes, the ears, the tongue, the skin, and the nose. The Brain also sends signals to different parts of the body to make them perform a specific function.

Spinal Cord: The purpose of the Spinal Cord is to act as a pathway for messages and signals from the brain to the body. As well as, a pathway for messages from the body to the brain.

Sensory Organs (eyes, ears, tongue, skin, nose): These organs represent the five senses, sight, hearing, taste, feel, and smell. These organs take information that is sent from the brain so the body can act on it.

The Nervous System interacts with every system of the body. This is because all tissues and organs of the body need instruction and direction from the Nervous System. However, the Nervous System works closely with the Endocrine System, the Digestive System, the Skeletal System, and the Muscular System. The Nervous System interacts with the Endocrine System to control the creation of specific hormones and enzymes. These chemicals are important for metabolism, growth, water and mineral balance, and the response to stress. Hormones also provide feedback to the brain to affect neural processing. Reproductive hormones affect the development of the Nervous System. The Nervous System interacts with the Digestive System because the Nervous System regulates the speed at which food moves through the digestive tract. The Nervous System interacts with the Skeletal System because bones provide calcium that is essential for the proper functioning of the Nervous System. In addition, the vertebrae protects the spinal cord from injury. Sensory receptors in joints between bones send signals about body position to the brain. Lastly, the Digestive System interacts with the Muscular System because receptors in muscles provide the brain with information about body position and movement. Also, the brain controls the contraction of skeletal muscle.

Analogy

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/
3b/Mission_control_center.jpg

The Nervous System is like a control center because ...

• it gives instructions and directions
• it makes others do a certain function
• it is the main chief

The Nervous System is like a control center because both give instructions and directions. The Nervous System gives instructions to different parts of the body by sending signals. This is much like how a control center sends instructions to a specific organization. Another reason the Nervous System is like a control center is both make others do something. The Nervous System sends signals to make different parts of the body perform a certain function like how a control center makes a part of an organization do a specific job. In addition, the Nervous System is like a control center because both act as the main chief and take charge. The Nervous System is the main chief and commander of the body, as the control center is the main chief and commander of a specific organization.

Structure and Function

The spinal cord (in yellow) connects the brain to nerves throughout the body. The spinal cord is a long, thin, tubular bundle of nervous tissue and support cells that extends from the medulla oblongata in the brain stem to the lumbar region of the vertebral column. The function of the spinal cord is to act as a pathway for messages and signals from the brain to the body and from the body to the brain. Having this knowledge, I believe that because the spinal cord is shaped as a long, thin tube, that it is able to act as a passageway to carry messages and signals. In addition, I believe that because the spinal cord extends from the brain stem to the lumbar region of the vertebral column, that it is able to carry messages and signals from the brain to the body and vice versa. In all, I believe that the structure of the spinal cord effects the function by making it responsible for acting as a passageway and carrying messages and signals from the brain to the body and from the body to the brain.

Source:
http://www.biology4kids.com/files/systems_nervous.html
http://sciencefairdepression.weebly.com/main-organs.html

The Immune System

http://www.livehealthynaturally.info/ImmuneSystem.jpg

The Immune System is there to keep you alive and healthy. The Immune System is the body's defense against infectious organisms and other invaders. The Immune System does this by attacking foreign invaders or going after cells created within the body that could endanger your life.

The major organs of the Immune System are:

Thymus: The purpose of the Thymus is to take part in the production, training, and development of T-lymphocytes or T-cells. These are extremely important white blood cells that are involved in protecting the body against both infectious disease and foreign invaders.

Bone Marrow: The Bone Marrow replaces unhealthy blood stem cells with healthy blood stem cells. These cells are also known as blood-forming cells. They are immature cells that can grow into red blood, white blood cells, and platelets.

Spleen: The Spleen contains white blood cells that fight infection or disease. In addition, the spleen also helps control the amount of blood in the body and disposes of old or damaged blood cells.

Lymph Nodes: The function of Lymph Nodes is to produce and store cells that fight infection and disease. In addition, Lymph Nodes also contain lymph, the clear fluid that carries those cells to different parts of the body. When the body is fighting infection, lymph nodes can become enlarged and feel sore.

The Immune System works with the Circulatory System and the Integumentary System. The Immune System interacts with the Circulatory by working together to maintain homeostasis by removing any foreign cells. This is because the Circulatory System continuously sends blood and essential substances through the entire body. Such as white blood cells from the Immune System. The Immune System works with the Integumentary System because the skin is one of the first defense mechanisms in the Immune System. There are cells and compounds on the skin that help to kill any bacteria that appear. Usually, the skin will get dangerous bacteria and viruses before the lungs breathe in these microorganisms.

Analogy

The Immune System is like an army because ...

http://www.military.ie/uploads/tx_templavoila/army.jpg

• it is a defense force
• it is weak if something is missing
• it works as a team
• it needs training to become strong

The Immune System is like an army because both are defense forces. The Immune System defends the body like how an army defends their country. In addition, the Immune System is like an army because both perform and function as a team by working together. Also, both don't function properly if a part of their whole team is missing. If the bone marrow fails to function, the production of white blood cells and red blood cells will lack. This means that the Immune System won't be able to protect the body from infectious disease and foreign invaders properly. This is much like how if a group of soldiers aren't working, the whole army wouldn't be able to protect their country as well. Lastly, both need training to become strong. The Immune System needs to encounter a certain disease before learning how to defend against it's virus like how the soldiers of an army need to train to use certain equipment in order to know what to do in specific situations.

Structure and Function

The main function of the Bone Marrow is to generate blood cells. These cells including red blood cells and white blood cells. The Bone Marrow contains two main types of stem cells, Hematopoietic stem cells and Mesenchymal stem cells. Hematopoietic stem cells are found in red marrow and are responsible for the production of blood cells. While Mesenchymal stem cells produce the non-blood cell components of marrow, including fat, cartilage, fibrous connective tissue, stromal cells that support blood formation, and bone cells. Knowing this information, I believe that because the Bone Marrow contains these stem cells in it's structure, that it is able to produce blood cells and many other components. I believe this is why Bone Marrow is responsible for the production of red blood cells and white blood cells.

Sources:

http://www.biology4kids.com/files/systems_immune.html

http://www.livescience.com/26579-immune-system.html

The Respiratory System

https://visualsonline.cancer.gov/retrieve.cfm?imageid=1774&dpi=300&fileformat=jpg

All organisms need oxygen to complete the process to burning glucose for fuel. The function of the Respiratory System is to bring oxygen into the body. In addition, the Respiratory System helps get rid of carbon dioxide from the body.

The major organs of the Respiratory System are:

Lungs: The main function of the Lungs is to help oxygen from the air we breathe enter the red blood cells. These red blood cells then carry oxygen around the body to be used in the cells found in various parts of the body. In addition, Lungs also help the body dispose of carbon dioxide gas when we exhale.

Trachea: The Trachea is a wide, hollow tube that connects the larynx to the bronchi of the lungs. The Trachea is an essential part to the body's airway. The vital function of the Trachea is to provide air flow to and from the lungs for respiration. 

Bronchi: Bronchi are extensions of the windpipe that shuttle air to and from the lungs. As these organs are the main passageway into the lungs. The function of Bronchi is to carry air through the lung tissue. 

Diaphragm: The diaphragm is the primary muscle used in the process of inspiration, or inhalation. Lying at the base of the thorax (chest), the diaphragm separates the abdominal cavity from the thoracic cavity.

The Respiratory System interacts with the Circulatory System and the Digestive System. The Respiratory System interacts with the Circulatory System by working together to be the body's oxygen transport system. The circulatory system pumps blood around the body, and the respiratory system facilitates the gas exchange that keeps the blood fresh. More specifically, Oxygen low blood enters the heart through the right atrium. From there, the blood flows through the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle. When the heart contracts during the diastolic phase, this blood is pumped out through the pulmonary arteries that run toward the lungs. At the lungs, the blood is oxygenated. After oxygenation, the fresh blood is circulated back through the bronchial veins and into the pulmonary veins. These run from the lungs and drain into the heart's left atrium. This oxygen-rich blood is then passed into the left ventricle and pumped out through the aorta and into the rest of the body. The digestive tract provides the nutrient molecules, through the process of digestion, while the respiratory tract provides oxygen. As such, the two systems work together to give your cells the ingredients they need to produce energy, which they use to communicate, build cellular products and grow.

Analogy

http://weknowyourdreams.com/images/tree/tree-04.jpg

The Respiratory System is like a tree because:

• it absorbs oxygen
• it releases carbon dioxide
• it is supported

The Respiratory System is like a tree because both absorb oxygen. The Bronchioles of the Respiratory System act like the leaves of a tree. As both absorb oxygen, as well as release carbon dioxide. In addition, the Respiratory System is like a tree because both are supported in a way. The Trachea supports the Respirator System just like how the trunk supports a tree. 

Structure and Function

Alveoli are tiny sacs within our lungs that allow oxygen and carbon dioxide to move between the lungs and bloodstream. Alveoli are composed of simple squamous epithelial tissue. This is because oxygen needs to diffuse through while simultaneously carbon dioxide needs to diffuse out. If the tissue was stratified columnar it would be harder for the gases to enter/leave. Therefore the simple squamous epithelial tissue means the gases can diffuse through easily and more efficiently. I believe that because the Alveoli is made up squamous epithelial tissue, it is able to easily diffuse gases, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide. I believe this is why the Alveoli is responsible for this job.

Sources:

http://www.biology4kids.com/files/systems_respiratory.html

http://kidshealth.org/en/kids/lungs.html

http://www.innerbody.com/anatomy/respiratory