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The Science of the Structure of Organized Bodies Megan Lipsett It is through the dynamic interrelatedness of my body systems that I develop and sustain in complex ways. While each system provides a contribution to the continuous change of my body and mind, they are interdependent with one another. The emergent properties of their dynamic interactions create a structure of both support and expression. I relate to my body systems through becoming increasingly aware of the dynamic balance between internal and external factors. This human body of mine functions as an orchestrated network of interconnected systems that have developed together in an infinitely complex manner. The main functions of this dynamic system include nutrition and digestion, detoxification and elimination, immune function, and endocrine function. As stated by Stanley Kellerman, “the plan of the body, in its simplest form, is to construct spaces and structures to maintain pulsation so that specialized activity can occur” (pg. 120). The experiential outcomes of this intricate system include movement, contemplation, disease, perceptions of love, protection, compassion, will, expression, creation, decision-making, intellectual and emotional abilities, development of values, humanitarianism, and devotion. Survival Instincts and Grounding in the Physical World Immune System, Skeletal System, Digestive System, and Nervous System All of the thoughts and experiences that I have while I am learning become a part of my developing patterns of movement as well (pg. 53). The major body systems related to this aspect of the human experience are the base of my spine, at the coccyx, my spinal column, rectum, legs, bones, feet, and immune system. “The skeleton shelters the organs, supports the body, and bestows the grace of movement” (pg. 20). My skull acts as protection for the brain, and the vertebra protects the spinal cord. It is my bones which provide calcium needed for the proper functioning of my nervous system. In addition, my bones provide bone marrow, a place for the formation of leukocytes, a white blood cell crucial in the immune response. This system includes many types of cells, mainly white blood cells that protect my body from bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. The cells of the immune system, called lymphocytes, are equipped with receptors that respond to chemical signals from the central nervous system. Because of these receptors, my experiences of both physical and psychological stress can alter or compromise the immune system. The principal action of my immune system is protection against infection, and is supported by my skin’s work of continuous defense against invasion by pathogens. My immune system is in dynamic communication with my nervous system, as neural regulation of my pituitary and adrenal glands indirectly influences the activity of my immune system. Perceptually, the need for continuous defense is reflected as my need for logic, order, and structure. It is also experienced as my need for learning about the physical world through my senses. The qualities of the pathways of mobility are movement fluidity, flexibility, rhythm, freedom of expression, and balance motion (pg. 32). Creativity, Relationships, and Pleasure Reproductive System, Digestive System, Urinary System, and Skeletal System The relevant systems in this energetic pathway are my sexual organs, large intestine, lumbar vertebrae, pelvis, hips, appendix, and bladder. This energetic pathway affects my individuation from society and satisfying my personal and physical needs. Experientially, I perceive this complex system interaction in various ways. A need to control my environment, specifically the nutrients and other information that is entering into my body, and the various aspects of my surroundings that will affect my physical body and my emotions. When I experience periods of prolonged stress, my endocrine system will no longer be in balance, thus leading to imbalance of my digestive system. It also can manifest as a desire for self-sufficiency as a survival instinct. Empowerment and Digestive Fire Digestive System, Endocrine System, Nervous System The primary utility of my digestive system involves its role in providing nutrients required for the function and maintenance of each of the other systems in my body. This includes nutrients for bone growth and repair, muscle function, facilitation of breathing, heart function, kidney detoxification, and facilitation of nervous system processes. Beyond its function as a physical space that provides enzymes, hormones, and surface area for digestion, my digestive system is also an energy system that is affected by the energy of the food I eat and the environment in which I live. This energy system works by generating a specific amount of heat, or kinetic energy, to help ignite the digestive processes. Autonomic innervation of smooth muscles provides neural regulation of the digestive system, as the process of digestion works symbiotically to provide the nutrients required for function and maintenance of my nervous system. Hormones that are secreted by my stomach and small intestine help to regulate digestive functions, while digestion provides the nutrients required for the function and maintenance of my entire physical system. Additionally, my liver removes and metabolizes hormones. This intricate system reflects the interconnectedness of my stomach, pancreas, adrenals, upper intestines, gallbladder, liver, and the lumbar spine. These organs represent for me an increased awareness of the connection of my physical body to my conscious experience. The digestive organs are the organs of transformation and feelings and ideas; taking in or rejecting that which nourishes or toxifies oneself, processing and assimilating feelings and information, and creating a resolution, product, or solution out of the process.” (pg. 128). Dehydration, infection, emotional stress, and sugar consumption are all factors that lead to stress in my body. During a stress response, cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine are released from the adrenal glands, which are operated by the pituitary gland. Insulin responds to high blood sugar levels, but also stimulates the stress response through the neurological system by communicating with the adrenal glands. Cortisol suppresses TSH secreted from the pituitary gland, which stimulate the thyroid, leading to thyroid imbalance. The thyroid hormone T4 is inactive until it converts into T3, where it then controls metabolism. Every cell in my body depends upon thyroid hormones for regulation of their metabolism. High levels of cortisol suppress the conversion or inactive T4 into active T3, decreasing thyroid activity. Cortisol also increases reverse T3, which can be converted into active T3 by healthy bacteria in the intestinal system. In stress responses, beneficial gut bacteria become damaged and depleted, suppressing the conversion of inactive T3 into active T3. Cortisol is released by high-insulin levels, lowlevel infections and suppresses the production of TSH and active T3 and leading to symptoms of hypothyroidism. Cortisol elevation can destroy brain cells in the hippocampus, controlling memory and emotion. Compassion, Service, and Vocation Circulatory System, Respiratory System, Endocrine System, Skeletal System “From blood, symbol of man’s mortality, springs the unending river of life”(pg. 250). The systems of interrelated organs in this pathway includes my heart and circulatory system, ribs, breasts, thymus gland, lungs, shoulders, arms, hands and diaphragm. Perceptually, this organization resonates as my emotional pathway, and thus determines the quality of my experience. “Sensing is related to the nervous system through the perceptions. Feeling and flow are related to the fluid system including the circulatory, lymphatic, and cerebral spinal fluids” (pg. 12). The interaction of these organs has the ability to lead to my perception of a balanced emotional climate from which to experience compassion and display conscious exchanges in my life. These are also the organ systems most affected when I am unable to forgive. My circulatory system is primarily responsible for delivering blood for the exchange of gases, nutrients, and wastes. This includes transportation of oxygen and glucose utilized by the cells as well as transportation of wastes. My respiratory system provides oxygen for transport by the red blood cells, as well as eliminating carbon dioxide from my blood during respiration. My circulatory system transports the blood to the lungs for gas exchange and brings oxygen-rich blood to the body tissues. In order to facilitate movement of the blood, the adrenal medulla releases epinephrine and norepinephrine to regulate cardiac function and vascular resistance. My circulatory system is responsible for transporting hormones released by the various glands to the intended organs in my body. For instance, epinephrine, released by the endocrine system, is necessary for the dilation of my bronchioles during respiration. “Cardiac rhythm allows the brain to think, the lungs to breathe, and the muscles to move”( pg. 251). My heart, a crucial muscle in the proper flow of blood within the circulatory system, is protected by my skeletal system. “Load bearing forces are transmitted from the hands to the arms, through the shoulder girdle and distributed through the rib cage, to the axial skeleton and onto the entire structure. The scapula is suspended in a tensile network of connective tissue that attaches to the shoulder girdle, via this network, the arms are an extension of the [heart space]” (pg. 75). Communication, Understanding, and Will Endocrine System, Skeletal System, Digestive System, Nervous System “The word hormone means outpouring, having the property to impel or excite” (pg. 145). The relevant systems here are my throat, thyroid, trachea, esophagus, parathyroid, hypothalamus, cervical vertebrae, mouth, jaw, and teeth. The skeletal system functions as a structural foundation that performs as a catalyst of movement, leading to physical and intellectual expression. The growth of these structures is facilitated by my endocrine system, made up of glands that secrete hormones necessary for normal growth and development, reproduction and homeostasis. Further, my endocrine system regulates my mood, growth and development, tissue function, and metabolism, as well as sexual function and reproductive processes. The vibrant interaction between my nervous system and my endocrine system can result in increased awareness of my states of consciousness and an experience of union with things around me. “Different tissues respond according to their density and elasticity…By vibrating the tissues, muscles relax, fluids flow, and nerves calm” (pg. 107). Here, I am confronted with the power of choice, the finite nature of free will, and the true nature of existence, through my interactions with the environment. “The muscles of the neck, throat, and belly need to be relaxed to allow efficient use of the vocal mechanisms” (pg. 105). “When a person is under stress it is common to find increased tension in the connective tissue of the upper thorax, neck, and head…This tension can manifest as a restriction in the ability to take in or expel breath.” (pg. 100-101) Intuition, Wisdom, and the Power of the Mind (Nervous System, Endocrine System) Hormones are secreted by my hypothalamus that control the pituitary gland, an invaluable piece of the endocrine system. Further, autonomic nerves regulate the secretion of the adrenal medulla and other glands in the endocrine system. Many aspects of my brain’s capacity to function are regulated by hormones from the gonads, melatonin from the pineal gland, and others. The pituitary gland, being the size of a pea and located below the brain, releases hormones that affect growth, metabolism, and the system of reproduction. The hypothalamus, just above the pituitary gland, is a tiny group of brain cells that transmit messages from the body to the brain. The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland controls the rate of production of energy from nutrients. The parathyroid controls the level of calcium in the blood. The adrenal glands secrete hormones that are responsible for method in which energy is stored and food being used, giving important effects on chemicals in the body, and on characteristics, such as body shape and hairiness. The reproductive glands secrete hormones that affect reproductive activity. The energetic pathway here involves my brain, nervous system, pituitary gland, pineal gland, eyes, ears, and nose. I experience this pathway as the challenge to open my mind to a multitude of experiences. Here, I experience memories, beliefs, thoughts, fears, and internal understanding. My cerebrum is responsible for controlling movements and my cerebellum controls voluntary movements. My medulla, located within my brain stem, controls involuntary movements that drive the actions of digestion, breathing, heartbeat, and blood purification. The cerebrum is the thinking part of the brain, which helps move voluntary muscles, helps solve problems, and helps with reasoning. The memory lives in the cerebrum, including short-term memory, and long-term memory. Located at the back of the brain, the cerebrum controls balance, movement, and coordination. The brain stem controls all involuntary actions, such as respiration, heart beating, digestion, and circulation. There are three types of neurons: motor neurons, sensory neurons, and interneurons. Motor neurons are stimulated by interneurons and sensory neurons and transmit impulses to muscles and glands, which cause muscle to move. Sensory neurons are stimulated by the senses, such as touch, taste, smell, vision, and hearing, and send the information they receive to the spinal cord and brain. Seeking Connection (Muscular System, Skeletal System, Integumentary System) “Through embodying the skeletal system, the mind becomes structurally organized…”(pg. 125).My muscular system functions to move my bones. Smooth muscles, found in my esophagus, stomach, intestines, and rectum helps to facilitate digestion. My bones function as attachment sites for my muscles, storing Ca2+ for their proper functioning. At the same time, muscles are protecting my bones and facilitating movement of the joints. My skeletal system helps to support the skin, as well as storing minerals needed by the skin. My skin, in turn, protects my skeletal system and synthesizes Vitamin D, which is necessary for calcium absorption and metabolism. The Integumentary system functions in multiple ways to promote homeostasis, including protection, temperature regulation, biochemical synthesis, sensory reception, and absorption. The skin forms a barrier; keeps bacteria, viruses, and other microbes out, and prevents fluid loss. The skeletal system protects the major organs of my body, and it therefore essential in the functions of these systems. Muscles are my source of heat to warm the temperature of my skin, while my skin permits radiant heat loss in the form of sweat, during muscles contractions. The primary systems in this pathway are my central nervous system, muscular system, and Integumentary system. This fundamental pathway is experienced as inspirational thoughts and transcendent ideas that reflect the total interaction of the other systems in my body and the basic energy of life that sustains them. Congruently, it is the smooth muscle that makes up my diaphragm, a critical piece of inspiration in the respiratory system. “This organism is capable of functioning with dissonant, asymmetrical patterns. These patterns of tubal pulsation establish self-identity by generating the feelings that we recognize as ourselves. They give a dimension to existence by creating an inside and an outside, and depth and a surface”(pg. 119). “The outer body wall contacts the environment. This outer layer or tube has to do with information, protection, and the setting up of a boundary between inner and outer worlds. It is intimately related to the central nervous system, a neural layer that compartmentalizes, separates, divides, and communicates” (pg. 121) “Most of the physiological roles of the skin are crucial for our survival; without the protection from foreign invasion, the prevention of excess fluid loss, the metabolic activities, the temperature regulation, the immunological resistances, the healing mechanisms, and the excretory functions which the skin provides, the organism would rapidly expire” (pg. 169). “Touch, more than any other sensation, defines for us our sense of reality” (pg. 170). . This is the reality of what our immune systems must contend with on a continual, daily basis. They do so by maintaining an arsenal of around 26 billion white blood cells. There are chemical guards, biological killer cells, macrophages, phagocytes, T cells, the list is endless. In a healthy subject the ANS is carefully balanced between the day and night nerve. However in modern, so called civilized society we have to contend with stress, the environment, a faulty work/life balance, and a denial of our biorhythmic sleep patterns. Everything is disturbed and we no longer have a natural balance within our Autonomic systems. As such the Sympathetic nervous system predominates; we are always on the go.