Unit 5 reflection

Unit 5 was about the endocrine, lymphatic, and digestive system. Organs overlap in the different systems. We learned about the lymphocytes in the cell mediated and humoral responses, and they came up again in the lymphatic system. The most influential topic I learned about this unit was the diabetes section. It really stuck to me because we can all get diabete if we do not take care of our bodies. Living with diabetes is extremely stressful, and you are constantly on the edge; diabetes is the number one endocrine system disease and 90% of the people who have the disorder are type 2. That 90% is extremely high shows the world is lacking attention to health and oes not understand the severity of the disorder. Just by learning more about the effects of type 2 diabetes, I have become more cautious when it comes to eating unhealthy foods. This unit went by fairly quickly and covered some subjects I am still not solid at. I understand certain parts of certain structures, but have a hard time putting them all together in the big picture. We had very detailed readings on metabolism which went deeper that we were required to know. While I did learn more, it also confused me as well. How come our metabolism becomes less efficient when we stop eating?

My new years goal was to maintain a B- or higher in all classes and so far it's going pretty well since the new semester just started. My other goal was to make CCS for track which starts right around the corner in february. Although I am currently out with a hamstring injury, I have high hopes for this season and look forward to competing.

Digestive system lab

In class we cut pieces of ribbon to represent the lengths of different parts in the  digestive system. I am roughly 5' 8" which is 1.72 meters. That means that my digestive system, which is 9.37 meters, is 5.5 times longer than my height. My body can hold all 9.37meters of my digestive system because it coils up and and utilizes space efficiently. The organs such as the stomach, large intestines, and small intestines, can all stretch and expand when needed. As a guess I'd say that food takes 4 hours to move through the entire digestive system, but I found out that it takes roughly 6-8 hours. Factors that can affect the the time taken include gender and age. Digestion differs from absorption because digestion breaks down the bolus while absorption takes in the minerals and vitamins. About the digestive system I'd like to learn how it knows what our body needs and how our body responds when there is a failure in the system.

New Year's Goals

I have two new year's goals,

1). I will maintain a B- grade or higher in all my classes.

Last semester I did not do well in a particular class and I wasn't prod of it. I will be more present in class where the information is taught. For studying I will prepare for tests more efficiently by starting multiple days ahead.

2). I will make CCS for track. 

Always met with injuries, I was never able to perform well, and I use that as an excuse, but I know I can do it. I have trained hard this year squatting, and getting my strength up in the weight room, and I hope to see the results on the field. During the season I will do my best to take care of my body, and keep it in top shape. Its not really a fight against any other runner, but rather a fight against myself.