The Human Anatomy and Possible Threats - Essay Example

 The Human Anatomy The Human Anatomy and Possible Threats The body works in similar fashion to a machine (Platzer, Leonhardt, Frotscher, and Kahle, 2004). This is because It has different systems which make up the body thus enabling it to operate effectively. Just like a machine, if one part is faulty, the rest of the parts will not function effectively (Wolfsthal, 2008). The different systems undertake different tasks and encompass various body organs ((Rahl, 2010). This paper aims to undertake an in depth analysis of various body systems and explore how the external conditions affect the functioning of the systems. The paper will also explore the nature and level of organization of some critical body systems. 1. The structure and functioning of the human body This section presents the systems of the human body and how they function in swift collaboration. The section aims to reveal how each of the various organ systems is equally important in enabling human beings to function as complete beings. The main systems of the human body are the cardiovascular system, the digestive system, the endocrine system, the urinary system, the immune system, the muscular system, the nervous system, the reproductive system, and the respiratory system (Schlossberg and Zuidema, 2007). Wolfsthal (2008) argues that all the mentioned systems work in harmony to ensure that the body maintains a steady state with sufficient nutrients and oxygen, as well as the correct temperature and the right pH level (level of acidity or basicity of the body) ((Steding, 2009). The circulatory system is responsible for the circulation of blood and lymph around the body (Swearingen, 2012). The circulation in turn transports oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, hormones, and other substances to and from the body (Wolfsthal, 2008). This phenomenon can also be referred as Cellular Metabolism (Waller and Lloyd, 2008). Cellular Metabolism can be defined as the cumulative sequence of biochemical reactions, which occur within a cell. The reaction is responsible for the production of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP-the molecule which stores all the energy derived from food). Cellular metabolism also enables processes like respiration and the disposal of waste products from the body. All the energy that is produced and consumed in the body is sourced from cellular metabolism. Human beings and animals rely on aerobic respiration to satisfy their energy needs (Wolfsthal, 2008). Kazer and Grossman (2008) define homeostasis as the ability of the body to regulate its temperature level. The temperature of the blood and water that passes through the body is recorded by the hypothalamus in the brain (Kazer, and Grossman, 2008)). It in turn sends back signals to the rest of the body so that it can maintain a stable temperature (Anderson-Gold, and Muchnik, 2010). When the body feels cold, blood vessels constrict to keep heat in. This leads to shivering in order to warm up the body. In case of hotness, the blood vessels dilate to allow heat out through radiation. Kidneys are fitted with nephrons that enable it to maintain a stable level of water in the body (Kazer and Grossman, 2008). When the water level is above the normal level, the kidneys will release excess water and the person will urinate. On the other hand, if the person is dehydrated, the kidneys will strive to hold more water in the body. The lung also comes in handy in the elimination of waste products from the body system. The lung maintains the level of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and the acid-base balance (Wolfsthal, 2008). The basic drive is the removal of carbon dioxide through its role on blood pH. As carbon dioxide increases, it combines with water to form hydrogen ions and bicarbonate ions. Consequently, an increase in acid increases the rate of breathing (short-term regulation). The endocrine system is an enormous system, which is composed of various organs throughout the body (Anderson-Gold, and Muchnik, 2010). Its primary role is to produce hormones, which act on organs throughout the body. The hormones are secreted to regulate the functioning of the organs all over the body. The mode of the regulation can either be inhibitory or stimulatory as determined by the organ in question. For instance the pancreas secretes insulin from the alpha cells to regulate excessive sugar in the body. The kidney also secretes erythropoietin and rennin. Erythropoietin is secreted to help the brain respond to neuronal injuries (Wolfsthal, 2008). Hormones act as chemical messengers, which regulate various processes in our bodies. They play a crucial factor in causing obesity, which is a form of abnormal growth (White, Duncan, and Baumle, 2013). This is because some hormones like leptin, insulin, growth hormones, and sex hormones affect our appetite, fat distribution, and metabolism (Kazer, and Grossman, 2008). Individuals with such hormones have high levels of these hormones that promote the accumulation of body fat and abnormal metabolism. On the other hand, the condition of underweight is mostly associated with older adults. The process of losing weight is called sarcopenia. Analysts argue that most adults lose around 10% of their weight every decade, upon reaching the age of 40 (Arcangelo and Peterson, 2000). This can be attributable to two reasons. Firstly, the absorptive ability of the GI tract declines as one grows old. Another reason can be linked to the low level of physical capabilities. 2. Relationship between body functioning and relevant detailed anatomy and physiology Physical exercise guarantees more energy in the body and prolongs human life (White, Duncan, and Baumle, 2013). A person who engages in constant physical exercise also feels better. The health benefits derived from physical exercise cannot be ignored. The impact of physical exercise on the musculoskeletal system is largely determined by the nature of the sport or exercise (Kazer, and Grossman, 2008). This is because some exercises may subject the body to a lot of pressure, thus causing physical injury especially to the old generation. In light of this fact, a low impact exercise is highly recommended. White, Duncan, and Baumle (2013) further state that the skeletal system comprises of the bones, the cartilage that safeguards the bones against wear and tear, and the ligaments, which connects the bones together. The short-term effects of physical exercise include the accumulation of synovial fluid. The joints and bones are avascular. This means that they receive insufficient or no blood supply. The synovial fluid helps to prevent the cartilage from drying up. It also lubricates the skeletal system and ensures that it is well nourished (Anderson-Gold, and Muchnik, 2010). The fluid is produced in the synovial membrane in the joints. Its production is an acute or short-term response to exercise. This insinuates that for joints to be adequately nourished, healthy, and lubricated, physical exercise is crucial. More exercise increases the production of synovial fluid, enabling the joints to become more supple (Kazer, and Grossman, 2008). The production of the fluid increases the range and magnitude of movements available in the joints. Typically, after prolonged periods of immobility, the joints dry out. They also stiffen, thus leading to the loss of some of their range of movements. Physical exercise increases the range of movements that are available at the joints (Anderson-Gold, and Muchnik, 2010). This is because more synovial fluid is released into them. Some mobility exercises like knee bends and arm circles maintain joints supple by seeing to it that a steady supply of synovial fluid is availed when necessary. Some long-term effects of physical exercise include the strengthening of the skeletal system. Exercises subject the body tissues of the skeletal system to stress making them to become stronger (White, Duncan, and Baumle, 2013). The bones, in turn, are made stronger, thus reducing their chances of breaking. Persistent exercise leads to the hyaline cartilage becoming thicker, hence better at shock absorption (Wolfsthal, 2008). The tendons also become thicker and more able to withstand a high magnitude force. In a similar fashion, the ligaments are more able to stretch slightly in order to increase the level of flexibility of the joints. The bones are tied together with a non-elastic avascular strap (a cord-like structure called ligaments). Absence of the ligaments can make the joints very unstable thereby leading to the bones bending in the wrong direction (White, Duncan, and Baumle, 2013). Regular exercise enables the ligaments to become stronger and have a high resistance to external pressure (Kazer, and Grossman, 2008). Because of the little or no supply of blood in the ligaments, adaptations are always very slow to develop (Anderson-Gold, and Muchnik, 2010).Physical exercise also helps to increase the density of bones in the skeletal system. Weight bearing exercises like running and strength training exert stress on the bones. Consequently, the body reacts by producing cells known as osteoblasts (Caudill, 2009). The osteoblast cells are responsible for the building of new bones, aside from making bones denser and stronger (Caudill, 2009). When the bone density is increased, a condition known as osteoporosis can be prevented. Osteoporosis is the weakening of bones, thereby making them susceptible to structures (Caudill, 2009). The condition is mostly common among females, but it can affect a person of any gender or age. 3. Routine data collected in health and social care and how they inform the planning of care for individuals Thousands of civil servants have been given a time-off because of high stress levels. Records indicate that most of the staff has been diagnosed with various stress related illnesses like anxiety, depression, and other mental health complications (Caudill, 2009). The brain is the fundamental organ of stress counter-reaction. It also offers the mechanism for coping and recovery (Caudill, 2009). Within the brain, a dispensed neural activity is responsible for the determination of stressful, thus threatening to a person (Lavastida, 2000). Instrumental brain structures of this circulatory comprise of the amygdala, hippocampus, and regions of the prefrontal cortex (Wolfsthal, 2008). The systems work in swift coordination to regulate behavioral and psychological stress processes. Stress is risky to the human anatomy system, and it can be adaptative in the near future. It can also be maladaptive in the long-run. In this light, a civil servant who undergoes busy, stressful routines is bound to suffer from stress related conditions (Caudill, 2009). As a professional medical practitioner, I am required to assess the civil servant’s anthropometric measurements. This is the best set of parameters that can lead to a sufficient assessment of the patient’s anthropometric data. Anthropomeric refers to proportional measurements of an individual’s body (Anderson-Gold, and Muchnik, 2010). The data is commonly used to analyze nutritional analysis. Those that are used to analyze growth and development in children, infants, and adolescents comprise of height, length, weight, head circumference, and weight-for-length (Anderson-Gold, and Muchnik, 2010). In the case of infants, length, rather than height, is used. This is because of their inability to stand. Individual data are later used to compare with a reference standard reflected on a growth chart. In the case of adults, some complex measurements are sought (Best-Martini and Botanhagen-Digenova, 2003). The anthropometric data sought from adults are height, weight, waist-to-hip ratio, body mass index (BMI), and percentage of fat (Harris, 2013). The determinations are later used to compare with a reference standards to analyze weight status, as well as the risk of other diseases (Bhise and Yadav, 2007). The adult in question has a body mass index of 196lb and is 63 inches high. This translates to exactly 5.25 feet. He has a waist circumference of 38 inches and this translates to 96.5 centimeters. His anthropometric measurements suggest that he is overweight and is highly susceptible to contract stress related illnesses. What is more, his circumference suggests that he has a lot of body fat and is at the risk of contracting diabetes. With regards to his height, the civil servant’s height falls far above the ideal body mass index of 106lb to 130lb (Harris, 2013). A body mass index that is above the normal range indicates that the public worker is suffering from unwanted weight gains (Wolfsthal, 2008). Some of the main tenets that lead to obesity amongst adults include poor nutrition involving high levels of processed foodstuffs, lack of physical exercise, unhealthy eating habits, and a stressful routine. (Harris, 2013) further argues that in medicine, the height-to-weight chart is critically followed by medical practitioners while assessing the overall well–being and health of the patient. One of the most dependable methods of calculating healthy weight to height ratio is the use of body mass index (Harris, 2013). After determining the figures of the height and weight of an individual, the formula for calculating body mass index can be used. The formula is presented as thus: [Weight in Pounds ÷ (Height in inches) 2] × 703 (Bhutani and Deatsch, 2004). The acquired value is then compared against a body mass index chart (Anderson-Gold, and Muchnik, 2010). The chart states that if the determined body mass index is below 18.5 the person is underweight (Harris, 2013). Normal weight falls between 18.5 to 24.9(Harris, 2013). Overweight falls within the range of 25 to 29.9, and obese comprises a body mass index of more than 30 (Wolfsthal, 2008). Though this method of determining the body mass index is internationally recognized, it has some shortcomings, as far as a person’s weight is concerned (Blechschmdt and Freeman, 2004). The method does not consider waist and muscle measurements (Harris, 2013). Consequently, body builders are usually categorized as overweight (Buck, 2013). 4. Routine variations in body structures and functioning and how they interact to care received by individuals. Osteoarthritis (OA) is regularly among the elderly population, but it can also affect the younger generation (Anderson-Gold, and Muchnik, 2010). The symptoms of the disease are unbearable, and can also cause physical impairment. Moreover, the influence of this disease is significantly increased by the ordinary occurrence of comorbid conditions like renal impairment and hypertension (Christensen and Antoni, 2002). When non-steroidal are used to treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis, their related (gastrointestinal) side-effects enhance the impact of this disease (Buller, 2006). Osteoarthritis have affected the old lady’s hips and knees. It occurs when injury and inflammation to a joint result to a breaking down of the cartilage tissue (Buller, 2006). Consequently, the breakdown leads to swelling, pain, and deformity (Buller, 2006). Her knees and hips have been deformed because of the destruction caused to her cartilage. Cartilage covers the ends of bones in the skeletal system. Its primary composition is proteins and water (Buller, 2006). This enables it to reduce the intensity of friction in the joints (Harris, 2010). With reference to the 85 year old lady, the objective of treating Osteoarthritis is to reduce the impact of symptoms and the magnitude of disability. Social support is also important as it will help to reduce the psychological impact of the disease which includes anxiety and depression. The treatment should aim at decreasing pain, reducing joint swelling and stiffness, maintaining joint function, preventing the complete loss of cartilage, and preserving the lady’s quality of life. However, the treatment should put more emphasis on reducing pain (Brunner and Day, 2009). This is because pain is the triggering factor that leads many individuals suffering from the disease to seek treatment (Buller, 2006). The medicines employed should be strong enough to eliminate pain and offer anti-inflammatory qualities. The lady should be given Opioid analgesics like codeine, which will offer the lady a temporal relief from pain (Gerber, 2007). The causes of Urinary incontinence are multifaceted and could comprise of elements both within and outside the subordinate urinary tract (Caudill, 2009). Some of the symptoms of the disease include forceful contractions that occur well before the filling up of the bladder. This establishes its crucial hallmark which is the abrupt impression that urination is forthcoming (Buller, 2006). For treating Urinary incontinence, the lady requires some counter medications like anticholinergics like detrol, oxytrol, urispas, enablex, and others (Buller, 2006). The lady can also use vasicare as it helps to prevent bladder spasms (Buller, 2006). If medicinal treatment does not work, the lady should consider surgery. The procedure can help to adjust the bladder to its normal position (Martin and Soldo, 2007). Pneumonia is a lung infection that makes people very sick. Some of the most common symptoms include coughing, fever, and breathing (Buller, 2006). It is a viral or bacterial infection of the lungs (Mckenzie, Pinker, and Kotecki, 2012). The disease can cause a shortness of breaths and coughing, which produces phlegm, the patient can also experience chest pains while coughing (Caudill, 2009). The first suspicion of the Pneumonia should trigger a visit to the medical practitioner. This will enable efficient diagnosis, as well as treatment (Niedert and Dornar, 2004). In the course of inspecting the pneumonia infection of the 85 year old lady, a stethoscope will come in handy in assessing the nature of breathing of the patient. Crackling sound, coarse breathing, reduced breath sounds, and wheezing in a specific part of the lings is clear indication that the patient is suffering from pneumonia (Buller, 2006). The lady should undergo an x-ray scan to confirm the infection of the lungs. The x-ray will indicate the region of the affected lung (Caudill, 2009). The lady should also avail her blood samples to be sent to the lab for further tests. Home treatment is at times recommended for the treatment of pneumonia. It can be treated fruitfully at home with the use of antibiotics. Nevertheless, hospitalization may be necessary in some cases. The three medical conditions are overwhelming and can lead to low or no physical activity.. This translates to maintaining a low profile because of low desire to make unnecessary motions. The lady is confined to bed most of her aged life.. I highly recommend that the home that is taking care of her should encourage her to commit to periodic physical exercise and strictly observe her medication. Reference ListTop of Form Anderson-Gold, S., and Muchnik, P., 2010. Kant's Anatomy of Evil. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Arcangelo, V., P., and Peterson, A., M., 2000. Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice: a Practical Approach. Philadelphia: PA Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. Best-Martini, E., and Botenhagen-Digenova, K. A. 2003. Exercise for frail elders. Champaign: Human Kinetics. Bhise, S., B., and Yadav, A., V., 2007. Human Anatomy and Physiology: First Year Diploma in Pharmacy. India,Nirali: Prakashan. Bhutani, M., S., and Deutsch, J., 2004. Human Anatomy and Endoscopic Ultrasonography. Hamilton, Ontario: B C Decker. Blechschmidt, E., and Freeman, B., 2004. 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