Stuff I Learned - Getting out of Bed
In the first week of my Exercise Physiology course we studied how the circulatory system responds to changes in position, particularly in the transition from supine to standing. If you're anything like me, you may consider studying getting out of bed about as interesting as sodden cardboard. Interestingly, it turns out that this seemingly simple transition involves numerous adaptations that are unique to the human organism. One of the problems with our human-ness involves rearing up on our hind legs. OK - so being a biped isn't necessarily a problem, though the vertical orientation creates some serious design challenges. Our brains are at the top of our vertical bodies, which means that gravity is constantly pulling blood away from our brains. Brains are very hungry consumers of blood (much like zombies are hungry consumers of brains) and if the brain doesn't get a sufficient blood supply, you will quickly pass out. Buddy Cat has 70% of his blood above his heart. Li...