1. My first RISE Program seminar in this new school year was
very interesting and full of knowledge. This was given by Ms.
Eileen Rodríguez, from Michigan State University. She did a very
interesting research entitled “The pathophysiological significance of
neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the gastrointestinal tract. I learned
many things from this research and also from Eileen's speech. She
explained the parts of a neuron, their variety, and function. What
called my attention the most was that neurons aren't only in the brain;
they are also in the stomach, and in other parts of the body. Another
thing is that we should have a good balance of nitric oxide (NO) and
neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in our gastrointestinal tract
in order to have good nutrition and to avoid diseases related with
an imbalance in the synthesis of that molecule. In conclusion, this
seminar contributed to my plan, that is to keep following the research.
Questions:
1) Why is the relaxation of the smooth muscle important?
2) What food(s) could be a good source for the synthesis of Nitric
Oxide?
3) What is the function of the myenteric plexus?