The digestive system is composed of two parts: the alimentary canal and the accessory digestive structures. These two parts of the system work together to break down food into absorbable units and eliminate the non-digested material as feces. Let’s begin by identifying each of the organs in the alimentary canal and the accessory digestive structures.
Don’t be a digestive hog — just choose one organ/structure and post details about it — then the rest of us have something to talk about during these posts

As we transition between the upper and lower components of the digestive system, let’s start out by talking what changes must occur at the transition between the stomach and small intestines to further the digestive process. Each of you should focus on one of the substances secreted at this transition that either neutralizes the chyme from the stomach or takes up where the stomach has left off in terms of chemical digestion (look to proteins, carbohydrates and lipids)

There are a variety of roles that occur within the large intestines. In this first posting please focus on one of the roles of the large intestines, explain it, describe the cells that help accomplish this role, and other structures or organisms that contribute to the process.

A nutrient is a substance in food that is used by the body to promote normal growth, maintenance, and repair. During metabolism, substances inside body cells are constantly built up or broken down. Let’s start this week’s discussion with the definition and comparison of glycogenesis, glycogenolysis, gluconeogenesis, and lipogenesis. Which is (are) likely to be occurring (1) shortly after a carbohydrate-rich meal and (2) just before waking up in the morning?

Which lipoproteins particles contain good and bad cholesterol and differentiate between LDLs and HDLs relative to their structures and major roles in the body?

week 4

The production of urine by the kidneys is a critical function of the body. Let’s begin this week with some gross anatomy of the kidneys, including tissue layers, major anatomical landmarks, and the primary filtration unit of the kidneys!

What is Glomerular Filtration? How is the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) determined? What interacting controls stabilize the GFR?

This section lists options that can be used to view responses.

Explain what is meant by the terms fluid balance, electrolyte balance, and acid-base balance, and discuss their importance for homeostasis. List the most frequent threats to acid-base balance, and explain how the body responds when the pH of body fluids varies outside normal limits.

Compare the mechanisms by which sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride ion concentrations are regulated to maintain electrolyte balance. Compare the effects of aging on fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance.

What are the major differences between the male and female reproductive systems? And here’s a tougher question—what are the similarities? Which structures are homologous vs which structures are derived from the same embryonic tissues?

Outline the processes of meiosis focusing on spermatogenesis and oogenesis.