End-of-term Reflection

There were so many things that interested me in this class and that apply to my area of study. However, what stood out to me most was when we learned about the bodies microbiota. I especially enjoyed when we discussed how immune responses, more specifically antibodies, and flora can be passed on through birth and breastfeeding. Among the antibodies passed in breast milk, IgA is the most abundant and prevalent and are key in building baby's immune system and response. Additionally, we briefly discussed the difference in gut flora that can occur whether a child was born vaginally or via cesarean section. These are topics of study that need more focus and require more research that focuses on what changes could occur long term. All of this was very intriguing and something I would greatly consider studying full time.