The Wallenda Model of Homeostasis | Episode 46

The Wallenda Model of Homeostasis

TAPP Radio Episode 46

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After nourishment, shelter, and companionship, stories are the thing we need most in the world. (Philip Pullman)

 

1 | Measles and Immune Amnesia

8.5 minutes

Measles (MV) is very contagious and can be deadly, even though some cases are mild to moderate. However, it can also “erase” some or all of our immune memory!

• Measles and Immune Amnesia (article from American Society for Microbiology) my-ap.us/2F0Chew
• Watch: The tricks that make measles so infectious (video you can use in your class) my-ap.us/2EWugar
• Notes
  • In this segment, the necessary step of memory cells producing effector cells (that engage pathogens) in subsequent exposures to the “remembered” pathogen is glossed over for simplicity of discussion.
  • Presumably, the “live” attenuated MV used in vaccination triggers formation of memory cells against MV without causing the full-blown infection that impairs immune memory of other pathogens.

2 | Sponsored by HAPS

0.5 minutes

The Human Anatomy & Physiology Society (HAPS) is a sponsor of this podcast.  You can help appreciate their support by clicking the link below and checking out the many resources and benefits found there. AND mention your appreciation to the HAPS leadership while you are at the conference—or anytime that you communicate with them.

Anatomy & Physiology Society 

theAPprofessor.org/haps

 

3 | Bone Growth Update

4 minutes

How we understand growth of a long bone at the epiphyseal plate may be changing a bit. Check out the audio and the links below to find out more.

• New mechanism of bone growth discovered (summary article) my-ap.us/2EYEdEc
• A radical switch in clonality reveals a stem cell niche in the epiphyseal growth plate. (journal article in Nature) my-ap.us/2F2cwKy

 

4 | Sponsored by AAA

0.5 minute

The searchable transcript for this episode, as well as the captioned audiogram of this episode, are sponsored by The American Association of Anatomists (AAA) at anatomy.org. Their big meeting is in April at the Experimental Biology (EB) meeting in Orlando FL. Check it out!

• Searchable transcript
• Captioned audiogram 

 

5 | The Wallenda Model of Homeostasis

26 minutes

Multiple models of homeostasis may be needed for students to fully understand the important core concept of homeostasis. Here, Kevin describes an analogy he uses—a person on a highwire. Listen to why he calls this model The Wallenda Model and find out how he uses it to better understand homeostasis.

• • The Wallendas are a family of highwire artists famous for very high/long “sky walks” and human pyramids on the wire
    • Karl Wallenda, the most famous of the clan, died from a fall off the wire during a sky walk
    • The famous 7-person pyramid was also marred by a tragic fall
  • NOTE: The balance pole is normally up to about 30 pounds or so. The 80-pound figure given in this episode would be unusually heavy.
  • Elements of The Wallenda Model
    • Variable: position of body
    • Set point: directly over the wire
    • Sensors: nerve receptors (eyes, inner ears, muscle stretch receptors, etc.)
    • Integrator: brain
    • Effectors: skeletal muscles
  • Where to send students:
    • lionden.com/homeostasis.htm
      • A summary of all three models Kevin uses to teach homeostasis
      • Includes photos and links to videos
    • Survival Guide for Anatomy & Physiology
      • lionden.com/tips-survival-guide.htm
      • Includes a short, illustrated summary of The Wallenda Model of Homeostasis

 

6 | Sponsored by HAPI Online Graduate Program

0.5 minute

The Master of Science in Human Anatomy & Physiology Instruction—the MS-HAPI—is graduate program for A&P teachers. A combination of science courses (enough to qualify you to teach at the college level) and courses in instructional practice, this program helps you power up  your teaching. Kevin Patton is a faculty member in this program. Check it out!

nycc.edu/hapi

Last updated: December 23, 2020 at 9:48 am