Human Physiology Nerve Cell Communication Notes

* Definitions – Types of Cell Death (Regarding article “Notes from the Field: Acute Hepatitis and Liver Failure Following the Use of a Dietary Supplement Intended for Weight Loss or Muscle Building”)

* Necrosis: “cell death”; occurs when there isn’t enough blood flowing to the tissue whether due to mechanical injury, radiation, or chemicals. Cellular death eventually leas to the process of cellular self-digestion known as autodigestion (autolysis). Necrosis is irreversible & can be distinguished by structural signs such as dense clumping and progressive disruption of genetic material, plasma, and organelle membranes.

* Apoptosis: “cell suicide”; is an active process of cellular self-destruction, called programmed cell death, that is implicated in both normal and pathologic (if cell is not functioning correctly) tissue changes. It involves a controlled sequence of steps in which cells signal self-termination. Apoptosis works to keep the body's natural process of cell division in check. There are several instances in which cells may need to be destroyed. Cells may need to be removed to ensure proper development. During apoptosis, a cell triggers a process that will allow it to "commit suicide." In this process, the cell undergoes a reduction in size as its cellular components break down and condense. Note: this process occurs throughout our lives. Ex: overproduction of neurons in the brain

* Hot Topic/ Relevant Issue by Dr. U – Natural Products: What is considered “natural”?

* How do you define “natural”

* A food that is not chemically modified

* What is “organic” or “organically grown”?

* Fruits or vegetables grown without pesticides

* Organic means something is Carbon based

* Are all the produce we buy in the store pesticide free?

* No, none of it is free of pesticides it’s just dependent on the amount of pesticide used

* What are “natural products”?

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