fandomhigh | Human Anatomy, 2/08, Period 3

Elliot had a slide of the lymphatic system up on the screen behind her, and there was a strange-looking slab of meat rested on each lab table. She bounced on her toes before beginning.

"Okay guys, today we are learning about the lymphatic system. It's a little more complex than what we've covered so far, but I know you're up for it, so let's just jump in. The lymphatic system has three functions - it removes extra fluids from body tissues, absorbs fatty acids and transports fat to the circulatory system, and makes immune cells, like lymphocytes."

"The important parts of the lymphatic system are the cervical nodes, lymph vessels, thymus, axillary nodes, tonsils, spleen and inguinal nodes. You can remember them with the mnemonic, 'Children like to ask teachers sexual idioms.' " She went on with her lecture for a bit; when she was nearly done, her fingers went to the side of her throat. "If you have a tiny bit of a cold, or sore throat, or whatever, you can probably feel your cervical nodes, here. Don't press too hard, you could end up knocking yourself out." Her hands fluttered down to her sides.

"I just wanted to focus on one part of the system with more detail than your textbook covers, and that is the magnificent spleen. It's a ductless, vertebrate organ, and even though it's part of the lymphatic system, it's also associated with the circulatory system, where it helps destroy old red blood cells and holds a reservoir of blood. And what's really cool is that for a long time, no one really knew why we had it? But now we're figuring out that its absence can make you get some infections. Oh, and also, one in ten of you has an extra teensy spleen or three. It's harmless, just a little quirk that forms where the nerves and blood vessels enter the main spleen. It's all almost as cool as the endocrine system."

She pointed to the slabs on the tables. "Now strap on gloves and goggles, get into groups, and get to cutting up these cow spleens. You're looking for the splenic artery, the splenic vein, and the renal, colic and stomach areas."

[OOC: ~~Wait for OCD,~~ and blame the spleen thing on

bugofjustice.]

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Flipping the ~~RNG~~ coin in the air, Neil caught it deftly in his palm and flipped it over the back of his other hand and then lifted his fingers away.

"Heads." He held it out towards Peter and gave him a lopsided smile.

"Okay," Peter said ~~whose mun would've flipped an actual coin, so good to know we're both geeks like that~~. "I'm going in. If anything goes wrong, you get to inform the spleen's family."

"Okay, fine. If something goes wrong I promise to exspleen it." Neil agreed with a nod.

...

Please, like he could let that oppertunity pass?

Peter groaned and facepalmed. "For that you owe me coffee."

For a brief moment Neil tried to look like he had no idea what Peter was groaning about but then he grinned and nodded.

"Deal. And since you're being a good sport about the cutting, I'll even spring for the Perk?"

"You got it," Peter said. He readied himself. "Shame this isn't an emo spleen, it could cut itself."

"Emo?" Neil asked as he grabbed a notebook to sketch the spleen for them both to use for their anatomy drawing and any possible tests.

"Isn't that an Australian animal?"

"Close," Peter said. He shoved his bangs out of his eyes and got to cutting. "You're thinking Emu. Not quite the same."

"Ah." Neil nodded, catching the difference and watching Peter cut on the spleen.

"What's an emo?"

Forgive, he was still getting ramped up on current slang.

"Ever been really bummed out about something?" Peter asked.

Neil had started to live as a near permenant resident in the state of De Nile that it was on the tip of his tongue to say no.

But a quick look over at Peter had Neil giving his head a small shake as he looked down at the sketch.

"Yeah? Hasn't everybody at one time or another?"

"Well yeah," Peter said. "And that's kinda it. When you're all bummed out and sitting alone in your room in the dark and listening to moody music because life sucks and you can't do anything about it - that's emo."

"Ah, yeah definitely a bit different than an emu." Neil decided to just agree.

"Emus could probably be emo, though," Peter said. "Don't know much about them."

"I saw a picture of one, once." Neil mused. "Definitely, if I looked like that, I'd be emo. Unlike say a dolphin, which I can't imagine being emo."

"I don't think they're allowed," Peter said. "Goes against genetics. It's kinda like how beagles can't be, but basset hounds are required to be."

Neil grinned. "I dunno...Snoopy gave some good emo at times." He pointed out.

"Yeah but he was in the war," Peter pointed out. "That's gonna change a pooch."

"Up against the Red Barron even." Neil agreed. "Okay so Snoopy gets an exeption for occasional emo."

"At least he can channel it into his writing."

"And also he had Woodstock. It's got to be impossible to hold on to a good emo with Woodstock around."

"It always helps to have a support system," Peter agreed. "Everybody should have a friend they can lean on, bird or otherwise."

For a moment, Neil let himself think about Todd and Charlie and Knox and a warm smile touched his features but he quickly dismissed the memories.

That's the past and the past is gone.

Neil grinned.

"That is very true. Makes life just a little bit easier...and helps keep you from sitting in your dark room, listening to moody music."