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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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."

"Plus you're not left dealing with spleens by yourself," Peter said.

"Which could get messy when you try to add notes." Neil agreed.

"Not only is a Woodstock a bird to lean on but he can help with schoolwork as well."

"Assuming you can read those lines of his," Peter pointed out. "Though I guess Snoopy could, so it works out."

"I think it was mandatory in their best friends contract. Snoopy was given lessons in line speak. Special club code, you know?"

"Makes sense," Peter said. "Probably a good code for the war too."

"Actually, it was Navajo that made the best code in the war." Neil said in a way that didn't make it sound like he was receiting from a history book.

"Thought that was World War II," Peter said.

"It was." Neil said then he paused and blinked. "Oh, sorry. You're right, Snoopy was the WWI Flying Ace but when you say 'the war'...well, I explained I come from 1950s right?"

Neil could not for the life of him remember who had and hadn't told.

"So, when you say 'the way' my mind thinks WWII."

"Ahhh, sorry about that," Peter said. "If it's any help we haven't made it up to III yet. 'course there's that 'yet' to worry about."

"Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it." Neil quoted then he paused and smiled.

"Guess that's why we're here, learning, right?"

"Hopefully we can make the world a better place," Peter said.

Neil paused...then grinned impishly.

"Should we now be striking a heroic pose while a beam of light shines down upon us?"

[ooc: Running away from work... be back later tonight! :)]

"Seems like the time for it," Peter said.

[ooc: poss a good time for FTB?]

Human Anatomy, 2/08, Period 3

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