Tetanus

Tetanus is caused by a bacterial infection clostridium tetani. The spores of this bacterium in a dormant state are found in soil, dust, surgical wounds, dental work, therapeutic abortions and animal bites, scratches and feces. There are many sources besides the commonly thought of rusty nails. Infection is caused by a puncture wound to the body where the bacterium is introduced but grows in only an environment that is anaerobic (without oxygen). Tetanus is rare but can be fatal by causing muscle spasms that can lead to respiratory paralysis. It especially affects the muscles in the jaw and the neck causing spasms called lockjaw. Prolonged muscle action can sudden, powerful, painful contractions called tetany. This can cause muscle tears, fractures, drooling, excessive sweating, fever, hand and foot spasms, irritability, trouble swallowing, uncontrolled urination and defecation, headache, drooling, seizures, irregular heartbeat, cardiac arrest, and pneumonia. Tetanus can be in the body for several months but it usually lasts about eight days. Spasms can cause stiffness of the neck, elevated blood pressure and rapid heartbeat. Tetanus is uncommon in the United States but risks do increase if the person has not immunized, are an IV drug user, 50 years or older, have skin sores, wounds, or burns and or had exposure of open wounds to soil or feces (lifeline.com).

Muscle spasms from tetanus painted by Sir Charles Bell in 1809 (Wikipedia)

I was interested in tetanus because years ago my father had a fractured jaw and it was wired. Because his last name is Lockwood his male friends nick named him “lockjaw” as a joke. Remembering this story being told that happened years before I was born I was interested in learning more about what lockjaw really meant.

Skin

The integumentary system is a very important system for the human body. It is the largest of the body’s organs consisting of about 12% to 15% of the total body weight. It protects the body from injury, infection, dehydration and receives sensory input from the body’s external environment. This system acts as a cushion to protect the deep tissues and organs within our body. Sebaceous glands in the skin are oil gland that will secrete an oily fluid that moistens and softens hair. A sweat gland regulates body temperature and protects against bacteria. It helps to excrete wastes by perspiration, and uses sensory receptors to detect pain. It regulates the body from abrupt changes in the temperature, sensations, and pressure. The blood supply gives nutrients to the epidermis and dermis, and facilitates heat loss when the body is too hot or too cold. Sensory nerve endings detect the heat, cold, light touch, deep pressure, and vibrations. The integumentary system guards the body from infectious organisms, sunburn, and generates vitamin D. Included in this system is the ability to store water, fat, and glucose. Smooth muscle helps to contract when the person gets freighted or cold. Skin aids in the formation of new cells to repair small injuries and aids changes to the skin color which can indicate illness or medical conditions. The skin has melanocytes which creates a dark pigment called melanin. This protects the body from the sun’s rays and causes people to suntan. Keratinocytes are a tough, waterproof protein called keratin that protects living cells below the skin and rapid replacement of these cells allow the skin to heal quickly after an injury. Adipose tissue is fat storage in the skin that provides insulation. The skin helps to maintain homeostasis by negative feedback. Negative feedback has two areas that help to maintain homeostasis and they are controlled variable which is physical or chemical property that must be controlled and sensors that sends information to the control center. The activity of the cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems are carefully watched to keep changes to the body within acceptable limits.

Nucleus

I think that the nucleus is the most important organelle in the cell. This is the information center of the cell. Genetic material is stored here, proteins are formed here that transform into chromosomes. The nucleus controls the functioning of the DNA. DNA is necessary for reproduction, growth and the metabolism in the organism as a whole. The nucleus makes the transfer and replication of hereditary molecules easy and makes sure that genetic material is copied correctly. Without the nucleus the cell could not perform the cells function.

Bones

There are a total of approximately 206 bones in the human body making up a very important structure in the body that performs five essential functions. The bones provide shape, protection, movement, red blood cell production, and mineral storage. While the bones give our bodies shape they also support our body and contain enough strength to support our entire weight. They provide protection acting as cushioning for our internal organs, particularly if we fall. The skull protects our brain, and the rib cage helps to protect the heart, liver, lungs and the spleen. The pelvis helps to protect the bladder, intestines and reproductive organs. Because bones are attached to muscles they provide a variety of movements for the body making ambulation, work and play possible. Bone marrow located within the inner structure of the bone has the ability to make red blood cells. Red blood cells circulate with in the blood stream carrying oxygen from the lungs to each body tissue and they are a key player in getting the waste carbon monoxide to the lungs where it can be breathed out. The last function is mineral storage. The minerals that are stored are calcium and phosphate which can be utilized by the body when it is necessary. Calcium is used in the body to make our bones stronger so they don’t become brittle. Phosphate is used to help repair the bones and teeth, contribute to nerve function and help the muscles contract. The human skeletal system has many talents and is a vital player in maintaining homeostasis.