Dimensions of Human Behavior: Person and Environment Chapter 3 The Biological Person

Dimensions of Human Behavior: Person and Environment

Chapter 3

The Biological Person

KEY POINTS ADDRESSED

Chapter 3: Biological Person

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


The Biological System: An Integrated Approach


Biological Functioning - Systems Perspective

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.

Results from complex transactions among all biological systems

Is intertwined with and inseparable from psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions

Is located within a social-health model that views health as an individual experience within the context of the community, group, and organization

An Integrated Approach, (cont)

Biological Functioning - Humanistic Perspective Is not viewed within a disease framework 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

May be a function of the exterior environment, the characteristics of the task, personal attitude, and available resources


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

Peripheral nervous system: spinal and cranial nerves

Autonomic nervous system: nerves controlling cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and respiratory systems

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.


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?

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

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?

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

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?

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:

Parasympathetic activities (routine activities) slow the heart rate

Sympathetic activities (associated with stress) increase the heart rate

Is associated with cardiovascular disease, the most common cause of death in this country

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?

Biological system in particular: The Musculoskeletal System


Supports and protects the body and its organs Skeleton protects the soft body parts Skull protects the brain Rib cage protects the heart and lungs 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

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?

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 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

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?

The Health and Wealth Connection


A complex interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors: 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

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Dimensions of Human Behavior: Person and Environment Chapter 3 The Biological Person