Neeka Nikfar Anatomy Blog: Unit 5 Reflection

Unit 5 was about the Digestive System, Fuel Metabolism, Diabetes, Endocrine System, and the Lymphatic System. I learned the functions of each system; for example, the lymphatic system's function is immunity, lipid absorption, and fluid recovery. I learned that steroid hormones are lipid soluble, which means that they can pass through the cell membrane without receptors needed. Non steroid hormones are not lipid soluble, which means that they need to react with specific receptors outside the cell, which leads to formation of cAMP. The Endocrine System has many important glands, such as the Thyroid Gland, Parathyroid glands, and adrenal medulla, which have specific hormones. Growth Hormone is specific to the Anterior Lobe while ADH is specific to the Posterior Lobe. Diabetes is when the body can't properly regulate blood glucose levels. The first time is an autoimmune disorder where the body does not make insulin at all so the people must take insulin shots. Type 2 Diabetes usually begins as insulin resistance where the body doesn't respond properly to insulin. Lastly, I learned that the passage way of food goes from the mouth to pharynx to esophagus to stomach to small intestines to large intestines to anal canal to anus.

My weaknesses were the three stages of Metabolism: Fed State, Fasting State, and Starvation State. I was confused how long the Fed State lasts and when you know you are in the Fed State versus the Fasting State. That topic was very difficult for me to learn, but when I reviewed the notes, it made the three stages more clear. My strengths were the different hormones insulin and glucagon since we learned them last semester. It's interesting to know that those hormones are so important to the body. Insulin signals high glucose levels and promotes fat storage while glucagon signals ow glucose levels and stimulates conversion of glycogen to glucose in liver.

In Unit 5, we did many detailed packets that were very hard to understand. However, I found them helpful for understanding the topics we went over in class. We had to read two packets called Integration of Metabolism and Stress, Metabolism, and Liquidating Your Assets. We also had to fill out another packet called the Endocrine System. We also did a Digestive System Lab (Blog Post) which helped me understand the sizes of the alimentary canal and other organs such as the stomach and small intestines. It was interesting to see how long it really was.

I am interested to learn if Diabetes is based on genetics, or is it just something people develop based on their everyday habits. I am also interested in learning more about the lymphatic system because usually, people don't really understand the importance of that system. My New Years Goal (New Years Goals blog post) was to start listening more in class, and I think I am listening and focusing more in class. Another goal was to not procrastinate. I still don't think I have reached this goal yet.