Pituitary Gland - Small gland that secretes hormones regulating body growth, metabolism, and the actions of other glands. Space Anemia - A shortage of red blood cells that is experienced by astronauts upon their return to Earth. Space Motion Sickness - Similar to sea sickness. Thyroid Gland - Gland that secretes thyroxin to control metabolism and body growth . The following hands-on activities can be used to demonstrate some of the concepts presented in this videotape.
People are measurably taller in the morning than they are in the evening.
During bed rest, the disks that separate the vertebrae in the spinal column expand slightly. This increases the total body height by a centimeter or more. By evening, the disks have been compacted, producing a shorter body height. During exposure to microgravity, the spine expands and doesn't contract until to return to Earth. Carefully mark the placement of the tape measure with the marker pen.