Unit 5 Reflection

  In Unit 5, we explored the digestive system, the endocrine system, and the lymphatic system. The main theme I garnered while studying the digestive system is how does the body use certain molecules and chemical pathways to meet its energy demands. For our digestion system, our body uses fuel metabolism to meet it's energy demands. To accomplish this, our body uses the three stages of energy extraction to retain these nutrients. Macromolecules are transformed into complex forms in stage I, which then the complex forms are converted into AcetylCoA. ATP is then generated from AcetylCoA, which fuels the body. When the body begins to run low on fuel, the pancreas releases glucagons for the body to eat more and retain more nutrients. The main theme I learned while studying the endocrine system is that the glands use various hormones to control various activities. There are two types of hormones are glands secrete: Steroid- which are lipid soluble and diffuse through cell membranes- and Nonsteroid- which are not lipid soluble and received by receptors external to the cell membrane. Hormones use the "Lock and Key" approach when interacting with specific receptors, as each hormone has it's own unique receptor. Our body secretes hormones through negative feedback, which helps the endocrine system maintain homeostasis and secrete certain hormones based o physiological changes. Negative feedback also reflects off diabetes too. Since the body is producing too little insulin, diabetic patients inject insulin in themselves so that the body and endocrine system can utilize the hormone to control hunger from the negative feedback. Lastly, the lymphatic system. We learned that the lymphatic system plays a huge part in our immunity, lipid absorption, and fluid recovery. The main purpose of the lymphatic system is circulation and immunity, as lymphocytes absorb plasma proteins and fluid from tissues, and bring it back to our bloodstream. Lymphocytes also help with immunity, as they produce T-cells- helps with cellular immunity-, B-cells- humoral immunity-, and NK cells- immunological surveillance.
In this unit, I believed my main strength was the endocrine system, as I have explored the system before and even learned about some hormones such as HGH, testoserone, and estrogen. However, my main weakness was the digestion system and lymphatic system since I had not studied it as much as the endocrine system, and as I am still confused on what the lymphatic system is. My biggest setback this unit was the temp check, which was mainly based around the digestion system. I only got one question right, which means I should emphasize studying the digestion system more to understand it for the test.
  The only lab we did throughout the entire unit was the digestion lab. What I learned from this lab is that our digestive lab is quite larger and longer than the human body. For me, my digestive tract is 5.4 meters, about thrice as long as my body. We also read the Does Your Metabolism Need an Overhaul  article, where I learned that weight training actually boosts our metabolism, not cardio exercises.
  Throughout the unit, the study that had brought the most interest to me was the endocrine system. This system had brought interest into me since I am a teenager, and the system is at it's peak when it comes to producing hormones. What I always wondered about is how we can prevent certain secretions of hormones, and regulate certain secretions of hormones. Can we as humans control these secretions, or will our body always be able to control and secrete hormones whenever it wants. Only time and evolution can answer such a unique question.
  My goals from the New Year have steadily been gaining traction. I continue to lift about six times a week, although instead of doing two hours of moderate intensity exercises, I do one hour of high intensity exercises. I manage to get between 7 to 9 hours of sleep, but I have now decided that I need more sleep since I still feel drowsy throughout the day, so I am now aiming for nine hours. My diet now includes more protein and legumes, although I still end up with carbohydrates in my meals still. As for homework, I cannot find time to complete it due to classes and social life, so I still end up doing my homework after school. However, if I can procrastinate less, than it would not serve a problem for me.
  My other goal for this year was to ace Anatomy. However, a huge setback has been presented, I failed my temp check. This would most likely bring my grade down to a C, so I will now have to emphasize more on studying for the class. I have yet to take more detailed notes or apply them to the outside world, so perhaps if I accomplish these they would serve as a solution for future tests. As for now, I will have to rely on my knowledge and less procrastination to survive in Anatomy and graduate my way to university.