The spinal cord is enclosed and safeguarded by layers of tissue known as the meninges and a column of vertebrae (spinal bones). It is responsible for transmitting nerve signals from the brain to the rest of the body. Damage that occurs to the spinal cord is called a spinal cord injury (SCI). An SCI may … Read more
Calcium is an electrolyte necessary for numerous cellular and enzymatic processes. 99% of the total amount of calcium in the body is found in the skeleton and it is a crucial part of bone ossification. Soft tissues and extracellular fluids contain the other 1%. Calcium is vital for bone structure and integrity, muscle contraction, blood … Read more
Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a congenital heart condition characterized by four defects: Because of these structural flaws, blood is poorly oxygenated when pumped to the rest of the body. Because the blood does not contain enough oxygen, infants may display a bluish discoloration (cyanosis) of the skin, nails, and lips. Tetralogy of Fallot is … Read more
Anaphylaxis is an acute hypersensitivity reaction with potentially life-threatening consequences. It is often a sudden, multi-system, widespread allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis frequently results in death if untreated because it quickly progresses to respiratory failure. Anaphylactic reactions have traditionally been classified as Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated responses, whereas anaphylactoid reactions are IgE-independent responses. The clinical condition and treatment … Read more
Stress is the body’s response to dangerous circumstances, whether they are actual or only perceived. When a person feels threatened, the body experiences a hormonal change that enables it to respond and prevent harm. This stress response, otherwise called the “fight-or-flight” response, happens when the body prepares to defend itself and reacts by increasing the … Read more
A Cesarean section (C-section) is the surgical removal of the baby from the abdomen. C-sections may be elective or required due to emergency complications. There are several reasons a baby cannot or should not be delivered vaginally. For instance, a Cesarean delivery is frequently advised if the patient has a history of uterine rupture or … Read more
Sickle cell anemia, also known as sickle cell disease (SCD), affects the oxygen-carrying red blood cells (RBCs). Healthy RBCs transport oxygen to every body part and organ system. RBCs are typically round and flexible, so they may readily pass through blood vessels. In sickle cell anemia, RBCs are rigid and sticky, giving them the appearance … Read more
Pulmonary edema is an accumulation of fluid in the alveoli of the lungs that causes disturbances in gas exchange. Cardiogenic and noncardiogenic pulmonary edema are the two main types of this condition. Cardiogenic: Blood that enters through veins from the lungs cannot be pumped out by the left heart ventricle. A sudden increase in the … Read more
Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone. Though healthy bones are typically resistant to infection, bacteria may enter susceptible bones through the bloodstream, directly from fractures or surgical procedures, and from infected surrounding tissues. Osteomyelitis may be acute or chronic. Acute osteomyelitis is most common and very serious due to its systemic nature. Chronic osteomyelitis … Read more
Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland is underactive and does not produce enough hormones. The thyroid is a small gland at the front of the neck that resembles a butterfly. Thyroid hormones regulate how the body uses energy, which impacts almost every organ in the body, including the heart rate. People with hypothyroidism can be … Read more