Week 2 Lecture Notes

Monday - Diffusion + Circulatory and Respiratory System

Cardiovascular System

• Function: Circulates blood, delivers nutrients and oxygen, removes waste.
• Circulatory Loops:
  • Pulmonary Loop: Transports blood between heart and lungs for oxygenation.
  • Systemic Loop: Transports oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
• Heart Parts:
  • Examples include atria, ventricles, valves, septum.
• Blood Vessels:
  • Types: Arteries, veins, capillaries.
  • Arteries: Carry oxygenated blood away from the heart, withstand high pressure due to thick walls.
  • Arterioles: Small branches of arteries leading to capillaries.
  • Capillaries: Small vessels where gas exchange occurs.
  • Veins: Return deoxygenated blood to the heart.

Blood

• Definition & Function: A fluid that transports oxygen, nutrients, and waste.
• Components: Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, plasma.
• Role in Exchange: Facilitates nutrient and gas exchange in tissues.

Respiratory System

• Role: Facilitates gas exchange, transports oxygen and carbon dioxide.
• Major Parts:
  • Lungs, trachea, diaphragm.
• Organ Functions:
  • Pharynx: Pathway for air and food.
  • Larynx: Voice box, routes air and food.
  • Trachea: Windpipe, filters air.
  • Bronchi/Bronchioles: Air passages into the lungs.
  • Lungs: Main organs of respiration.
  • Cilia: Hair-like structures that trap debris.
  • Alveoli: Site of gas exchange.
• Main Gases: Oxygen and carbon dioxide.
• Interaction with Circulatory System: Works together to oxygenate blood and remove CO2.

Cellular Respiration

• Integration of Systems: Circulatory and respiratory systems supply oxygen and remove CO2 for cellular respiration.

Experiment: Effect of Exercise on Heart Rate

• Data Collection:
  • Resting: 90 bpm
  • Running: 133 bpm
  • Hopping: 110 bpm
  • Jumping: 105 bpm

Research Questions

• Diffusion: Movement of particles from high to low concentration.
• Location in Lungs: Occurs in alveoli.
• Function in Cells: Delivers oxygen to cells.
• Carbon Dioxide: Expelled from body via lungs.
• Importance: Essential for gas exchange and nutrient uptake.
• Substances Diffusing into Bloodstream: Oxygen, glucose, water, CO2, urea.

Diffusion Experiment

• Aim: Observe diffusion rate in hot vs cold water.
• Method:
  1. Use two beakers, one with hot and one with cold water.
  2. Place tea bags; observe over 5 minutes.
• Conclusion: Tea diffuses faster in hot water due to faster particle movement.

Tuesday - Digestion and Enzymes

Enzymes

• Function: Catalysts in biochemical reactions, e.g., digestion.
• Activation Energy: Energy needed to start a reaction.
• Substrate: Substance enzyme acts on.
• Active Site: Enzyme region binding substrates.

Enzyme Functions

• Protease: Breaks proteins into amino acids, aids muscle repair.
• Amylase: Converts starches to sugars, provides energy.
• Lipase: Splits fats into fatty acids and glycerol, stores energy.

Enzyme Locations

• Salivary Gland: Produces amylase.
• Stomach: Uses protease.
• Small Intestine: Utilizes amylase, protease, lipase.
• Importance: Breakdown of large molecules for nutrient absorption.
• Digestion Start: Begins in the mouth.

Wednesday - Endocrine System

Endocrine System

• Role: Hormonal regulation of body functions.

Glands and Hormones

• Pituitary: Master gland, regulates other glands.
• Thyroid: Regulates metabolism.
• Adrenal: Produces cortisol, adrenaline.
• Pancreas: Produces insulin, glucagon.
• Testes/Ovaries: Produce sex hormones.

Hormone Disorders

• Research Task: Investigate disorders like diabetes, growth hormone deficiency, thyroid issues.

Friday - Removing Waste

Waste Excretion

• Organs and Waste:
  • Skin: Removes salts through sweat.
  • Liver: Processes toxins.
  • Digestive System: Eliminates solid waste.
  • Kidneys: Filter blood, excrete urine.
  • Lungs: Expel CO2.

System Interactions

• Excretory and Circulatory Systems: Collaborate for waste filtration (e.g., kidneys).
• Excretory System Components: Primary organs include lungs, kidneys.
• Skin and Homeostasis: Regulates temperature and waste removal through sweat.

Questions

• Urine Storage: Stored in bladder.
• Exercise Impact: Lowers urine output due to sweat production.

End of Week 2 Lecture Notes.