Transcript Chapter 3

Dimensions of Human
Behavior:
Person and Environment
Chapter 3
The Biological Person
KEY POINTS ADDRESSED
 The Biological System as an Integrated Approach
to Human Behavior
 Six Biological Systems, in particular:
 Nervous system
 Endocrine system
 Immune system
 Cardiovascular system
 Musculoskeletal system
 Reproductive system
 The Health and Wealth Connection
Chapter 3: Biological Person
The Biological System: An
Integrated Approach
Biological Functioning - Systems Perspective
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Can be understood by ‘interior environment’ theories that describe
and explain embodied organic conditions, such as internal organ
systems, genetics, interior psychological structures, processes, etc.
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Results from complex transactions among all biological systems
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Is intertwined with and inseparable from psychological, social, and
spiritual dimensions
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Is located within a social-health model that views health as an
individual experience within the context of the community, group,
and organization
Chapter 3: Biological Person
An Integrated Approach, (cont)
Biological Functioning - Humanistic Perspective
 Is not viewed within a disease framework
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Is associated with the uniqueness and strengths of
individuals who have problematic biological interior
conditions
Biological Functioning - Social Constructivist
Perspective
 Is influenced by shared cultural understandings of the
“expected roles” for persons with certain interior
conditions
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May be a function of the exterior environment, the
characteristics of the task, personal attitude, and
available resources
Chapter 3: Biological Person
Biological system in particular:
The Nervous System
 Provides the structure and processes for
communicating sensory, perceptual, and
autonomically generated information throughout the
body
 Is divided into:
 Central nervous system: brain and spinal cord
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Peripheral nervous system: spinal and cranial nerves
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Autonomic nervous system: nerves controlling
cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and
respiratory systems
Chapter 3: Biological Person
Inside the Brain:
The cerebral cortex is the seat of higher mental
functions, including thinking, planning, and problem
solving.
The cerebellum controls complex motor programming,
including maintaining muscle tone and posture.
The midbrain contains important centers for sleep and
pain as well as relay centers for sensory information
and control of movement.
Chapter 3: Biological Person
Consider the brain injury sustained
by Cheryl:
How were her skills, abilities, and personality
altered as a result of her brain injury?
Given what you know about her symptoms,
what part of the brain and central nervous
system were affected by the injury?
Can you identify particular neurotransmitters
associated with Cheryl’s injuries?
Chapter 3: Biological Person
Biological system in particular:
The Endocrine System
 Regulates the secretion of hormones
 Includes the pineal, pituitary, thyroid,
parathyroid, pancreas, and adrenal glands
 Is associated with the hypothalamus, liver,
thymus, heart, kidney, stomach, duodenum,
testes, and ovaries
 Plays a crucial role in physical growth,
metabolism, development, learning, and
memory
Chapter 3: Biological Person
Consider Bess’ diagnosis of
diabetes mellitus:
 What were some of the physical signs
that Bess exhibited prior to her
diagnosis?
 What kinds of lifestyle changes will
Bess need to make as a result of her
diabetes mellitus diagnosis?
Chapter 3: Biological Person
Biological system in particular:
The Immune System
 Is composed of organs and cells working together to defend the
body against disease: Lymphocytes (white blood cells), Bone
marrow, Lymph nodes, Spleen, Thymus
 Mobilizes body resources to attack foreign elements when the
body recognizes something as exterior or foreign
 Becomes increasingly effective throughout childhood and declines
in effectiveness in older adulthood
 Malfunctions when it mistakenly targets parts of the interior
environment
Chapter 3: Biological Person
Consider Melissa diagnosed as
HIV positive:
 What are the potential changes in her body
and the increased health risk that Melissa
might experience as a result of her
autoimmune disease?
 What specific types of support will Melissa
need as she adjusts to life as a person who
is HIV positive?
Chapter 3: Biological Person
Biological system in particular:
The Cardiovascular System
 Comprises the heart and the blood circulatory system
 Supplies cells of the body with the food and oxygen
 Is regulated by the Autonomic Nervous System
 Is impacted by Central Nervous System:
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Parasympathetic activities (routine activities) slow the heart
rate
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Sympathetic activities (associated with stress) increase the
heart rate
 Is associated with cardiovascular disease, the most common
cause of death in this country
Chapter 3: Biological Person
Consider Thomas with cardiovascular
disease - high blood pressure
 Why is high blood pressure regarded as “The
Silent Killer”?
 What is happening to Thomas’ body as a result
of his high blood pressure?
 Why are the African Americans and some
other minorities at increased risk for high blood
pressure?
Chapter 3: Biological Person
Biological system in particular:
The Musculoskeletal System
 Supports and protects the body and its organs
 Skeleton protects the soft body parts
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Skull protects the brain
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Rib cage protects the heart and lungs
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Vertebrae protect and support the spinal cord
 Provides motion
 The contraction and relaxation of muscles attached to
the skeleton is the basis for voluntary movements
 Both overuse and underuse damage the
musculoskeletal system
Chapter 3: Biological Person
Consider Max’s post-polio
syndrome:
 How will Max’s post-polio affect his daily
life?
 Why might some label Max as
“disabled” and what will such a
designation mean for someone like
Max?
Chapter 3: Biological Person
Biological system in particular:
The Reproductive System
 Is comprised of both internal and external structures
that are different for males and females
 Is regulated by hormones
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Androgen and testosterone in males
Progesterone and estrogen in females
Gender and sexuality are multi-faceted
 Culture influences gender definitions, beliefs, and
attitudes about sexuality and sexual behaviors
Chapter 3: Biological Person
Consider the reproductive health
and behaviors of Juan and Belinda:
 How do Juan and Belinda compare with
others in this country in terms of the first
sexual intercourse experience?
 What aspects of the reproductive system and
sexual intimacy are critical for Juan and
Belinda to understand at this point in their
lives?
 What cultural aspects and implications are
associated with imparting knowledge about
the reproductive system to adolescents?
Chapter 3: Biological Person
The Health and Wealth Connection
A complex interaction of biological,
psychological, and social factors:
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Engagement in risky health behaviors and
lifestyles.
Exposure to carcinogens, pathogens, and
other hazards in the physical environment
Exposure to stressors and resources for
coping with stress.
Extent to which the health care system can
offset the effects of other external environment
forces on health
Chapter 3: Biological Person