First impressions? Well, they never last. :)

And yes, I write about various things, poems, articles, and stories, mostly about what we get to experience in our day to day lives. I wasn't expecting this, this EduBlogging thing; it gave me a different perspective on how to write. 

EduBlogging for me is passing on information to readers worldwide, and it’s not just passing information and knowledge, but you are also showing and giving a piece of yourself to the world. Telling them that hey, I’ve learned something today and I want you to know what I’ve learned, I want to share it and help you understand it.

I admit, I was in it for the grade, I needed it, and we all needed it. And yes, first impressions? Well, they never last. I thought EduBlogging was boring, but it wasn't, it was a different experience for me, and I really had a hard time making one. 

In EduBlogging you have to give the right information, you shouldn't state information that is given by other writers, and if you do, you should acknowledge them accordingly and in a proper manner. EduBlogging is like medical technology, precise and accurate, and it is never wrong, the passion that we have as future medical technologists, is the same as the passion that we didn't know we possess in EduBlogging. I know, I sound a bit mushy, but it's true. 

You can't just give out information in the internet, just like in our profession; we can't just release results unless we're 100% sure about them. Being responsible for your actions and for what you say is what I have learned to master in edu blogging. And it also taught me on how to be creative too, it took me hours to find the perfect theme for my blog, it's really hard to do, but I survived and now I can design any blog i want with ease. 

I know that we've all been busy, with all the school works, the pressure with our research paper, and everything else in between. But you know what? I'm glad I’ve become a part of this, I’m glad I’ve experienced this, you all should too. It’s one way of teaching yourself on how to simplify complicated things; you'd be surprised on what you can do.

Thank you for reading, hope this inspired you in starting your own EduBlog. :)

Introduction to Toxicology

Toxicology is the study of the effects of chemicals on living individuals. It basically pays attention to the symptoms, mechanisms, treatments and in detecting poisons.

Below are examples of chemicals that we encounter in our day to day lives:

Category	Examples
Metals, and metalloids	arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, nickel, tin, etc
Inorganics (other)	asbestos, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide
Hydrocarbons - aliphatic	propane, butane, pentane, hexane
Aliphatic alcohols, ketones, ethers, aldehydes and acids	ethyl alcohol (ethanol), acetone, diethyl ether, formaldehyde, acetic acid
Hydrocarbons - aromatic	benzene, toluene, xylene, naphthalene
Phenols	phenol, pentachlorophenol
Chlorinated volatile organic compounds	perchlorethylene (tetrachloroethene), trichloroethylene (trichloroethene), vinyl chloride
Chlorinated non volatile organic compounds	chlorinated dioxins and dibenzofurans, polychlorinated biphenyls, pesticides such as chlordane and DDT
Miscellaneous organic compounds	acrylonitrile, benzidine, aniline, di-isocyanates, organophosphates

Photo credit: http://www.agius.com/hew/resource/toxicol.htm

Below is a video wherein you could see the effects of harmful chemicals to animals, humans, and in our environment:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiNAZsawWg0&feature=related

This video features the principles and basics of toxicology, this would give you a precise explanation to the topic:

What you have read is a simple introduction to toxicology, further topics about toxicology would soon be posted.

Thank you for reading my blog! 

An Introduction to the Endocrine System

Endocrinology deals with the Endocrine System, its parts, developmental processes and the diseases associated with it. The Endocrine System comprises of glands that produce and regulate the secretion of hormones. Our body's growth, metabolism, sexual development and function is regulated by the hormones associated with this body system.


The hypothalamus, parathyroid gland, pituitary gland, adrenal gland, thyroid gland, reproductive organs, and the pineal body are the major glands found in the Endocrine System.
  Below is an illustration of the glands found in this body system:

Photo courtesy of: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/anatomy_of_the_endocrine_system/article_em.htm#Endocrine System Introduction
(http://images.emedicinehealth.com/images/illustrations/endocrine_system.jpg)


As you can see the pancreas is also found in this body system; it plays a role in the hormone production and digestion of our body.


Hypothalamus


The Hypothalamus is the part of the brain that plays a major role in the body temperature, satiety, and metabolism regulation. Its location is in the lower central part of the brain.


Hormones that are secreted by the hypothalamus stimulates and/or suppresses the hormones released by the pituitary gland. 


Pituitary Gland


The Pituitary Gland is sometimes considered as the most important part of the Endocrine System because most of the hormones produced in this gland control numerous functions of other endocrine glands. It is divided into two parts, namely, the anterior and posterior lobe.


The anterior lobe is responsible for the production of the Growth hormone, Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), Adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, and the Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).


The posterior lobe is responsible for the production of Oxytocin and the Antidiuretic hormone (Vasopressin). The secreted hormones of the posterior lobe are produced in the brain and transported to the pituitary gland via the nerves. The pituitary gland serves as a storage room for these hormones.


Thyroid Gland


The thyroid gland is found in the lower front part of the neck. The thyroid gland produces hormones that serves as a metabolism regulator. The release of these thyroid hormones is controlled by the pituitary gland. These hormones aid in maintaining normal heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, reproductive functions, and muscle tone.


Parathyroid Gland


The parathyroid gland are pairs of miniature glands placed in the surface of the thyroid gland, each side has one pair placed on the gland. Parathyroid glands release the parathyroid hormone, which plays an important role in calcium level regulation in the blood and bone metabolism.


Adrenal Gland


The adrenal gland are triangular in shape and are located on top of each kidney. It is divided into two parts, the adrenal cortex (outer part) and the adrenal medulla (inner part). The adrenal cortex produces corticosteroids that serves as a regulator of the body's metabolism, immune system and sexual function. The adrenal medulla produces catecholamines that aid the body in dealing with stress by increasing heart rate and blood pressure.


Pineal Body


The pineal body secretes melatonin that regulates the wake-sleep cycle of the body. Its location is in the middle of the brain. 


Reproductive Glands


The reproductive glands are the only source of sex hormones. In males, the testes which are located in the scrotum secretes androgens; testosterone being the most important. These hormones contribute in many male characteristics and in the production of sperms. In females, the ovaries which are located on the sides of the uterus produce progesterone and estrogen. These hormones control the growth of female characteristics and are also involved in menstruation and pregnancy.


Pancreas


The pancreas is divided into two parts, the exocrine pancreas and the endocrine pancreas. The exocrine pancreas is responsible for the secretion of digestive enzymes, while, the endocrine pancreas is responsible for the secretion of insulin and glucagon which regulates the glucose level in the blood.






References:

• http://www.emedicinehealth.com/anatomy_of_the_endocrine_system/article_em.htm#Endocrine System Introduction
• http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/body_basics/endocrine.html
• http://artoftransliness.tumblr.com/post/14326808465/the-endocrine-system-and-testosterone-an-introduction
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endocrinology