Unit 5 Reflection

In this unit, we mostly focused on the digestive system, metabolism, endocrine and lymphatic system. The 6 basic functions of our digestive system are ingestion, secretion, mixing, digesting and absorption. From the alimentary canal all the way to the anal cavity they each take part in a unique way. Food starts off in the mouth where the tongue helps to change it into a bolus. Then, it travels from the pharynx to the esophagus where peristalsis helps move it to the stomach. The food then turns into chyme and the protein is starting to get digested. The small intestine and the accessory organs help to absorb nutrients and break down certain parts of the food. The large intestine then dries out indigestible food which leaves through the anus. We did a lab on the digestive system where we approximately measure how long it is. It was pretty shocking to see how long our digestive system really is considering the amount of space that we have and how it can fit. Then, we learned about our metabolism and how our body uses different sources of energy for each part. There are 3 different states that our body goes through after eating a meal. The fed, fasting and starvation state. It is really interesting how our body uses it different sources of energy and counts on different backup solutions in times of desperation.

Digestive System

An important hormone we learned about was insulin. An irregularity in the body when it comes to insulin is diabetes. It is the most common endocrine disorder within the US and there are 2 types. Type 1 typically occurs in children and is where one does not produce any insulin and requires insulin shots. Type 2 is way more common and usually begins with insulin resistance which leads to the body not being able to respond to the insulin produced.
The endocrine system controls everything involved in movement & physiological equilibrium. The endocrine glands include the pituitary, posterior lobe, adrenal medulla, adrenal cortex, pancreas, gonads, kidneys, anterior lob, thyroid, and parathyroid. Each of these play an essential role in secreting hormones that are responsible different parts of the body.

Endocrine System

The major functions of the lymphatic system include immunity, lipid absorption, and fluid recovery. Lymph flows within lymphatic vessels and contains lymphocytes. Lymph capillaries allow interstitial fluid to flow in and out.  Lymph nodes are rather important as they filter lymph, trap foreign substance which are then destroyed by immune cells.
This unit was rather different compared to the other units because I had minimal knowledge regarding any of the information we learned. There are so many different hormone and glands that are involved in very specific roles and can be confusing at times. But, the more I review the information the more I am able to absorb in the information and actually understand it. Considering the fact that it is the second semester of this class, my studying skills have definitely improved and makes learning and understanding new information much easier. This unit, we read many different articles regarding metabolism, diabetes and the endocrine system. One thing that I found really interesting was how strength training can actually help your metabolism in the long run. Also, I learned how there are many factors that contribute to each person's metabolism. I have always thought that a person's metabolism was determined by genetics and certain people were either lucky or not.
For my New Year Goals, I have been trying my hardest to stick to them. I definitely hit an all time low with my motivation at the beginning of the semester but it had definitely picked up in the past two weeks. I have been trying to not procrastinate as much and actually try to be as productive as possible. As with my second goal, I have been doing pretty well and have been expanding my exercise routine. Although there have been a few setbacks like getting sick and the rainy weather I will definitely try to resume to normal as soon as possible.