TELLING BIOLOGY TEACHERS GUIDE

A Tale on a Horse (and Student)

Heather Wegenhart

STANDARDS:
The following standards may be addressed by using the podcast in conjunction with
the information provided in the Teachers Guide:

NGSS:
HS-LS1-1.

Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of

DNA determines the structure of proteins which carry out the essential
functions of life through systems of specialized cells.

HS-LS1-2.

Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of

interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular
organisms.

Georgia Performance Standards

SAP3. Students will assess the integration and coordination of body functions and
their dependence on the endocrine and nervous systems to regulate physiological
activities.
a. Interpret interactions among hormones, senses, and nerves which make possible
the coordination of functions of the body.
b. Investigate the physiology of electrochemical impulses and neural integration and
trace the pathway of an impulse, relating biochemical changes involved in the
conduction of the impulse.
c. Describe how the body perceives internal and external stimuli and responds to
maintain a stable internal environment, as it relates to biofeedback.

BACKGROUND:
This is a story to help get students excited about science, involving a veterinary
student and an equine medical emergency.
The Bodys Fight or Flight Response
When the human body senses a stressful or scary situation, it begins a cascade of
events that affects all body systems.

The brain first processes a threat through one of our five senses. In this case, it
involved the veterinary student hearing her instructors warning and seeing the
horse falling down. When the hypothalamus processes the threat, it sends a
message to the adrenal glands using ACTH through the sympathetic nervous system.
Adrenal glands are found at the dorsal aspect of the kidneys and are composed of
the adrenal medulla and adrenal cortex. The adrenal medulla receives the message
from the brain and releases two hormones; epinephrine and norepinephrine. These
hormones are both catecholamines and are also known as adrenaline.

Epinephrine and Norepinephrine are able to bind to surface proteins on organs and
cells throughout the body. These hormones affect each cell in a unique way.
Catecholamines effects on the following:
Heart: Increases heart rate and stroke volume which allows for oxygen and blood to
circulate quicker
Lungs: Increases respiration rate and causes bronchodilation which allows for more
oxygen to be carried throughout the body
Digestive Organs: Decreases digestion by vasoconstriction of the blood supply to
these organs allowing for the bodys energy to be used elsewhere.
Kidneys: Decreases kidney function by vasoconstriction of the blood supply
allowing for the bodys energy to be used elsewhere.
Liver: Increases the breakdown of glycogen to glucose allowing for more energy
sources for the bodys cells.
Muscle: Vasodilation to allow for oxygen and glucose to arrive and allow the
muscles extra strength.

Fat Cells: are broken down to use as an energy source.

Catecholamines will also decrease tear production, increase blood pressure and
suppress the immune system.

ACADEMIC LANGUAGE:

Sympathetic Nervous System

Main function is to activate the flight or fight system to trigger the bodys
physiologic responses to acute stress
Adrenal Medulla
Controlled by the sympathetic nervous system and releases catecholamines called
epinephrine and norepinephrine.
Adrenal Cortex
The outer covering of the adrenal gland that also releases hormones that are
responsible for regulating blood pressure and also aid in the bodys stress response
Epinephrine
A catecholamine also known as adrenaline that is released into the bloodstream by
the adrenal medulla. Has multiple effects on the body.
Norepinephrine
A catecholamine also known as adrenaline that is released into the bloodstream by
the adrenal medulla. Has multiple effects on the body.
Catecholamines
Terminology for epinephrine and norepinephrine. Released by the adrenal medulla
Vasoconstriction
The narrowing of blood vessels to allow for decreased blood flow. Will usually
cause an increase in blood pressure.
Vasodilation
The widening of blood vessels to allow for increase blood flow. Will usually cause a
decrease in blood pressure.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:

1. Create a concept map that illustrates the flight or fight

systems effects on the cells in the human body.
2. When you are scared, how does your body react? How do
you feel? How can you explain your bodys reaction after
listening to the podcast?
3. Fight or flight is an example of a short term response the
body has to stress. Analyze what you think would happen
to a person under stress for a prolonged period of time.
4. Which organ systems were affected by the catecholamines
epinephrine and norepinephrine?
5. You have learned how each of the bodys organ systems
responded to immediate stress. What do you think the
bodys organ systems are doing when they are relaxed?
REFERENCES:
Campbell, N. (1996).
Biology Fourth Edition
. Menlo Park, CA: The
Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Company, Inc.
Images from:
Wikibooks. (2015, July).
Anatomy and Physiology of Animals/Endocrine System
.
Retrieved from
https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Anatomy_and_Physiology_of_Animals/Endoc
rine_System
Wikipedia. (2015, July).
Fight or Flight Response
. Retrieved from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fight-or-flight_response

Podcast Music Retrieved From:

Soundbite - https://soundbible.com
http://soundbible.com/551-Beach-Soundscape-3.html
http://soundbible.com/672-Beating-Heart.html
Jamendo - https://www.jamendo.com
Spring by Schwarzweiss
Tsunami by Yunus