COMMUNICATING33.Draw a flowchart that illustrates the sequence
of changes in the internal concentrations of
sodium and potassium in neurons during
depolarization and repolarization of a neuron.
34.Starting at the Bowman’s capsule, draw a
flowchart that illustrates the sequence of
changes in the composition of the nephric
filtrate as it travels through a nephron.
35.Make an outline drawing of the human body
and draw in the organs and tissues that are
part of the immune system. Indicate which
parts of the immune system create the symptoms
associated with an allergic reaction to an
environmental allergen, such as plant pollen.
36.Draw a flowchart that illustrates the sequence
of events that make up an allergic response to
an environmental allergen, such as pollen from
flowering plants.
37.Construct a series of feedback loops that
illustrate: (a) normal thyroid gland activity;(b) activity of the thyroid gland in individuals
with hypothyroidism; and (c) activity of
the thyroid gland in individuals with
hyperthyroidism. Include the following
components in each feedback loop: effector,
receptor, integrator. Describe any differences
and similarities among these feedback loops.
38.Draw a feedback loop that illustrates how the
buffer carbonic acid regulates the pH level of
blood (normally about 7.4) as it circulates
through the kidney.
39.Some people categorize other individuals as
left-brained or right-brained on the basis of
their predominant interests and abilities.
What parts of the brain are involved in this
characterization of mental function? What is
the perceived distinction between right- and
left-brained abilities and aptitudes? Is there
any scientific evidence to support such a
classification scheme of cognitive function?
If so, would you classify yourself as a left- or212 MHR • Unit 2 Homeostasis
produced it, whether these cells are infectious
agents or actually part of the body. Medical
researchers believe this action may be part of
what causes auto-immune diseases such as
diabetes and arthritis. Investigate the latest
findings of current research into the potential
use of heat shock proteins to treat or even
prevent some types of auto-immune diseases in
humans. Describe how vaccines containing
these proteins may some day be able to inhibit
destructive auto-immune activity associated
with Type 1 diabetes and other diseases.
26.Investigate the type of lifestyle factors that can
contribute to the onset of Type 2 diabetes in
individuals who previously had no visible
symptoms of this disease. Investigate how oral
hypoglycemic drugs can manage some symptoms
of Type 2 diabetes.
27.What is the difference between analgesic and
anesthetic medications? How are they used to
manage pain? Investigate the differences in the
way analgesic and anesthetic medications
affect the function of the central and peripheral
nervous systems.
28. Narcolepsy, one of many sleep disorders, is a
condition in which individuals experience an
overwhelming need to sleep at any time during
a 24-hour day. People with narcolepsy may
also experience abnormal “dreaming sleep”patterns. Investigate the specific causes,
symptoms, and management programs
associated with this illness.
29.Cyclosporine is the medication most often used
in kidney transplant procedures to help prevent
rejection of the new organ by the host’s immune
system. Investigate the physiological action of
cyclosporine. How does this medication
interact with the immune system to protect a
transplanted organ such as a kidney? Also, find
out why (in transplant cases) organs from
living donors are preferred to cadaver organs.
30.Investigate how artificial kidneys filter blood in
patients suffering from reduced kidney function
or kidney failure. Specifically, compare how
the process is carried out by dialysis machines
(artificial kidneys) and real human kidneys.
31.Explain how a vasectomy can make a man sterile
and unable to impregnate a woman. How does
this procedure affect the function of other parts
of the male reproductive system? Is it reversible?
What is the equivalent operation for a woman?
32.Colony stimulating factors (CSFs) are proteins
that stimulate the immune system to produce
more white blood cells. They are sometimes
given to cancer patients to help their immune
systems recover from the destructive effects of
chemotherapy. Investigate how CSFs help boost
immune system activity in cancer patients.