Urinary system video and assignment, what is a kidney stone and what causes it?

A kidney stone is a solid piece of material that forms in a kidney when substances that are normally found in the urine become highly concentrated. A stone may stay in the kidney or travel down the urinary tract. Kidney stones vary in size. A small stone may pass on its own, causing little or no pain. A larger stone may get stuck along the urinary tract and can block the flow of urine, causing severe pain or bleeding.Kidney stones are one of the most common disorders of the urinary tract.

What causes it?

Kidney stones can form when substances in the urine—such as calcium, oxalate, and phosphorus become highly concentrated. Certain foods may promote stone formation in people who are susceptible, but scientists do not believe that eating any specific food causes stones to form in people who are not susceptible. People who do not drink enough fluids may also be at higher risk, as their urine is more concentrated. Usually people who don't drink enough water. It is known that kidney stones occur far more often in men then in women.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LngbrHJkXoE

Link for Heart!

://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNEb78iXAzg

Circulatory System Review!

 For some reason I couldn't get the diagrams to work so I just listed them instead!

(Top to bottom)
Of the heart:
1.superior vena cava
2. Right atrium
3. Tricuspid- right AV valve
4. Right ventricle
5. Inferior vena cava
6. Aorta
7. Pulmonary artery
8. Right semilunar valve
9. Pulmonary vein
10. Left atrium
11. Bicuspic- left AV valve
12. Left ventricle

Subclavian arteries and veins- The arteries carry oxygenated blood to the arms, while the deoxygenated blood is carried from the arms to the superior vena cava.

Jugular veins- These veins carry deoxygenated blood from the head to the superior vena cava.

Carotid arteries- Carries oxygenated blood to the head

Mesentric arteries- Carries oxygenated blood to the digestive tract.

Superior and inferior vena cava- The largest veins and the superior vena cava collects deoxygenated blood from head, neck, and veins.  The inferior vena cava collects blood from the trunk and legs.

Hepatic vein, and hepatic portal vein- the hepatic veins runs from the liver to the inferior vena cava, while the hepatic portal vein runs from the small intestine to the liver.

Renal arteries and veins- carry deoxygenated and oxygenated blood to and from the kidneys.

Iliac arteries and veins- the iliac arteries and veins carry oxygenated and deoxygenated blood to and from the legs.

Coronary arteries and veins- carry oxygenated and deoxygenated blood to and from the head muscle.

Compare the following:

Pulmonary vs. systemic (blood vessels, function, oxygenated vs. deoxygenated)

Arteries vs. veins (structure)

1. The primary distinction from systemic circulation and pulmonary circulation is that the systemic circulation runs to and from body cells and the body, while pulmonary circulation runs to and from the heart and lungs. The pulmnonary system is incredibly important as this is where gas exchange takes place and without this circulation, the systemic circluation would not be able to do its job.  The systemic circulation carries many different types of blood vessels ranging from elastic to muscular, and branches off into all tissues. The pulmonary circulation only has two types of blood vessels that only branch off into the lungs. In the systemic circulation, arteries carry oxygenated blood to the tissues from the left ventricle of the heart. In the pulmonary circulation, the pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs via the right ventricle.In the systemic circulation, veins carry deoxygenated blood to the heart, emptying into the right atrium of the heart. In the pulmonary circulation, the pulmonary vein carries oxygenated blood to the heart, emptying into the left atrium. Arteries carry oxygenated blood and have thicker and more muscular walls in order to pump to the rest of the body, while the veins are thinner. Veins also have valves that prevent the backflow of deoxygenated blood, while arteries do not.

2. The oxygenated blood that is carried to the brain through the carotid artery is then turned into deoxygenated blood after the exchange has taken place and the oxygen has reached its destination. After this, the deoxygenated blood returns down the jugular vein and into the superior vena cava.  From there, the deoxygenated blood enters the right atrium and then past the triscuspid valve into the right ventricle. The deoxygenated blood is then pumped past the pulmonary semi-lunar valve  and into the pulmonary trunk. Past the pulmonary artery, the deoxygenated blood enters the lungs where gas exhange takes place. the carbon dioxide is breathed out and oxygen is breathed in, oxidizing the blood. From here, the newly oxygenated blood is brought back to the heart through the pulmonary veins and then into the left atrium. From the the left atrium the blood travels past the bicuspid or mitral valve into the left ventricle. After this, the blood travels past the aortic semi-lunar valve into the aorta. This is where the oxygenated blood is pumped to reach the rest of the body.

3. In a fetus, the lungs and digestive system has nothing to digest. The baby gets all of its nutrients and respiration needs from the placenta, which is attached to the inside of the womb. The baby also has umbilical veins and arteries which supply blood to the baby that are intertwined with the placenta. The umbilical veins drain into the ductuc venosus which moves the blood to the inferior vena cava. A baby also have something called the formen ovale which is a hole which runs form the right atrium to the left atrium. This prevents the blood from going to the lungs which cannot be used.

Engagement in class!

I am engaged by participating in class discussions, and asking questions regularly! This is how I show my activity in class, I enjoy the discussions and by asking these questions I gain a full round comprehension of the topic at hand. I make sure that I contribute and finish my homework in class before going home and Although I am a little behind on my blog posts right now, I make sure to stay on top of the material and ask for clarification if a test or quiz is coming up.

Playland Assignment :)

1. My heart rate increased significantly while waiting in line, it was more rapid. Although I don't have any evidence of recording my heart rate, I did take it down. It was around 117 just because of the excitement of the ride, and after the ride my hear rate was a little bit higher around 120.

2. I think my heart rate is affected by the stress of a situation like saying "We're having a pop quiz" would illicit a faster heart rate. This is because the heart is responding withe nerves and chemicals to external forces.

3. Breathing is effected similarly like the heart. It is similar because it's the reaction of the body to the stress of a situation or a chemical change due to fear.

4. My hands grew clammy and cold. Clammy hands occur due to hyperactive nerves, that send signals to the sweat glands in the skin in the sympathetic nervous system. It is also caused by a rise in temperature in the body. 

Playland evidence!

Heart dissection questions!

1.      Compare the structure of the atria and ventricles - how are they different?  Why is that?

The structure for the atria has thinner walls than the ventricle, which tends to be thicker. The atria have lower blood pressure while the ventricles have a higher blood pressure. In addition the atria are the upper chamber of the heart while the ventricles are the lower chamber of the heart.

2.       Did you notice a difference between the veins and arteries entering and leaving the heart?  How is their structure different?

Arteries tend to carry oxygenated blood from the heart, and veins transport deoxygenated blood back to the heart. Like before the arteries tend to have more muscular and thicker walls, which in turn are more elastic than veins. Veins have a thin wall and maintain less elasticity, the blood flow is slower, unlike in the arteries where blood tends travel rapidly.

3.      Describe the valves that you found in the heart - what are their functions?

There are 4 different valves found in the heart, the pulmonic valve, the tricuspid, the mitral and the aortic valve. They all aid in the proper blood flow through the heart, keep blood moving efficiently and smoothly, and most importantly in the right direction. There pulmonic is also nicknamed the left semilunar valve, because of its outward structure.

4. What surprised you about dissecting the heart?  Why?

It surprised us by how muscular and heavy it was, we didn’t expect it to way so much, but it makes sense that it does.

by corey, addy, jamie and tasha

What is an aortic aneurysm?

First of all the aorta consists of 4 different parts the root, the arch, and the ascending and descending aorta. An aortic aneurysm is the weakening of aortic walls, which has three different layers. When one of the walls may become weak, and tend to balloon or bloat outwards until it may rupture. The rupture is the greatest danger is that the aneurysm will indeed rupture and then heavy uncontrollable bleeding will commence. This is also known as a hemorrhage. A side bit of information, is that it may be caused by high blood pressure or other compromised tissues. Here is a video describing the apparent symptoms and specifics of an aortic aneurysm, enjoy!

Then explain how inspiration and expiration work.  What causes the lung to inflate with air?  Why do they deflate?  What part of the process requires a "muscle contraction" of the diaphragm?

The external intercostals and diaphragm and the diagram contracts to bring about inspiration. The contraction of the external intercostal leads to the elevation of the ribs and sternum which increases the dimensions of the thoracic external cavity. This all lower s the pressure in the lungs and lets air move into the lungs.

Expiration is the relaxation of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. This returns the thoracic cavity to its resting position including the diaphragm, ribs and sternum. This increases the pressure in the lungs and then the air is exhaled.

Vital Capacity!

1. How does your vital capacity compare to others in the class? Describe some reasons why you think your vital capacity is what it is. Why are the highest and lowest vital capacities the way they are?


My vital capacity is in fact quite low compared to the rest of the classes. My vital capacity was only 2500 while most would have above that. I have played the tenor saxophone for five years so I thought I would have a higher capacity , but I also have asthma so it would make sense that I would have a lower capacity than most. The highest and lowest vital capacities are the way they are because showcases actual lung strength and the higher it is on the scale the more healthy your lungs are.

 2. How much air is in a usual breath? Why are our breaths the volume that they are?

The typical or average amount of air is 5oo ml. For girls it tends to be two liters while boys are four.
The breaths volume are the way that they are because it depends on the athletic endurance, body sizes and frames.

3. How is the mechanism of exhaling forcefully different than a usual exhalation? Why would practice at this via exercise/instrument playing/singing make you better at it?

When we exhale forcefully, we are voluntarily exhaling air while usual exhalation is involuntarily exhalation. This practices will make it easier to breathe and/or create healthier lungs because it conditions the lungs for a higher vital capacity.

Pneumonia: Some fluids you just don't want in your body!

 First and foremost pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. Many different germs can cause pneumonia, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. When you breathe in these germs, they can settle in the air sacs (alveoli, which is connected to the bronchioles, bronchi and trechea etc.) of your lungs. Deep in your lungs, the germs may grow and overcome your body's normal defenses.
After they become infected, the air sacs then fill with pus and mucus. This swelling (inflammation) of the air sacs makes them less stretchy and keeps oxygen from properly reaching your blood stream.
As you work harder to breathe and give your body oxygen, you can feel short of breath. It usually effects people who are more susceptible like infants and seniors, or people who have previously had a flu or cold and their immune system is weaker.

here is a video that will leave you with a further understanding!

Interim report

1. When we recently had a test I felt like I performed well. It made me realize how much I learned when we had to test our knowledge on the certain subjects like digestive enzymes and structures. I can also answer questions in class and that  was something I never did in biology 11,so I feel like I know more and study more effectively.

2. I have one page in which I have finished but it was not for homework fortunately! I feel like I have a handle on my homework and studying skills, I'm getting into the flow of studying and quizzing myself. I have handed in all the required assignments, and allow time.

3. I have had the chance to collaborate with others and I find it enhances my learning extensively. Its nice to have people around to discuss and bring to a better understanding of  the material.

4. My goal in biology 12 is to understand the material at a very comprehensive level and broaden my understanding of biology as a whole. I hope to be able to understand and how the human body and other organisms work.

1. Describe a positive result for each of the tests that you performed in the lab.

In carbohydrates if the sample turned a cloudy orange-yellow brown colour, single sugars are present, which means that results are positive. In the starch experiment if the results turned a dark purple to black colour it indicates starch is present, meaning that the results are then positive. For the fats experiment we rubbed each piece of food onto the paper and any square that turned transparent " window" a grease spot contains fat or lipid and thus tests positive.

2. Starch molecules are large carbohydrates polymers. Find and post a picture of the starch molecule structure. What are the building blocks that starch molecules are made of?


The building block for starch is the simple sugar known as glucose.

3.Thomas and Josh had interesting results to their simple sugar test - if you are following either of their blogs, look at their picture of their test tubes after they took them out of the hot water bath.
After 2 minutes, only 2 of the test tubes were yellow/orange, and the rest remained blue.  They took the two positive test tubes out of the hot water bath and left the others in the hot water bath for 2 more minutes.  At the end of the two extra minutes all the test tubes indicated a positive result.  Based on your knowledge of carbohydrate molecules, why do you think they got these results?

Based on my knowledge of simple carbohydrates they will be broken down if subjected to heat, but the more complicated and diverse samples just need more time(heat) to be able to test positive.

4.  Making connections - Describe the passage of one of your food items through the digestive system, starting with the mouth & ending at the anus.  Include the specific enzymes, accessory organ secretions & internal conditions the food/chyme would pass through from start to finish.

 First, let's take for example the bread that we used in the experiment. So it all begins in the mouth, where the teeth manually breaks down the food, and then the chemical digestions starts. The salivary glands produce saliva and lubricates food which allows you to swallow. It contains an enzyme by the name of salivary amylase, which breaks down starch molecules(which is in the bread) into a molecule named maltose.

The bolus then passes through the pharynx and through a muscular tube called the esophagus, which is connected to the throat and stomach. This is where peristalsis happens, an involuntary muscle contraction that moves food along the digestive tract.On a side note the epiglottis is a flap that opens and closes when swallowing to keep food out of the trachea. Anyway, the bolus then passes through the cardiac sphincter, a valve at the top of the stomach and makes its way finally into the stomach.

The stomach produces gastric juice,  which encompasses HCL(hydrochloric acid), mucus and an enzyme called pepsin. The mucus lines the stomachs wall and protects it from HCL, which is slowly breaking down the food within. The enzyme pepsin breaks down protein molecules into what is called polypeptides. In addition , when food is in the stomach it is called chyme.

The gall bladder, liver and pancreas are accessory organs. The pancreas releases pancreatic juice which contains pancreatic amylase, trypsin, lipas, nuclease, and sodium bicarbonate. The pancreatic amylase breaks down starch into maltose and then glucose, trypsin breaks proteins into peptides, lipas from lipids to glycerol and fatty acids, nuclease from nucleic acid to nucleotides and sodium bicarbonate neutralizes the chyme entering the small intestine from the stomach. The liver produces bile, detoxifies alcohol and toxins and produces blood proteins etc.

The chyme then enters the small intestine through the pyloric sphincter which is located at the bottom of the stomach. The small intestine absorbs nutrients, small molecules, amino acids and fatty acids. The large intestine absorbs water and contains the bacteria ecoli. Once through the large intestine the chyme turns into feces and is stored in the rectum. It is then released through the anus on the violation of the subject.