Saturday, January 12, 2013

Scoliosis

"Scoliosis"


Everyone's spine has curves. These curves produce the normal rounding of the
shoulder and the sway of the lower back. A spine with scoliosis has abnormal curves with
a rotational deformity. This means that the spine turns on its axis like a corkscrew.
Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine which may have its onset in infancy but is
most frequently discovered in adolescence. It is more common in females by a 2:1 ratio.
However, when curves in excess of 30 degrees are evaluated, females are more
frequently affected by a ration of approximately10:1. The cause of the most common
form of scoliosis; idiopathic scoliosis. is unknown, but there have been hereditary factors
discovered that are present.
Scoliosis causes shoulder, trunk and waistline "asymmetry". In mild forms, the
condition may be barely noticed; however, in severe forms there is significant
disfigurement, back pain and postural fatigue, and it may be associated with heart failure.
Fortunately the majority of scoliosis cases need only close follow-up to watch for
worsening of the curve. Some cases require more aggressive treatment which could
include surgery.
The non-operative treatment of scoliosis involves observing the deformity with
examinations and repeated x-rays. Under certain circumstances, when spinal growth
remains, a brace may be used in combination with follow-up x-rays. Physical therapy
exercises have not been shown to be effective treatment for scoliosis.
The most common surgical treatment for scoliosis is a spine fusion using special
stainless steel rods, hooks, and a bone graft. The rods are attached to the spine with
hooks and the curved portion of the spine is carefully straightened. Then, small strips of
bone graft are placed over the spine to fuse it in a straight position. As the bone graft
heals over the next several months, the spine becomes solid and will not curve again. But
the part of the spine that has not been fused will still be flexible, and allow nearly normal
overall movement.

MANATEES

MANATEE


The manatee popularly called the sea cow is any of
the species of large water animals in the genus
Trichechus. There are three species of manatee with T.
inunguis found in the Amazon and Orinoco river systems;
T. manatus is found in central Florida and along the
Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean coasts; and T. senegalenis
found in the rivers of tropical West Africa. A manatee
is a slow moving, seal shaped mammal that lives in
shallow coastal waters where rich plant grows. It
usually is at home in salt or fresh water but rarely
straying far from home.

A manatee is grayish-black stout thick skinned
animals and almost hairless. Its corpulent body tapers
to a horizontally flattened, round tail. The fore
limbs are set close to it's head and are used to push
algae, such as seaweed and other water plants toward
their mouths. They have a small head, with a straight
snout and cleft upper lip with bristly hairs. Adults
can grow up to 15ft (4.6 meters) but they usually only
grow to about 10 feet. They weigh an average of 1300
pounds.

Manatees live in small family groups sometimes up
to herds of 15-20. After a gestation of up to 6
months, usually a single pinkish calf is born.
Manatees ferquently communicate by muzzle to muzzle
contact and when alarmed they emit chripy squeaks.

The number of manatees has been reduced over the
past several years due to heavy hunting for their
hides, meat, and blubber oil. Some governments,
including the United States, have placed the manatees
under the endangered species list. One practical
reason for this is that they have proved useful in
clearin girrigation and transport channels clogged with
aquatic plant life. There has also been an increase in
manatee death due to passing boats that speed through
channels.

If we all do not help protect these sea cows today
then they will not be around for future generations to
enjoy. Everyone must do their part in protecting these
mammals of they ocean. If we do not help save their
dying species who will?

Laboratory Safety

Recognizing Laboratory Safety

Purpose:
The purpose of this lab is to stay safe no matter what you're doing in lab. You may be working with dangerous materials such as glass or acid.

Procedure:
I am following the procedure described in pages 21-24 in the Biology Laboratory Manual.

Observations:
Does not apply to this lab

Answers to Questions:
1. The flask symbol means glassware safety. Glassware can be broken easily.

2. The goggle symbol means that you are working with fire. It is extremely important to protect yourself from fire.

3. The hand symbol signifies that you are to wear heat-resistant gloves.

4. The bottle with the crossbones on it means chemical safety. Whenever you see this symbol, you know that you will be working with possibly dangerous chemicals.

5. The eye symbol signifies that you will be working with objects that could be hazardous to your eyes

6. The razor blade symbol signifies that you will be working with sharp objects. You should always be careful when working with sharp objects.

7. An electrical plug symbol means that you will be using electricity in your lab. Never touch an electrical socket or appliance with wet hands.

8. The symbol that looks like a duck means that you will be working with live animals.

Analysis and Conclusion:
1. The person is not wearing safety goggles and he isn't really paying close attention. Safety goggles are vital when you are working with fire.

2. She is pointing the vial towards herself. Whenever you are working with heating liquids, the vial should never pointing towards you.

3. The person is heating a liquid with a top on the beaker. Whenever you are heating a substance, there should never be a top on the liquid.

4. The lady is drinking out of the beaker. You should never do that. You also should never eat at a lab station

Conclusion:
In this lab, I learned what certain signs mean. I also learned about situations that could happen in the lab, and what to do if they occur. If in the future, I see this sign: , I know to wear protective goggles