Unit 4 Reflection

In unit 4, we focused on the integumentary and immune system. The body has many defense and protection mechanisms, and we learned a few of them such as hair, nails, skin and the immune responses. Our skin protects the body from external damage, however with this, comes the possibility of disease and disorders. Cancers, although take long to form, are mutated cells that multiply quickly without containment. These can be deadly if not treated through things like chemotherapy or radiation. In addition, the immune system protects our bodies from foreign particles and pathogens with accessories such as saliva, mucus or the epiglottis. B and T cells divide and differentiate into many other types, and they fight antigens by producing antibodies and attacking invaders. I understand the integumentary system well because it is visible and easier to see with a naked eye. I struggled to grasp the concept of lymphocyte cells because I cannot plainly see them, so it is harder to imagine their purpose. From the debate, I learned the controversy of a legalized organ market both because of  moral conflict and technical difficulties. I had the chance to develop empathy for both sides of the argument, even though I was only debating one of them. I enjoyed working with my group to learn a lot about the different opinions and statistics of legalizing the sales of human organs because it opened my eyes to an idea that I had not previously thought at all about. I want to learn more about how this has been implemented in other countries, and whether or not it is effective to have an open market because my aunt has been on a donor list for years and I can empathize with the painful waiting time.

Preferred Learning Styles
Being a self aware individual, I was not at all surprised by my learning style scores. Scoring 10 for reading, 8 for kinesthetic, 7 for visual and 3 for aural, I have always understood things better by seeing demonstrations  and reading. As I prepare for my upcoming test, I make myself flash cards on quizlet and I also write down short sentences about concepts that I study with and include little doodles to help myself remember. Also, test taking in a quiet environment is important for me so I will utilize my academic accommodations and take the exam at the TLC.

Unit 3 Reflection

In this unit, I learned the importance of the cardiovascular system. There are so many different components that must work together to function properly. Within the sheep heart dissection, I had the chance to see in depth how a heart is constructed, and it was very useful, especially with observing and understanding chordae tendinae and valves. It is not just the heart that makes up the system, but all of the vessels that connect to form a circuit of complex pathways. It is possible to simplify systemic circulation, through models such as the box heart which helps to show the general flow of blood. Self care is very important to maintain cardiovascular health through diet, exercise, sleep, etc. To improve my cardiovascular health, I plan to be more aware of my cholesterol intake and include more cardio workouts into my schedule.

Sheep Heart Dissection Questions

1) The purpose of the pericardium is to cover and protect the heart and retain its structure. It is constructed of a superficial fibrous layer and a deep serous layer that creates a thin membrane.

2) The function of veins and arteries are different, veins carry oxygenated blood, and arteries deoxygenated blood. They are also structurally different: the walls of veins are thinner than those of arteries. Arteries have thick elastic walls that expand when the heart contracts; they cause vasodilation and vasoconstriction.

3) The auricles on either sides of the heart store blood allowing more volume inside the chambers.

4) The atria are superior to the ventricles. The ventricles are bigger chambers, specifically on the right side because it transports blood throughout the body.

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7) Anchroing of the heart valves by the chordate tendinae and papillary muscle is important because it keeps valves tight to prevent blood back flow. If they were not anchored well, the valves would not shut properly.

8) The left atrioventricular valve is held together by string like chordinae tendineae with small tissues at the ends anchoring the valve to the walls. You can see the two valve indents.

9) Semi-lunar valves separate the ventricles from the openings of the aorta.

10) a. If valve disease occurs on the right side of the heart, swelling can result because the right side of the heart transports blood throughout the body.
      b. If the disease occured on the left side of the heart, heart attack can occur because the left side of the heart pumps blood through the heart.

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 Here you can see the chordae tendinae and papillary muscles that anchor the bicuspid valve.

12) The left side of the heart has smaller chambers than the right because its main function is to transport blood through the heart and needs less volume to do so. It transports oxygenated blood and the right pumps deoxygenated.

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