heroes

Nothing makes you feel appreciate life more than learning Physiology. Once you learn the the function of every system and every organ involved and all the tissues within that organ and all cells, right down to the molecular level; it is honestly so amazing.

What struck me most was when we were studying about pain receptors. It brought back the Immune System topic from the previous year. Although Immune System was probably the most complicated out of all topics, I loved it so much simply because of the processes that happened and how your body fights for you.

Take for example inflammation. When you have a harmful substance like a sharp pin penetrating into your skin; the cells there will be alerted and desperately (as I imagine) send out signals. The aplomb and suave macrophages also signal for more backup. Backup arrives almost immediately in the form of increased blood flow, consisting of platelets, white blood cells, all coming to your (specifically your skin tissue's) rescue. In a heroic attempt to combat those harmful substances, your blood vessels splurge out a whole amount of fluid and your heroes start warding off the foreign substance. The phagocytes all with angry faces (at least in my drawings) instantly begin eating up all the baddies whilst at the same time, platelets start repairing back the damaged tissue. After all the drama, there is only pus or what's left of the war zone; dead white blood cells, and cell debris... Proof of their undying devotion to always help you.

Honestly, that's how I imagine it. (That's basically the process of inflammation; but don't take my word for it, I'm only recalling and as we all know, Prof says not to trust your brain). It's just that when I visualize it that way, it makes me so amazed that no matter what kind of injury or harm that is inflicted onto you, your saviours will come to your rescue no matter what. You can bet on it. (Unless of course they are mutated or something but that's a whole different story). So if there's one thing you can depend on, it's your immune system.

If ever you feel unloved, pinch yourself and see the red mark (the cells would signal for more blood flow) so you know they are all coming to your rescue. Know that at least the mast cells are looking out for you without fail and the phagocytes would eat up those hurting you all the time. Would any guy EAT anyone who hurts you? I think not.

Immune system: our heroes. Love your body, look after it well, learn to appreciate:)