We need oxygen to keep our bodies functioning on a cellular level, and the respiratory system is the part of the body that enables this to happen. The respiratory system is a group of organs and tissues that enable us to breathe. The main parts of this system are the lungs, the airways, and the […]
Introduction The liver is a large, meaty organ that sits on the right side of the upper abdomen. It is the second largest organ in the body, after the skin. Weighing one and a half kilograms on average, the liver is reddish brown in colour and feels rubbery to the touch. It is protected by […]
Anatomy of the Spinal Cord To discuss the spinal nerves and how they work we first have to understand the anatomy of the spinal cord and column. The spinal column supports the head and protects the spinal cord, which is attached to the brain and extends down the centre of the back. It is approximately […]
The eye is a sense organ which allows us to obtain more information from our surroundings than each of the other four sense organs. The eye allows us to see and interpret the shapes, colours and dimensions of objects in the world by processing the light they reflect or emit. The eye is able to […]
The word Neurology comes from the Greek words νεῦρον, (neuron) meaning nerve; and λογία (logia) meaning study of. A neurologist specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, disorders and impaired function of the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system, and the autonomic and somatic nervous system. Central Nervous System Consists of the brain […]
The human ear is a sense organ which enables us to hear and to balance. The process by which we hear is an entirely mechanical one, as opposed to involving chemical reactions like taste, sight and smell. Anatomy of the Ear The human ear is made up of three main parts – the outer ear, […]
Medical Condition of the Elbow Lateral epicondylitis is a painful condition of the elbow. It is also known as tennis elbow because it is common in tennis players. It is generally an overuse phenomenon resulting in inflammation of the epicondyle. Anatomy The elbow joint is made up of three bones, the humerus, radius and ulna. […]
Overview An embolus is something that travels through the bloodstream and lodges in a place where it would not ordinarily be. A fat embolism has nothing to do with being overweight. It occurs when a fat particle or droplet travels through the circulation and eventually blocks a blood vessel. Fat emboli tend to be small […]
Overview The word jaundice comes from the French word jaune which means yellow, describing the colour of the skin, conjunctiva, mucous membranes, sclera and whites of the eyes, of a patient who is suffering from jaundice. Jaundice is a symptom as opposed to a condition. If jaundice is present it means there is an excessive […]
Overview When irreversible liver failure occurs, the only option for treatment is for the patient to have a liver transplant. A liver transplant is when a patient undergoes surgery to remove a diseased or malfunctioning liver to be replaced with a complete or portion of a healthy liver that has been donated by another person. […]
