WISHING YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A JOYOUS SEASON!

THE BRAIN AND ITS FUNCTIONS

QUICK OVERVIEW OF RESPIRATORY PATTERNS

OVERVIEW OF THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

35 MUST-KNOW TEST TAKING STRATEGIES

You must be strategic when you plan to take a test. It is not just enough to study and study without a plan. You must apply a holistic approach to your preparation. Here are "35 Must-Know Test Taking Tips & Strategies" written by Daisy Hartwell, a writer & blogger – Click here to read more.

RELAX WITH SOME GREAT SCENES FROM VIRGINIA

GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT - OVERVIEW

RESPIRATORY PATTERNS

ACID-BASE IMBALANCE AND METABOLIC ACIDOSIS

THE FOUR BASIC TYPES OF TISSUES

SCHOLARSHIPS INFO VIDEO

SOURCES OF SCHOLARSHIPS YOU ARE UNAWARE OF

The following websites will help you locate grant opportunities locally and nationally:

• Fastweb.com
•  Cappex
• Scholarships.com
• Cheapscholar.org

You can also talk with your high school and college counselors. The usually have a list of available scholarships both locally and nationally.

Go local: Various organizations in your local area may offer scholarships. These include:

• local businesses
• service organizations
• religious groups, 
• civic groups. 

Check with Parent's employer: Parents may have scholarships available through their employers.

Merit Aid: If you have been accepted to colleges, ask specifically for merit aid. This may not be advertised so you have to probe deeply to find it. It usually comes from departments and awarded to those with special qualifications. 

Financial Aid: Always remember to fill out the FAFSA form. You may be eligible for some form of grant or aid. 

Remember, any small amount of money from multiple sources always add up!

JUST RELAX! ALL IS WELL!

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Deuteronomy 31:6
"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you."


Isaiah 40:29
He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power.
Isaiah 41:13
"For I am the LORD your God, who upholds your right hand, Who says to you, 'Do not fear, I will help you.'

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

2 Chronicles 15:7
"But you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work."

DON'T GIVE UP! YOU ARE ALWAYS A WINNER BY DESIGN

METABOLIC ACIDOSIS VIDEO LESSON

METABOLIC ACIDOSIS

VIDEO LESSON ON ACID-BASE IMBALANCE

WHAT ARE BUFFERS?

Buffer is a substance that can act to keep body fluid pH at normal levels (pH 7.35-7.45)

  Can react in two ways: as an acid (releasing a hydrogen ion) or as a base (binding a hydrogen ion)

  Buffers always try to bring the fluid as close as possible to the normal body fluid pH of 7.35 to 7.45

o   If the fluid is basic (with few free hydrogen ions), the buffer releases hydrogen ions into the fluid

o   If the fluid is acidic (with many free hydrogen ions), the buffer acts as a base, binding some of the excess hydrogen ions

TYPES OF BUFFERS 

1. Chemical buffers

·        Usually a weak base and an acid salt

·        Most common chemical buffers:

o   Bicarbonate (active in both extracellular fluid [ECF] and intracellular fluid [ICF])

o   Phosphate (active in ICF)

2. Protein buffers

·      -  Most common buffers

·        - Proteins in body fluids can either bind or release free hydrogen ions as needed

·       -  Both ICF and ECF proteins serve as buffers

o   Extracellular protein buffers are albumin and globulins

·                                             Major cell protein buffer is hemoglobin

o   Hemoglobin buffers hydrogen ions directly and also buffers acids formed during the production of carbon dioxide

o   Free hydrogen ions in blood increase à excess hydrogen ions cross membranes of RBC à hydrogen ions bind to the large numbers of hemoglobin molecules in each RBC à decrease in hydrogen ions in blood à increase in pH back to normal

WHAT ARE ACIDS AND BASES?

What is an acid?

—There are many definitions of what an acid is but here are two basic concepts. 

1. Arrhenius described an acid as a substance that releases hydrogen ions (H+) when dissolved in water (H2O).
—2. Bronsted-Lowry concept of an acid is any substance that produces a proton (H+) in solution. That is, a proton donor.

The strength of an acid

Strength of acid is measured by how easily it releases a hydrogen ion in solution

1. Strong acid, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl), separates (dissociates) completely in water and readily releases all of its hydrogen ions
2. Weak acid, such as acetic acid, does not completely separate in water; it releases only some of its hydrogen ions.

What is a base?

There are many definitions of what a base (alkaline) is but here are two basic concepts.

1. Arrhenius described a base as a substance that produces hydroxyl ions (OH-) when dissolved in water (H2O)
2. —Bronsted-Lowry concept of a base is any substance that accepts/binds freely to a proton ((H+) in solution. That is, a proton acceptor.

The strengtht of a base?

—1. Strong bases: They bind strongly to hydrogen ions. Examples: sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and ammonia (NH3)

2. Weak bases: They bind to hydrogen ions less readily Examples: aluminum hydroxide (AlOH3) and bicarbonate (HCO3-)