Pig dissection

The pig dissection was an interesting experience. I thought the pig fetus was going to be bigger and much more mature. Looking at all of its different organs was also interesting. I was surprised to see how bug the liver was for such a small animal. The liver completely covered the stomach and I wonder why it needs such a big liver. The heart was also in a surprising location. I thought that it was going to be on the left side but it was actually right in the middle. I was so amazed at how small the heart was also. Our fetal pig was a male because it only had one hole. 

Engagement

Engagement in class can mean a lot of diffent things. For most people, being engaged means actively participating in class. That usually means asking a lot of questions and seeking help when not understanding the material. Other forms of being engaged include coming to class regularly and on time. Doing well on assignements and tests also shows that you are engaged in class because you know the things that you are beng taught. Also, asking what you missed if you were away shows initiative and care about your learning.

Circulation Quiz Review

Compare the following:

Pulmonary vs. systemic (blood vessels, function, oxygenated vs. deoxygenated)

Pulmonary Circulation: Blood is sent into the lungs. Deoxygenated blood is found in the right atrium which pumps into the right ventricle. Deoxygenated blood then goes out the pulmonary artery which becomes oxygenated in the lungs. Oxygenated blood goes to the pulmonary vein where it enters the left atrium.

Systemic Circulation: Oxygenated blood in the left atrium go to the left ventricle and is then pumped into the aorta. Then, blood travels into different arteries that branch off in our bodies, which then find themselves in the capillaries where gas exchange takes place. Deoxygenated blood then enters the right atrium via the superior or inferior vena cava.

Arteries vs. veins (structure)

Both arteries and veins have three layers, but arteries have thicker walls than veins. Arteries then shrink into smaller blood vessels called arterioles while veins turn into venules. The main difference between arteries and veins is that veins ahve valves that run along the walls to prevent blood from falling back down instead of going to the heart.

*List the structures (specific blood vessels, parts of the heart) that a blood cell would pass by within the circulatory system - moving from the carotid artery all the way back to the aorta.  Include information about where and when the blood is oxygenated and deoxygenated.

From the carotid artery, oxygenated blood would go through the artery, then its arteriole and finally to the capillaries. There, gas exchange would occur, and now deoxygenated blood would travel to the jugular vein and down to the superior vena cava. It enters the right atrium, through the AV valve and  moves to the right ventricle. The deoxygenated blood goes through the pulmonary artery where it enters the lungs to get oxygenated. The oxygenated blood goes through the pulmonary vein where it enters the left atrium, goes through the AV valve down the left ventricle and finally out the aorta.

Fetal circulation:  Describe the 3 major modifications of the fetal circulatory system.  What is the purpose of each?

Foramen ovale: Hole between right atrium and left atrium. Provides oxygen and blood flow, which bysses the lungs.

Ductus arteriosus: Hole between aorta and pulmonary trunk. This prevents blood from going to the lungs

Ductus venosus: Vein where oxygenated blood goes to the heart.

Urinary Video Question

What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones are hard crystalline minerals that are found in the urinary tract. They are clumps of calcium oxalate. They can be formed in a number of ways. When people get dehydrated the minerals in urine become more concentrated and kidney stones can start forming. Kidney stones are also hereditary and people who have had them before have a higher chance of getting them again. Kidney stones are dangerous because they can block the flow of urine and cause swelling in the kidney. The kidney can then be damaged and the kidneys could get infected. People who have kidney stones feel pain when urinating, develop fevers, and vomit. Stones usually pass by themselves in a matter of weeks, but others might need to be broken up or surgically removed. Symptoms of kidneys stones are usually treated with prescription medication and drinking lots of fluidsd.

http://chealth.canoe.ca/channel_condition_info_details.asp?disease_id=173&channel_id=2035&relation_id=20729

http://www.medicinenet.com/kidney_stone/page2.htm

Playland

Heart Rate: how does waiting in line for a ride affect your heart rate?  Did you record your heart rate before and after (any evidence)? How about riding on the ride - what affect did it have on your heart rate?
For most of the rides, my heart rate rate increased considerably, especially when the line started to get smaller and smaller. Unfortunately, I did not get any readings on my heart rate, but it was defnintely faster than normal. During the the beginning of rides, especially the atmosfear, my heart rate stayed at an increased pace, but after a few seconds of riding the ride, it went down to normal.

Why do you think your heart rate is affected?
Heart rate is affected by rides because when under a stressful situation, your sympathetic nervous system activates. Blood needs to pump faster in order to act on your fight or flight responses.

Breathing Rate:  Was your breathing rate affected by the rides?  Which ones?
Again, when waiting for rides, my breathing was fast and short, and got shorter and shorter during the wait, especially for the wooden roller coaster and the atmosfear. Rides like the breakdance and the scrambler didn't affect me too much because the rides werent't focused on height.

What other physiological effects (on your body) did you experience?  Can you explain any of them?
Other physiological effects I experienced were feeling nauseous, sweating, along with the shortness of breath and increased heart rate. All of these symptoms are part of our sympathetic nervous system responses to help us deal with the stressors that were applied.

Heart Dissection w/ Thomas

 Answer the following questions about the structures and functions of the heart & post to your blog:

1. Compare the structure of the atria and ventricles - how are they different?  Why is that?
    The right atria is only 2 mm thick, but the right ventricle is 4-5 mm thick. The left atria is 3 mm thick, while the left ventricle is 8-15 mm thick. The atrias are about one third the size of ventricles.

      2. Did you notice a difference between the veins and arteries entering and leaving the heart?  How is their structure different?

Both the arteries and veins have 3 layers in them, but the arterial walls are much thicker than the veins. 

3. Describe the valves that you found in the heart - what are their functions?

The valves that we found were small tissues near the pulmonary arteries, veins, and between the atrias and ventricles. Their functions are to prevent backflow of blood into the aorta. 

4. What surprised you about dissecting the heart? Why?

Thomas and I were surprised at how big the heart was, and how strong the chordae tendinae were. I was also surprised on how small the atria were compared to the ventricles. 

Arrythmia

What causes irregular heartbeats, and why is it so dangerous?

First of all, heartbeats are caused by electrical impulses that happen in the atria. Cells called sino-atrial nodes (SA nodes) generate the first pulse. The signal travels to another node called the AV node that causes the heart to contract and make a heartbeat. These electrical impulses stimulates the atria, contracts the muscles and allow blood to be pumped. Irregular heartbeats are called arrythmia. Tachycardia is an irregularly fast heartbeat. Ventricular fibrilation occurs when the heart doesnt beat properly. Instead of sending out thr electrical impulses, the heart just jiggles in place, doing nothing. This is caused by disordered electrical impulses. Although the heart moves, there isn't enough impulse to move blood through the heart, failing to circulate blood throughout the body. Symptoms include rapid heartbeats, chest pain, nausea, and dizziness. Medicine can be used to control the heart, and if it gets serious, an external defibrillator can be used to change the heartbeat back to its normal rhythm.

Links:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/188837.php

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007200.htm