Discussion Post
Vaccines
Technically, the work of a vaccine is to train the immune system to identify and destroy combat pathogens, including bacteria and viruses. The process requires the introduction of specific molecules drawn from the pathogen, which are used to trigger an immune response. The molecules introduced to the body are known as antigens and they are present in all types of pathogens. After the elements are introduced into the body, the immune system recognizes them as invaders and produces antibodies. If the pathogens appear in the future, the body recognizes them and attacks the antigens before they can damage any cells. There are various types of vaccines, including live attenuated, specific, and conjugate, all used for different purposes.
Before vaccines are made available globally, they undergo thorough production processes and quality control to ensure they are ready for use. The production of vaccines needs to be reliable to ensure they satisfy demand and are sold at appropriate prices. Nonetheless, to ensure effective production and distribution, various parties like private manufacturers, public health services, and regulatory boards have to partner. Generally, the dynamics of licensure and distribution of vaccines are nation-specific and are controlled by specific regulatory policies. For instance, in the United States, customers order vaccines from doctors, who, in turn, source them directly from manufacturers. Further, vaccines are advertised to citizens via media sources, and some like Influenza can be purchased over the counter. In Europe, states have varying policies on regulations of vaccines, with some federal governments controlling pricing directly. On the other hand, some nations leave the distribution and price controls to private markets.
Digestive Organs
Organs play a central role in regulating various bodily functions with each serving a distinct purpose. However, there are certain parts that human beings can survive without. Globally, people survive without organs that were traditionally regarded as vital due to advancements in medical technology. For instance, the stomach can be removed surgically due to various complications like cancer. In such scenarios, surgeons connect the esophagus directly to the ileum. Likewise, diseases like cancer can necessitate the removal of the colon. People often recover well from the procedure but undergo significant alterations to bowel patterns.
The liver is among the vital organs of the digestive system and the central regulator of metabolism. It breakdowns nutrients from foods which are later absorbed by the ileum. Further, the liver produces bile which is used to digest fats and detoxify harmful compounds. Second, the ileum’s main function is absorbing nutrients broken down by the stomach and liver. Its function is distinct and vital, thereby making it one of the essential organs in the human anatomy. People can lose vital organs and lead healthy lives without too much impact. For instance, people can survive without a spleen as the liver and lymphoid tissues can take up its functions. Likewise, people who lose their stomachs can live on a normal nutrition with a few vitamin supplements. However, the loss of a body organs can increase the performance pressure of other parts or result in certain conditions. For instance, people who live without the gallbladder have to avoid high-fat foods to avoid digestive issues.
Body Systems
The heart, blood, and respiratory systems all work together to ensure oxygen reaches the entire body structure. Both air and blood move in and out of the lungs, with the latter connecting to the heart through arteries and veins. Therefore, the components of the system are interdependent and the failure of one affects the distribution of blood and oxygen. Without the circulatory system, the respiratory network could not function properly. Technically, the process of gaseous exchange could not take place at the alveoli due to the absence of blood. Similarly, without the respiratory system, the heart wouldn’t perform properly as it requires oxygenated blood to execute functions. Technically, the heart is a typical muscle that uses oxygen to build ATP energy that fuels the cells for pumping blood through the body. Indeed, the narration above demonstrates the interdependency between the three systems, heart, blood, and respiratory. The network is vital for execution of bodily functions and sustaining human life in general.
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