Encounters: Journal Post 3

This week, I spent a lot of time watching TV. I typically don't indulge in television, but as I did homework in my home, it was comforting to have the television on in the background. I was watching Botched, a surgery show on E! that follows the lives of plastic surgeons who specialize in repairing botched surgeries. They were telling the story of a woman who had undergone multiple tummy tucks due to the negligence of her surgeons before. I immediately thought "this can't possibly be any good for her tissues." Curious on the subject, I decided to look up some info on the effects of plastic surgery on tissues. Now, I am very much aware that surgeries take a toll on the body and tissues, but I was curious to see the depth of these effects.

Thanks to the power of the internet and Google, I was able to find a few answers to my questions.
LiveStrong.com had a great article on the effects of scar tissue. Besides the obvious one--the change in appearance--the article spoke of a few points. One of these points included the effects on the connective tissues and functions over all.

Depending on where the scar lies, it is possible for certain things to be affected such as range in motion. If a patient does not undergo physical therapy immediately after surgery, the are at risk of losing some range of motion in joints.

Because of the biology of tissue is altered after surgery, the connective or epithelial tissues may not function as they should, leaving sensitive tissue. Now you'd think that the site where scar tissue lie is what causes pain because it is weak, sensitive tissue. This is not the case, however. Muscles and connective tissues that are being restricted are what cause pain. Surgery not only affects what you see.

Multiple surgeries can have many effects on the body, aside from histology. But it is interesting and important to know just exactly how altered the body can be after surgery. It may not seem like much when you think of a single scar. But the changes after surgery are much more than skin deep.


Article Linked: http://www.livestrong.com/article/166660-the-effects-of-scar-tissue-after-surgery/

Definitions: Journal Post 2

This week was all about epithelial tissues in Histology. There were some concepts where I wanted a little more understanding so I decided to define and explain them in this weeks blog.

Psuedostratified Epithelium- This is when cells do not completely reach the free surface but all are on the basement membrane. The cell do not fully connect to these parts.

Basal Lamina- This component acts as an attachment to the rest of the structure as well and separates the epithelium from the connective tissue. It also aids in filtration.

Zonula Occludens- These structures are also known as tight junctions. They create a barrier which allows for tight seals, causing selective permeability.

The pictures found came from the following website. The descriptions and explanations were very helpful and allowed me to understand each concept a little better. 

Reflections: Journal Post 1

Hello all and welcome to my first ever blog of the semester!

This semester's blog was brought to you by the requirements of my Histology class.

This week, I would like to take some time to reflect on the first week of this class and my fourth year of college. When I first walked into the class, I was glad to see some familiar faces. I already had Dr. V once before as a professor so I am excited and semi-prepared for what the semester has in store.

Now I'll admit, I am a pessimist. I usually see a work load immediately feel the pressure pushing down on me. But for some reason, this semester has felt less like that. Some might cringe at the idea of taking 3 upper division science classes at once but I am actually excited to try my best and do well. I walked into school this semester with determination and I will not let myself down. I plan on taking this class and all my others by their metaphorical horns and doing my best to do well.

As a future medical professional, I appreciate what is being taught. Histology has always been a subject of interest for me. Tissues are such an important part of the body just as this class is a necessity in my career. And similar to the process of studying tissues, this journey will not be easy.

I feel that by the end of the semester, I will see my career in a new light and will begin to understand the depth of my goals.