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









Extra glucose in the
blood can erode
blood vessel walls
over time and lead
to stroke

cardiovascular
disease

neuropathy- loss of
sensation in outer
limbs
Blood blocks
vessels more
because of RBC
sickle shape


Plaque build up can
restrict blood flow
and lead to heart
attack or stroke
More blood is
brought to infection
to bring more WBCs
Digestive









Gastroparesis-when
the stomach takes
too long to empty its
contents because
the Vagus nerve is
damaged
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)
Intestinal Ischemia-
flow on O2 rich
blood to stomach is
blocked so nutrients
cant be absorbed
Sepsis, can be
caused by E. Coli in
digestive system
Immune









Immune system
destroys insulin
producing cells
Low WBC levels
leads to weakend
immune system,
more succeptable to
infections

Blockages in blood
vessels make it
harder for WBCs to
get to site of
infection
Autoimmune
system, immune
system attacks own
antigens
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- loss of
sensation in outer
limbs
Lack of blood to
extremities, tingly
feelings

Seizures because
blood cant get
around brain as well
Blockages, heart
cant pump
efficiently, nerves
die
Wacky EKG
Spinal chord
abnormalities
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Inc.
PBS Project 6.1.1 Student Response Sheet Page 3




Respiratory









Ketoacidosis-When
ketones build up in
the blood because
of a lack of glucose,
and the body breaks
down fat molecules
instead, this can
lead to labored
breathing
Sickled RBCs cant
carry as much O2
as normal RBCs so
body cells dont get
O2 as efficiently

Cells get stuck in
lungs and can lead
to chest pain and
pneumonia
Atherosclerosis-
plaque and things
such as smoking
can cause the
arteries to harden
Sepsis-life
threatening,
extreme bacteria
levels can damage
multiple organ
systems resulting in
death
Urinary









Short term-high
sugar levels in urine
can cause bacterial
growth

Long term-Kidney
stones can form and
lead to damage
Splenic
Sequestration- Cells
get stuck in kidneys
so blood cant be
filtered as well
Can damage
kidneys so they filter
blood ineffieciently
Sepsis, UTI mainly
affects urinary
system because of
bacterial growth in
urinary tract

Sources Used:
Diabetes and Your Circulatory System. ITT. Retrieved from www.itt.edu
Body Systems and Diabetes. Diabetes.co.uk.. Retrieved from www.diabetes.co.uk
Sickle Cell Anemia. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from www.nih.gov
Heart Disease. Centers for Disease Control. Retrieved from www.cdc.gov
Urinary Tract Infections. Web MD. Retrieved from www.webmd.com
Urinary tract infection. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from www.mayoclinic.org