Assignment #1 - Diseases

Diseases of the Human Body
An introduction to what can “go wrong” with each organ system

When the human body is not working properly we say that someone has a disease. Sometimes a disease is caused by a bacteria, virus, fungus, or animal that has taken up residence within our bodies, these are usually thought of as "infectious" diseases. When we are sick the body is trying to fight off the invader. Some diseases and conditions are not fully understood as to how or why they originate, and may have multiple factors; these can range from bedwetting or migraines to diabetes or cancer. Other diseases are passed on in families, these are called genetic diseases or genetic disorders. Diseases disrupt normal body functioning (homeostasis), causing the breakdown of one or more body systems. Physical injuries include breaks, sprains, etc also disrupt normal body functioning.

Assignment:
1. Research and post about any disease. In your post, include the following:

• Symptoms of this disease.
• Body system(s) affected.
• A related photo. It might be a picture of a broken bone, a tumor, rash, bacteria, etc.
• List the source(s) of your research and photo.
• Any other interesting / disgusting information, if desired.

2. Comment on at least 2 classmates’ posts. In your comments, include the following:

• How does this disease disrupt normal body functioning (homeostasis)?
• If you are commenting on a post that already has comments, be sure to include new information, don’t merely agree or restate your classmate’s comment.

Refer to the Posting Rubric for Grading (9 points).