I'm sitting here studying advanced physiology for graduate school on a Saturday. I fell in love with anatomy and physiology during my freshman year at BYU. I took my first anatomy class from Rachel Tomco and I believe that her passion for what she taught rubbed off onto me. I didn't know what I was getting myself into. It was so hard, but the funny thing is, I didn't realize it. I loved what I was learning. It was my favorite class. So much so, that I put myself through the interview process to become an anatomy TA and teach in the cadaver lab with all the extra time I didn't have. I miss it.
I'm excited to be studying it again but I'll admit that the thought of studying it at the advanced level makes me a bit nervous. BYU prepared me well for graduate school. And I am learning and understanding so much more the more I study it. It's amazing how much our minds can absorb and the connections we can make. I get so excited about all the connections and all the possibliites. The more I learn about the body, the more I realize that there is still so much more I don't know. (Exciting and terrifying all at the same time).
One of my favorite things to teach my students about was the heart and fetal circulation. Even in gaining our earthly bodies, the Lord was consistent in teaching us such beautiful things. For example, think about spiritual rebirth. It is common in scripture for the Lord to mention we need to have a change of heart, a contrite spirit, and to humble ourselves like little children. Did you know that when a baby is born and takes its first breath, its heart quite literally changes? It does! There are specific changes that occur in the foramen ovale, ductus arteriosis,and the ductus venosus that change the way blood circulates in the baby's body so that it is no longer dependent on its mother or her placenta for oxygen. This is also when the baby is able to use its own lungs and its own liver. When the Lord mentions to us in scripture that we must be born again, He could quite literally mean that we must have a "change of heart" and a new way of life! How cool is that?!
I believe our bodies are incredible. I am in awe of our God, the Master Architect, and how He so carefully and purposely made every cell of our being to the finest detail; from the tiniest of molecules and how they interact, to the placement of our organs among our vessels-- He orchestrated our bodies into such masterpieces. Every organ and how it functions just blows my mind. It's detailed and brilliant beyond words. I can't even tell you all the things that spark a fire within me. There is so much to learn, to understand, and to know.
I'm a nerd. I'll admit it. I love learning.
