2013 Project Lead The Way,

Inc.
PBS Project 6.1.1 Student Response Sheet Page 1



Project 6.1.1: Student Response Sheet

Introduction
Anna Garcia was only 38 when she died, meaning that at least one of her body
systems was no longer able to support life. The failure of one or more of her body
systems may be the result of injury due to an accident or could be the result of an
illness or a combination of illnesses. Before we can determine which system or
systems failed or what caused the failure which led to her death, we have to learn
more about the human body.

The human body is an amazing machine composed of many interrelated systems
which are in turn composed of cells, tissues, and organs that act independently and
interdependently within the body. No individual component of a human body works
alone. Components of each system in the body affect or interact with every other
system. The body is dependent upon the many interactions between all systems and
structures to maintain homeostasis and health. In this activity you will investigate the
different body systems that make up the human body and explore all of the ways
Annas various illnesses affected each body system, potentially resulting in her
premature death.

Procedure:

1. Look back in your course file and list all of the ways each body system was
impacted by the illness or disease Anna Garcia experienced in her life.
2. Reference Autopsy Reports, Medical Histories and past lab activities to help you
organize this information.
3. Record any evidence that shows how the illness or disease may have been
involved with her untimely death.
4. Be specific about relationships between body systems and illness. You will use
this chart to help construct your final timeline that explains how Anna died.
5. You will need to eventually upload this document to your e-portfolio under Annas
Cause of Death.










2013 Project Lead The Way,

Inc.
PBS Project 6.1.1 Student Response Sheet Page 2


Part II: Annas Illnesses

Illnesses Effect on System (if applicable)

Diabetes Sickle Cell
Anemia
Heart Disease Urinary Tract
Infection
Cardiovascular









Neuropathy
(nerve
damage) -
results from
damage to the
blood vessels
that give the
nerves
nutrients.
Damage to
circulation and
the nerves in
the foot and
legs can
increase the
risks of
developing foot
ulcers and
could lead to
amputation.

Sickle cells are
stiff and stick
to each other
and to the
walls of blood
vessels,
causing
narrowing and
blockages that
slow blood
flow. This can
cause pain and
swelling in the
fingers, hands
and limbs of
the body.
Clumps of
sickle cells
may also
cause blood
clots that lead
to heart
disease and
stroke.
Cause the
blood flow to
lessen to parts
of the body
becasue of
irregular
beating
Infection could
potentially
spread through
the blood
stream to other
parts of the
body and
cause other
serious
problems such
as kidney
infection.
Digestive









Gastroparesis-
causes delays
in emptying the
stomach,
which can
make control of
blood glucose
levels more
difficult,
particularly for
people taking
insulin
injections at
meal times.

Bilirubin
gallstones -
sickle cells die
in 20 days;
liver breaks
down the
bilirubin; extra
bilirubin can
become a
gallstone in the
gallbladder


(bilirubin forms
bile)




2013 Project Lead The Way,

Inc.
PBS Project 6.1.1 Student Response Sheet Page 3



Immune









When the
disease is
triggered, T
lymphocyte
calls start to
target and kill
off the insulin
and begin
producing beta
cells in the
pancreas
Sickle cells
block or
reduce blood
flow,
decreasing the
delivery of
oxygen as well
as germ-
fighting
immune cells
to parts of the
body. This
leads to
increased
infections,
illness and
slowed
healing.
Increased
production of
lymphocytes (B
& T cells) and
antibodies
against the
bacteria;
Inflammatory
response (may
increase
additional UTI
and/or damage
to urinary tract
structures.
Nervous









Neuropathy is
nerve damage.
This can take
the form of
sensory, motor
or autonomic
neuropathy.
Present in up
to 50% of
people with
diabetes.
central
nervous
system are
among the
most
devastating
problems of
sickle cell
disease.
Although
stroke occurs
in 1 in 10
children with
Hemoglobin
SS
Lack of blood
flow and
oxygen can
deprive the
nerves of
nutrients and
cause them to
die off.

Respiratory









Kussmsaul-
rapid or
laboured
breathing
caused from
Ketoacidosis-
short term
complication
caused by high
blood glucose
levels with high
levels of
ketones in the
blood. Usually
Acute Chest
Syndrome-
occurs when
sickle cells
become
trapped in the
chest, blocking
the flow of
blood and
oxygen to the
lungs. This
causes
pneumonia,
fever, pain and
Lack of blood
to the lungs
will cause a
lack of oxygen
around other
parts of the
body and
cause organs
to die.

2013 Project Lead The Way,

Inc.
PBS Project 6.1.1 Student Response Sheet Page 4

occurs if not
enough insulin
is taken.
severe
coughing. It
can also lead
to permanent
damage to the
lungs
Urinary









High blood
glucose levels
can promote
bacterial
growth which
can raise the
risk of an
urinary tract
infection or the
development of
thrush.
Urinary tract
infections are
more common
in individuals
with sickle cell
syndromes
Most urinary
tract infections
are Bladder
Infections. A
bladder
infection
usually is not
serious if it is
treated right
away. If you do
not take care
of a bladder
infection, it can
spread to your
kidneys.
A kidney
infection is
serious and
can cause
permanent
damage.

Sources Used:
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/body/
http://www.livestrong.com/article/128264-systems-body-affected-sickle-cell/
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/urinary-tract-infections-in-teens-and-adults-
topic-overview