Unit 5 Reflection

This unit largely talked about more systems in our body that we probably know less about than others. The digestive system unit taught us about the structures and functions of our super long digestive track, shown in the lab in the following link.

http://mzguo.blogspot.com/2016/01/the-digestive-system-lab-how-long-is.html

Additionally, we learned about diabetes 1 and 2, which really shows us the importance of learning about health to actually stay healthy and avoid diabetes. Finally, we learned about the endocrine system and the lymphatic system, which also taught us a lot about the different ways our bodies take care of themselves. I already knew about our immune system for the most part, but I really found the Ted talk regarding sleep and the lymphatic system particularly interesting as it tied into the importance of sleep and actual connections to Alzheimer with evidence through research. One thing I liked about this unit was the further investigation/research we did at the end of the unit. It was brief and easy enough to not become a burden of an assignment, yet it broadened our horizons, especially when we were able to share and discuss with other students. It's all just part of the learning process, and that activity made it enjoyable and informative. I was really able to discover more about a topic I was genuinely curious about, and it was great to finally get some more information about prediabetes. In terms of my goals, so far I think I'm doing well. I've been pumping out covers, but I need to make sure I maintain my grades for all my classes. Glad I'm doing okay so far in this one. 

The Digestive System Lab- How long is your digestive system?

Mouth(Red)- 8 cm
Esophagus(Gold)- 45.6 cm
Stomach(White)- 20.5 cm
Small Intestine(String)- 650.24 cm
Large Intestine(Green)- 162.56 cm

Total Length- 886.9 cm or 8.869 m

1) For this lab, I measured ribbon according to the predicted length of these organs from my digestive system. Putting them all together gives me a bigger and a better picture of the size of my digestive system. According to the instructions, my small intestine is 4 times my height. Combined with my large intestine, that length would be 5 times my height. I always knew these organs were very long, but this gave me a definitive picture.

2) My height is 162.56 cm or 1.6256 m, which means approximately 5.4558 of me stretched out would be around the same length of my digestive system. My digestive system is able to fit inside my abdomen because there are so many folds to fit it inside the small space.

3) My guess is around 30 hours. According to MayoClinic.com, the entire digestive process can range from 24-72 hours. The average times are from 1-3 days, and that's quite a large range. My answer was in the range, but I guess I made my estimate based off what I believed was my time for my own full digestion. Factors that influence time digestion takes include amount of fiber eaten, amount of physical activity, amount of nicotine ingested, amount of caffeine drunk, certain prescription drugs.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/525519-the-normal-time-for-food-to-process-through-the-bowels-colon/

4) The mouth, esophagus, stomach, and small intestine are all involved in digestion, but small and large intestine do all of the absorption. Digestion is just the breaking down of food into smaller pieces, whether done through physical or chemical processes. Absorption is taking in nutrients and water, and using it as energy for the body.

5) If digestion happened abnormally quickly, would that indicate problems of absorption of nutrients?

New Year's Goals

New Year's Goals

I will get at least a 90% in this class. 

I will do every homework assignment and organize all my work.

I will study comprehensively before every test, always questioning and testing myself to prepare.

I will not procrastinate for homework or studying.

I will study early, so I don't cram the day before the test.

I will plan and gauge my time wisely so I can sleep early, and get enough sleep.

I will make sure I have time for all my classes.
I will balance my time so I have time for my other activities. 

I will make at least 15 covers before the end of the year, with at least 5 collaborations with other people. 

I will make at least 3 covers per month.

I will make time to work on covers every week.

I will plan ahead to work with people.

I will schedule and work out audio and visuals. 

I will pour more effort into my channel.