Unit 8 Reflection

In this unit, we learned all about the muscular system. We began with an overview of the system and talked about some of the functions of this system. Such functions include the movement of bones or fluids and to stabilize the joints. Then we learned about some of the properties of muscle tissue, excitability, contractibility, extensibility, and elasticity. Finally, we talked about muscle classification. Muscles are categorized into four categories, prime movers, anatagonists, synergists, and fixators. We also went over the size, shape, action, number of origins, location, etc.. At the beginning of this unit, we also began a project in which we redesigned a specific joint in our body to make it "better" and help prevent this joint from injury. For example, I chose the wrist joint for my project, in order to redesign the wrist to keep it from breaking. http://hayleysanatomyblog.blogspot.com/2017/05/a-more-effect-joint.html

Next, we talked about some of the specific muscles that we have throughout the body. In the face, we have the masseter that helps to elevate the mandible. When this muscle relaxes, the jaw falls. In our chest, we have the trapezius that helps to extend the head and elevate or depress the scapula. In our arm, we have the biceps brachii or biceps as well as our triceps brachii or triceps. In our stomach area, we have the rectus abdominus which flexes the abdomen. One muscle that you may not think of is the diaphragm, which is what allows inhalation. In our leg, we have the gluteus maximas that helps to extend and rotate the thigh laterally. One lab that really helped to reinforce this lesson was the chicken lab. In this lab, we were able to dissect a whole chicken and find each of these muscles in the chicken then compare how the chicken muscular system is different from ours. http://hayleysanatomyblog.blogspot.com/2017/05/chicken-dissection-analysis.html

Then, we learned about muscle twitch and the difference between fast and slow twitch. In summary, slow twitch fibers are the ones that give athletes the immense stamina. Slow twitch fibers are very important for sports like marathons, as the muscles are slow to fatigue. However, fast twitch fibers are the muscle fibers that allow athletes to exert their energy all at once. These muscles fibers are crucial for people who do sports such as track, where they are only required to run extremely fast for up to a couple of minutes. What determines fast or slow twitch, however, is your exercise and genetics. In fact, research has shown that specific training does not affect fast or slow twitch. Overall, the key to keeping our muscles healthy relies on exercise, diet, and listening to your body. Lastly, I believe that I am still keeping to my New Years Goals. As the weather has become nicer, I find myself getting outside more and doing exercises outside, such as hiking, swimming, and just simply walking around more. In general, I think I am keeping to a pretty healthy lifestyle. As school comes to an end, I am still trying to end the year on a good note and am still giving my all towards my school work.