1. Anatomy & Physiology Final Project "Seeing Something Shiny"
Mr. Capodagli

2. Seeing Something Shiny
Vision works by light photons entering the cornea through the pupil. The pupil is located in the middle of the iris, the colored membranous disk that is composed of two types of muscular fibers. When exposed to light, the circular fibers contract and the radial fibers relax. When there is less light, the radial fibers contract and the circular relax.

3. Seeing Something Shiny
Lightwaves reflect off objects differently depending on their molecular density.  Animals evolved a preference for objects that have value for food, shelter, or attracting a mate.  A shine in foods indicate moistness.  Metals reflect more light than other objects which give them the illusion of being like the sun, which as the provider of warmth for the earth, therefore animals are drawn to be close to them.

4. Seeing Something Shiny
While at the museum my eyes collect reflected photons off a stunning marble statue of Hermes. But standing right next to it was a well dressed gentlemen that was also a work of art. Shimmering around his clothes was a long thick dazzling necklace which really caught my attention.

5. Seeing Something Shiny
I am thankful for my sense of vision that occurs when the Nervous System (brain) interprets light that is reflected from objects. The occipital lobe of my brain processes the image and compares it to previous experiences and instinctual preferences in my brain stem. The increase in hormone levels causes my Cardiovascular System to become hyperactive. My heart beats faster raising my pulse to distribute more red blood cells around the body. There is more available oxygen because my breathing rate has increased. My Respiratory System is working so hard I am practically hyperventilating. The alveoli are expanding and contracting quickly. As I become more nervous I find that I am biting my lip. The Orbicularis oris muscle is contracting to control the shape of my mouth. Other organs in my Muscle System are also contracting such as the rectus abdominals.

6. Seeing Something Shiny
Since my abdominals are contracting the Digestive System is getting compressed which reduces its blood flow. All the pressure on my large intestine causes some of the air pressure to be forced out of my anus producing some barely audible flatulence. My abdominals are also applying a lot of pressure to my bladder so my Urinary System has become irritated and the sensation to urinate intensifying. This flush of excitement has engaged my Skeletal System as well. The possibility that I may have contact with this living work of art has my bone marrow producing a high quantity of Leukocytes. My Lymphatic System is industriously cleaning out my capillaries to allow for greater oxygen absorption. The possibilities of what scenarios may occur causes a surge of dopamine from my adrenal cortex. My Endocrine System always generates some kind of feeling about every stimulus. The worst part of all this excitement is the vasodilatation in my epidermis. It is so obvious that I am feeling anxious and embarrassed because my Integumentary System is blushing from the increased blood flow.

7. Seeing Something Shiny
I decide to engage my psoas muscles to flex my leg and move toward the Hermes pair.  Then I notice another shiny object...  A wedding ring on his finger!!!

8. Seeing Something Shiny
Marieb, Elaine Nicpon.Essentials of human anatomy and physiology . 2nd ed. San Francisco: Benjamin Cummings, Print.
Janov, Arthur. The biology of love . Amherst, N.Y.: Prometheus Books, Print.
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"How Vision Works." Cheap Prescription and Designer Glasses | FREE STANDARD HI- INDEX 1.61 SUPER THIN LENSES . N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr <
"BibMe: Fast & Easy Bibliography Maker - MLA, APA, Chicago, Turabian - Free." BibMe: Fast & Easy Bibliography Maker - MLA, APA, Chicago, Turabian - Free. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr <