Question

Write a short story that tells about the escapades of a single red blood cell in the body of human being. This story is supposed to teach middle school students how the blood flows through the entire body. You can start the story at the left atrium of the heart and map out the pathway of blood. In your story, you should choose a tissue that the red blood cell is responsible for offloading oxygen and picking up carbon dioxide. Choose a name for your RBC, give it a story and a reason for why it needs to deliver its package. You should include pictures and illustrations on EVERY page to personalize your red blood cell. Include the names of the major arteries, veins, arterioles, venules, and capillary networks involved in this story. You must also include all the words in the word bank below. Also consider how quickly this RBC will travel through different networks of blood vessels and write about its experience as it moves though. What is it surrounded by? What is it feeling? Is the package it’s delivering heavy?

Use all the terms in the following word bank: Superior vena cava Right Pulmonary artery Pulmonary trunk Right pulmonary semilunar valve Tricuspid valve Right ventricle Superior/Inferior Vena cava (depending on pathway) Aorta Left pulmonary artery Left atrium Right Atrium Left pulmonary veins Mitral (bicuspid valve) Aortic valve Left ventricle Muscles of the left ventricle (epicardium, myocardium, endocardium) Specific arteries your RBC flows through (yes, you need to look them up) Specific arterioles your RBC flows through (these too) Specific tissue oxygen is being delivered (with specific name of capillary bed - if applicable) Specific venules your RBC comes back through Specific veins your RBC comes back through

Answer 1

Once upon a time, in the bustling city of the Human Body, there lived a brave and adventurous red blood cell named Ruby. Ruby resided in the left atrium of the heart, where she was surrounded by her fellow red blood cells, all eagerly awaiting their next journey through the intricate network of blood vessels.

Ruby had a special task to fulfill. She was responsible for offloading life-sustaining oxygen and picking up carbon dioxide from the hardworking tissues of the body. Her destination was the mighty muscles of the left ventricle, where her precious package would be delivered.

With her package securely bound, Ruby embarked on her thrilling expedition. She bid farewell to her red blood cell companions and embarked on her journey through the heart. She traveled through the mitral valve, which safeguarded her passage into the left ventricle.

As she entered the left ventricle, Ruby could feel the powerful contractions of the muscles surrounding her. The epicardium, myocardium, and endocardium pulsated rhythmically, propelling her forward with each beat. It was an exhilarating and energetic experience.

Ruby's adventure continued as she passed through the aortic valve, entering the vast arterial highway known as the aorta. The aorta was the main thoroughfare, carrying Ruby and her fellow red blood cells throughout the entire body. Ruby marveled at the complex network of arteries branching out in all directions.

Her journey took her through specific arteries, such as the brachial artery and the carotid artery, which supplied blood to the arm and the brain, respectively. She swiftly flowed through arterioles, which were like narrow lanes leading to her final destination. Ruby marveled at the intricate design of the capillary bed, a specific tissue where oxygen was needed most.

Arriving at the capillary bed within the mighty muscles, Ruby's excitement grew. She gracefully maneuvered through the tiny vessels, exchanging oxygen for carbon dioxide with the surrounding tissue. The package she carried felt weightless in comparison to the joy she felt, knowing she was fulfilling her vital purpose.

With her mission accomplished, Ruby began her return journey. She traveled through venules, gradually merging into veins. Along her path, she encountered specific venules, like the basilic vein and the cephalic vein, which led her back to the heart.

The final leg of her adventure took her through the superior and inferior vena cava, the major veins that would guide her back to the heart. As Ruby entered the right atrium, she felt a sense of satisfaction, knowing she had completed her mission successfully.

Ruby rejoined her red blood cell companions in the heart, sharing tales of her extraordinary voyage. They celebrated her bravery and resilience, for she had not only delivered her package but also taught them the importance of teamwork and the vital role they played in the body's functioning.