[Flaviane Wronski]

Alveoli and Their Importance

Alveoli is a tiny, balloon-like air sacs found at the ends of the bronchioles in the lungs. They are the main site of gas exchange, a process in which the body takes oxygen and removes carbon dioxide. Each lung contains millions of alveoli, they are more numerous in the peripheral regions of the lungs. Together, they form a large surface area for gas exchange. Alveoli have extremely thin walls, are surrounded by tiny blood vessels called capillaries, and are kept open by substances called pulmonary surfactant that help prevent them from collapsing.

The functions of alveoli are oxygen absorption, carbon monoxide removal, gas exchange, and supplying oxygen to support the proper functioning of the organs and body cells. When a person inhales, air passes through the nose, mouth, down the trachea, and into progressively smaller airways called bronchi and bronchioles. At the end of the smallest bronchioles are clusters of alveoli. Oxygen passes through the thin walls of the alveoli into tiny blood vessels called capillaries. The blood then carries the oxygen for the rest of the body, while carbon dioxide moves from the body into de alveoli. When the person exhales, carbon dioxide leaves the body.

Alveoli are important because they provide needed oxygen to the body cells, remove carbon dioxide waste, help maintain normal body functions. Their thin walls and large surface area make the gas exchange fast and efficient. Damage to the alveoli can contribute to several respiratory diseases, including pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, and emphysema. Emphysema occurs when the walls of alveoli become damaged, reducing their ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. Its symptoms include shortness of breath, persistent cough, wheezing, chest tightness, among others.

[Flaviane Wronski]

The Skin Layers and Their Functions

The skin is the body’s largest organ and is made up of water, protein, fats and minerals. It covers and protects the body from external environment and plays an important role in maintaining overall homeostasis. The skin consists in three layers: epidermis, dermis and hypodermis, each with its own structure and functions.

• Epidermis is the top layer, which can be seen and touched. Keratin, along with other proteins, binds together to form the epidermis. It is responsible for preventing bacteria and germs from entering our body and bloodstream causing infections. It also protects against rain, sun and other elements. The epidermis continually produces new skin cells, replacing old skin cells approximately every 30 days. It also provides skin color because it contains melanin, the pigment that gives skin color. Langerhans cells are found in the epidermis. They are part of the immune system and help to fight off germs and infections.

• Dermis: The dermis makes up 90% of the skin’s thickness due to the presence of collagen. Elastin is another protein found in this middle layer, responsible for keeping the skin flexible. Attached to the dermis are hair follicles that promote hair growth, nerve receptor that indicates when something is hot or itchy, oil glands that produce oil to keep the skin soft and smooth while preventing it from absorbing too much water. Sweat glands in the dermis release sweat through the skin’s pores regulating the temperature and the blood vessels provide nutrients to the epidermis, keeping the layers healthy.

• Hypodermis: The bottom layer, also known as a fatty layer. The fat protects muscles and bones from injuries and keeps people from getting too cold. It also contains connective tissues that connect muscles and bones. The nerves and blood vessels from the dermis become larger in this layer and branch out to connect the hypodermis to the rest of the body.

I found it interesting how the different functions of the skin are coordinated, with each layer playing a specific role while working together to maintain homeostasis and protect the body. It is also important to recognize that the skin can provide valuable diagnostic clues as changes in its appearance may indicate underlying health conditions.

[Flaviane Wronski]

Great explanation Marjetta!

I find very interesting and almost ironic that a pea size gland is also known as “master gland”. I also liked how you explained the connection between the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus and how they work together to maintain the homeostasis. It really shows how our body work together as I team!

[Flaviane Wronski]

Great point, Alexandra!

That is so true. In Brazil, using proper terminology even in a casual conversation with a family member, can make people look at you uncomfortably!
It is still such a taboo even nowadays.

[Flaviane Wronski]

Hi Marjetta,

I agree with your final reflection about the importance of understanding reproductive terminology as medical interpreters.

You did a great job not only explaining the differences between the male and female systems but also highlighting how time affects each gender differently.

Women are born with a limited number of eggs, which can be affected by environmental factors and lifestyle choices throughout their lives, while men continue producing sperm throughout the adulthood.
I also liked how you pointed out that women’s hormone levels can change more dramatically throughout different stages of life compared to men’s which tend to be more stable.
Great job once again!

[Flaviane Wronski]

The Pituitary Gland

Also known as hypophysis, the pituitary gland is a pea size gland that produces stimulating hormone-producing glands, particularly the thyroid, reproductive organs (including ovaries and testes), and adrenal glands. It is located at the base of the brain, right below the hypothalamus. The pituitary gland plays a crucial role in regulating several essential functions, including growth, metabolism, lactation, reproduction, response to stress or trauma, water and sodium balance, labor and childbirth.

The pituitary gland consists of two lobes. The anterior pituitary, the larger of the two lobes, is connected to the hypothalamus through blood vessels. The posterior pituitary is connected to the hypothalamus through the nerve tract. Together, pituitary gland and hypothalamus form a hypothalamus-pituitary complex, which serves as a central command system for many vitals bodily functions. The hypothalamus makes hormones like dopamine, gonadotrophin-relesing hormone and growth hormone-relesing hormones, that communicate with and regulate the activity of the pituitary gland.

Several conditions can affect the pituitary gland or result from its dysfunction. The four main categories disorders include:

– Pituitary adenoma: Benign tumors that can sometimes bleed internally or press nearby structures causing symptoms. They are classified as functioning adenoma when they cause excessive hormone production, and nonfunctioning adenoma when they don’t produce clinically significant amounts of hormone. One of the most common types of functioning adenoma is the prolactinoma (excessive prolactin).

– Hypopituitarism: Condition when the pituitary gland produces insufficient amounts of one or more hormones. It can include growth hormone deficiency, central diabetes insipidus, central hypogonadism, central adrenal insufficiency, and central hypothyroidism.

– Hyperpituitarism: Occurs when the pituitary glands produce excessive amounts of one or more of its hormones. Acromegaly, gigantism, hyperprolactinemia, Cushion’s disease are conditions that involve excess of pituitary hormone.

– Empty Sella Syndrome: A rare condition in which the pituitary gland become flattened, reduced in size.

The pituitary gland is essential for the proper functioning of the human body, maintaining the health of the pituitary gland is important for normal growth, hormonal balance and general well-being.

References:

Cleveland Clinic. (2022, April 14). Pituitary gland. What it is, function & anatomy.
https://myclevelandclinic.org/health/body/21459-pituitary-gland

[Flaviane Wronski]

The Differences Between Male and Female Reproductive Systems

The reproductive system is essential to keeping a specie alive. Although male and female reproductive system are both essential for human reproduction, they have a lot of differences such as main function, main reproductive organs, reproductive cells, gonads, hormones, gamete production, menstruation, fertilization and pregnancy.

The male reproductive system main organs are testes, penis, scrotum, prostate gland and seminal vesicles. It produces sperm and deliveries it to fertilization. While female reproductive system main organs are ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, and vulva. It produces and releases eggs and provides the organs necessary for fertilization and pregnancy.

The testes primarily produce sperm from the teenage years throughout adulthood and release testosterone. The ovaries produce immature egg cells during the gestacional period and secrete estrogen and progesterone. Another major difference is that female reproductive system undergoes to menstruation during reproductive years, and the uterus can support the development an embryo and fetus during pregnancy.

Besides their anatomical and physiological differences, the male and female reproductive systems differ in the diseases that commonly affect them. The mosto common male reproductive conditions include prostate cancer, testicular cancer, erectile dysfunction, and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Common female reproductive conditions include polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, yeast infection, and ovarian cancer.

I believe is important to mention that, both male and female can be affected by sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and human papillomavirus (HPV), syphilis and HIV, which may cause complications if left untreated. Understanding the differences between these systems and the diseases that affects them is important to maintain reproductive health and seeking appropriate medical care.

[Flaviane Wronski]

I really liked how you use the telecommunication analogy to explain the nervous system in a clear and organized way. Yor description of each neuron components is detailed and easy to understand, and your clinic examples help to connect the science to real-life medical situations.
I especially agree with your last paragraph because, understanding the concepts behind medical terminology and definition is essential to convey the provider’s message accurately and ensuring patient truly understand their condition.

[Flaviane Wronski]

Hi Marjetta,

Great explanation!

I especially appreciate that you mentioned microcirculation, capillaries, and gas exchange.
You are really in good at presenting information in a concise way while still including import details.

I also liked how you explained the differences between arteries and veins and the roles of the heart’s four chambers in the pulmonary and cardiovascular system.

Well done!

[Flaviane Wronski]

Nerve cells or neuron are the primary functional cells of the nervous system. Humans have billions of neurons. Neurons and glia cells communicate with other cell via synapses, which are junctions along where electrical and chemical signals can be quickly transmitted. Neurons transmit signals between one another and between the brain, spinal cord and other parts of the body, while glia regulates homeostasis, and provide protection and support for neurons.

To get a general ideal of what a neuron looks like, imagine a star with a long tail and branches. Its main components include the cell body (soma), dendrites, axons, myelin sheath, axon terminals and nodes of Ranvier.

In the cell body (soma) is where the nucleus is found. Most of the neuron’s proteins are produced in the soma. It maintains the neuron’s life and helps process incoming signals. Both the dendrites which are short branching extensions and long axons extend from the cell body.

Dendrites receive signal from other neurons and carry them towards the cell body. A neuron can have multiples dendrites and receive thousands of incoming signals. The sum of all excitatory signals, which make a neuron more likely to fire, and the inhibitory signals, which makes it less likely to fire, determines whether the neuron generates an impulse. If the neuron fires, a nerve impulse called an action potencial is sent to the axon.

Axons are a long tube that carry information away from the cell body. The action potencial usually begins near the axon hillock. Axons may branch into smaller extensions that end in the structures called axon terminals or nerve terminals.

The myelin sheath is a mixture of proteins and phospholipids found around many axons. This fatty insulating layer helps to protect and insulate the axon while allowing electrical impulses to travel faster and more efficiently.

Axon terminals are the endings of the axon that release chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters help transmit information to other neurons, muscle cells, or glans cells across synapses.

Nodes of Ranvier are small gaps between the myelin sheath segments. They allowed electrical impulses to travel faster along the axon, to a process called saltatory conduction, in which the impulse appears to jump from node to node.

Understanding the components os the nervous system is important not only because it helps us to understand how the body works, but also because it allows us to better understand the many illnesses and disorders that affect people every day. Damaged dendrites can contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. The degeneration of the motor neurons is associated to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) while damaged axons can cause peripheral neuropathy. Multiple sclerosis is associated with a damaged myelin sheath, and certain neurological disorders can affect the nodes of Ranvier. Additionally, problematic communication in the axon terminal can lead to conditions like myasthenia gravis. Learning about these components help us appreciate the complexity of the nervous system and the importance of research, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment for neurological disorders.

Reference
Vayttadenn, S., & Gustafson, D. (2021). Illustrated human anatomy (pp.90-97).

[Flaviane Wronski]

Arteries and veins are blood vessels that belong to the cardiovascular system. Although they have the same function which is transport blood throughout the body, they have key differences regarding direction, wall thickness, pressure, and valves.

Arteries carry blood away from heart, and have thick, muscular elastic walls. Blood flows through them under higher pressure, which is why valves are generally absent, except for those that exist in the heart. Arteries usually carry oxygen-rich blood. I said usually because the pulmonary arteries carry deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs.

Veins, on the other hand, carry blood toward the heart. Their walls are thinner, and blood flows through them under lower pressure. Valves are often presented, especially in the lower body, to prevent blood from flowing backwards as it moves against gravity. Pulmonary veins carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart.

The four chambers of the heart are right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium and left ventricle. They keep oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood separated and work together to move blood through the heart, lungs and body.

The right side of the heart receives oxygen-poor blood, sends it to the lungs where the carbon dioxide is removed. The left side receives oxygen-rich blood for the lungs, and the left ventricle pumps it to the organs, muscle and the other tissues so they can function properly. The ventricles also maintain the blood pressure needed to move blood through the pulmonary and systemic circulations.

The circulatory system is incredibly perfect and complex. To me, what makes it truly amazing is that it tirelessly sustains life circulating blood and delivering oxygen and nutrients necessary for survival every second of every day, without requiring conscious effort or control from us.

[Flaviane Wronski]

Hello Marjetta,

I totally agree with you about the practical tools presented in the workshop, and I couldn’t agree more with your point about strategic prioritization rather than trying to transcribe everything verbally.

Focusing on key information can help reduce cognitive overload and improve accuracy in medical interpreting. You made a great point!

[Flaviane Wronski]

Hi Marjetta,

This is a very informative post! You manage to convey a great deal of important information in a very effective way.

The connection you made between mental retention in medical interpreting and patient safety was spot on! I totally agree that the ability to retain and accurately convey clinical information is essential to ensuring patient safety and effective communication between patient and healthcare provider.

Great job highlighting such an important aspect of medical interpreting!

[Flaviane Wronski]

The video Mental Retention Workshop was very dynamic and informative. It explained several techniques that medical interpreters can use to improve their memory and performance, including visualization and association, note taking, idea mapping, vocabulary techniques, and the importance of diet and exercise.

I found the visualization and association techniques especially interesting. The video explained how the brain remembers images better than words alone. Creating mental images can make the information more vivid, concrete and easy to remember. Association is another great technique. For example, if an interpreter needs to remember a list of symptoms, such as sweating, anxiety, fatigue and exhaustion, he can use the first letter of each word and associate it with SAFE. The video also gave the example of adenine as “add a knee” imagining a person with three knees. I thought that was genius! Another technique was the backwards drill, which helps interpreter recall information by working from the last thing they heard.

Note taking is also important, especially for numbers, names, medicines, dosage, dates and times. However, writing everything down is not practical, interpreters can create symbols, abbreviations and images to record the most important information.

The idea mapping creates a map to have a full picture of the patient’s case. The reason why patient is seeking help shall be in the center of the map, and the relevant information is added as branches, creating a clear picture of the patient’s situation. The vocabulary techniques were also helpful, especially using pictures and backward reading to remember medical terminology.

Finally, the video discussed how diet and exercise can support the brain health and memory. Eating a balanced healthy diet with brain healthy food, along with staying physically active can help improve cognitive function.

Overall, I really enjoyed the video because it presented practical techniques that medical interpreters can use in their daily work in a fun and engaging way.

[Flaviane Wronski]

Do you still remember how your memory was 20, 30 years ago? Pardon me, my younger colleges and instructors, but the old lady here remembers that “back in the day”, we had to memorize everything: directions, phone numbers, birthday. There was no social media to remind you, no agenda on your phone to click or GPS to take you to places, We had to rely on our memories to perform everyday tasks. How many people can you call today from the top of your head?

The statement in this week’s manual says” Memory is like a muscle: if you don’t use it, you lose it” and that’s a very inconvenient fact. Although memory and mental retention are not the same, good mental retention depends on effective memory functioning. Mental retention is the ability to keep information in memory for a period of time so it can be used later. Several factors can interfere in this ability.

1) Lack of Sleep and fatigue: Insufficient or poor-quality sleep interferes with attention, learning and memory consolidation. Fatigue makes it harder to keep information in mind while listening.
2) Stress and Anxiety: An interpreter who is worried about making mistakes may have less attention available for the speaker.
3) Distraction and poor attention: When attention is divided, information may not be coded properly, making it harder to retain.
4) Information overload: Trying to process too much information at once can exceed working memory capacity.
5) Multitasking: Interpreting itself requires simultaneous demandas, unnecessary distractions are especially unhelpful.
6) Lack of understanding or background knowledge: Information that is unfamiliar, poorly organized, or difficult is harder to understand.

Good mental retention is a very important skill for an interpreter, since it improves accuracy, fluency and the ability to transfer the speaker’s intended meaning. An interpreter with good mental retention is more efficient in processing information, can spend less time trying to remember what was said earlier, making them feel more in control. The interpreter can focus on understanding the speaker better than worrying about forgetting details. Therefore, in a profession when daily habits can affect performance, adequate sleep, retention practice, regular exercise and balance diet, meditation and omega-3 rich foods should be part of the interpreter’s routine to contribute to their success.

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