BSC2346 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Module 1 Discussion
Strategy to Succeed and Homeostasis
Anatomy and Physiology can be a daunting (but also exciting!) course. We will cover every body system in this course and Anatomy and Physiology II. It’s a good idea to take a moment this week to self-reflect and get yourself organized for the upcoming term.
Throughout this course, we will often return to a common principle which regulates the human body: homeostasis. For your discussion post, provide one example of homeostasis within the body. Provide a brief 3-4 sentence explanation of the example you choose.
Additionally, identify and discuss 1-2 obstacles you may face with this course while learning anatomy and physiology. Examples may include being new to online learning, time management issues, personal or family commitments, test anxiety, etc.
In your reply post, provide suggestions for the obstacles your peers have identified. Share what has worked for you in past courses or suggest a resource or study skill that might help your classmates be successful in overcoming their challenges. Don’t forget to include resources that are available through Rasmussen College’s Library Learning services, online, and/or through a mobile device.
BSC2346 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Module 2 Discussion
Sunscreen Effectiveness – Natural vs. Chemical
The American Academy of Dermatology (2018) states that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Protecting our skin from harmful ultraviolet rays is imperative. However, the human body does benefit from a mild to moderate amount of UV radiation.
What is the best way to protect your skin from sun-related damage? What are the advantages and disadvantages to sunscreens containing common active ingredients such as oxybenzone, octocrylene, and homosalate? Are there benefits to using mineral sunscreens, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide? How effective are natural sunscreens, such as coconut oil or shea butter? If a sunscreen product is not regulated by the FDA, how can you determine if the product’s claims are true?
Reference
American Academy of Dermatology. (2018). Skin Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/media/stats/conditions/skin-cancer
BSC2346 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Module 3 Discussion
Milk Dairy Consumption – Good or Bad for Osteoporosis
epartment of Health and Human Services (2018), estimates that ten million Americans have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, which can lead to complicating fractures. Calcium and Vitamin D are vital components for osteoporosis prevention. Dairy products, especially milk, are common in the American diet and even have a familiar marketing campaign (“Got Milk?”) to help educate the public on the benefits of milk.
Most Americans have the perception that drinking milk will give us strong bones, but is this true? Are dairy products, specifically milk, an effective dietary source to help prevent osteoporosis or could they cause more harm than good? Should we, as a society, be drinking more or less milk? Are there better dietary choices for calcium or should we all be taking calcium supplements? Please elaborate on your reasoning with your research.
Support your opinion with valid research and cite your sources appropriately.
Reference
Department of Health and Human Services. (2018). Osteoporosis. Retrieved from https://www.bones.nih.gov/health-info/bone/osteoporosis/osteoporosis-hoh
BSC2346 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Module 4 Discussion
Treatment of Musculoskeletal Pain: Opioids or Medical Marijuana?
The treatment of chronic pain conditions, especially muscle pain within the medical field, presents multiple problems and complications. Studies have placed the prevalence of chronic pain in the United States from 30-33% of the population. Currently, a common medical practice is the prescription of opioid analgesics (painkillers) such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and codeine to provide pain relief. However, the abuse and addiction to opioid prescriptions has been on the rise.
Conduct some research on the pros and cons of using opioid medications to treat chronic pain. As of early 2018, 23 states and the District of Columbia have passed legislation to legalize medicinal marijuana as a treatment therapy for various issues, including chronic pain conditions. Research the pros and cons of medicinal marijuana to treat chronic pain.
From your research, what do you perceive to be the better option in treating chronic pain — prescription opioid medications or medicinal marijuana? Make sure you elaborate on your reasoning with your research, opinion(s) and any other comments you have on this topic. Provide appropriate citations for your resources.
Reference
The American Academy of Pain Medicine. (2018). AAPM Facts and Figures on Pain. Retrieved from http://www.painmed.org/PatientCenter/Facts_on_Pain.aspx#incidence
BSC2346 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Module 5 Discussion
Arthritis: Prevention and Treatment Options
Arthritis is increasingly prevalent among the United States population. Although there are several types of arthritis, the most common (by far) is osteoarthritis. According to the CDC, more than 30 million Americans are diagnosed with osteoarthritis (2018). It’s likely that you or someone you know is struggling with the pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis right now.
In your discussion post this module, provide at least one prevention technique and one treatment option for osteoarthritis. Describe each item in detail, providing information about how the therapies you chose affect the physiology of the arthritic joints.
In your reply post, provide research about the effectiveness of the preventative therapies and treatment options your classmate(s) posted. You are encouraged to share personal experience (if you have any), but remember that you should always back up your personal thoughts with a reliable, scientific reference.
Reference
Centers for Disease Control. (2018). Osteoarthritis. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/osteoarthritis.htm
BSC2346 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Module 6 Discussion
Physiology and Treatment of Depression Anxiety
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, over 20% of Americans are diagnosed with anxiety and/or depression (2018). As we learn about the nervous system this module, we can use these two common disorders to help gain an understanding of basic nerve function.
For your discussion post, choose either depression or anxiety and answer the following questions. Remember to use your own words when explaining these concepts.
How does depression/anxiety affect neurotransmitters?
How does depression/anxiety affect synapses?
How does depression/anxiety affect neuron function?
In your reply posts, share how various treatments may improve the physiology of the disorders discussed. Since these are common disorders, you may choose to share personal experiences. If so, keep the information you share confidential and do not share names or identifying information of others.
Reference
Anxiety and Depression Association of America. (2018). Facts & Statistics. Retrieved from https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics#
BSC2346 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Module 7 Discussion
Brain Games
Brain games continue to increase in popularity, especially mobile applications. You may have seen the advertisements for these apps, or perhaps you may have even tried them yourself. There are dozens of different companies claiming that their mobile applications can improve your brain’s function.
Do these brain games work? Can games on your mobile device actually improve mental acuity or prevent memory loss? What does the research say about these types of games and activities?
Are there better techniques, methods, or even dietary supplements that could assist with improving brain function and memory? Are brain function and memory determined by genetics or can they be influenced by our environment and experiences?
BSC2346 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Module 8 Discussion
The Physiology of the Autonomic Nervous System
The Autonomic Nervous System can be challenging to understand because it is connected to virtually every body function in opposite ways. We are going to explore the physiology of the ANS in this discussion by looking at specific examples of how it works.
For your first discussion post, describe how the parasympathetic nervous system influences one function in your body. For example, the parasympathetic nervous system causes decreased blood pressure. If you chose this body function, you would describe the physiology behind the decreased blood pressure. How does it happen? What occurs in the heart/blood vessels? Which scenarios or external factors would cause the parasympathetic nervous system to activate this response?
For your reply post, discuss the sympathetic nervous system’s influence on the function your peer chose. For example, if your classmate discussed the parasympathetic influences the diameter of your pupil, you need to describe how the sympathetic nervous system affects the diameter of your pupil.
Your post and reply should each be at least one paragraph long (about 4-5 sentences minimum). Try to use a body function that is unique from other examples already posted by other students. There are hundreds of options!
BSC2346 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Module 9 Discussion
Lasik Surgery
LASIK procedures have become more accessible and much more common in recent years. Many patients are attracted to the idea of LASIK, as it can eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. Research LASIK and the associated risks and benefits.
For your original post, choose one of the vision problems that can be ed by LASIK. Discuss how this problem affects the physiology vision and how LASIK can be used to this problem.
In your reply post, discuss whether or not you would choose to have LASIK surgery for the vision problem that your classmate explained. In your opinion, do the benefits outweigh the risks? If you or someone close to you has experience with LASIK, you may choose to discuss that here. What made you/them decide to go through with the procedure? Or, what stopped you/them from pursuing LASIK as a treatment option?
BSC2346 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Module 10 Discussion
Hormone Replacement Therapy: Is It Effective and Safe?
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is most commonly known for treating the discomfort associated with menopause. However, more broadly, HRT is any form of hormone therapy that involves a patient receiving hormones to supplement or replace naturally occurring hormones in the body. For this discussion post, research different forms of HRT and choose one type to focus on.
In your original post, describe a patient who may benefit from HRT. Explain the risks and benefits to using HRT in the scenario you chose. Be sure to include information on safety.
For your reply post, find a classmate who discussed a different type of HRT than you. In your response, put yourself in the scenario discussed. If you were the patient in that scenario, would you choose to go through with HRT or would you look for alternative treatments? Do the benefits of HRT outweigh the risks, in your opinion?
BSC2346 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Module 11 Discussion
Self-Assessment and Reflection
As you prepare for the final exam, create TWO multiple-choice questions for your classmates that focus on material that was covered in this course. Make sure that you provide the answer, preferably as a response to your own post, so your peers can be challenged without directly seeing the answer right after the question.
As a follow up, reflect on any goals that you set for yourself at the beginning of this course. What experiences have you gained from this course that you will take forward into Human Anatomy and Physiology II?