The spinal cord transmits nerve signals from the brain to the rest of the body. It is enclosed and safeguarded by layers of tissue known as the meninges and a column of vertebrae (spinal bones). Damage to the spinal cord is called spinal cord injury (SCI). SCI may be permanent and life-threatening. Depending on the … 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, which makes sense given that it is a crucial part of bone ossification. Soft tissues and extracellular fluids contain the other 1%. Calcium is vital for bone structure and … 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 as such. When a person feels threatened, the body experiences a hormonal change that enables it to respond and prevent harm. This stress response, or the “fight-or-flight” response, is when the body prepares to defend itself and reacts by increasing … 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 conditions such as pregnancy 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 … Read more
Sickle cell anemia affects the oxygen-carrying blood cells, known as red blood cells (RBCs). Round, healthy RBCs transport oxygen to every body part and organ system. RBCs typically have a round shape and are flexible, so they may readily pass through blood vessels. In sickle cell anemia though, RBCs are rigid and sticky giving them … 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 broad categories of this condition. Cardiogenic: Blood that enters through veins from the lung cannot be pumped out by the left ventricle of the heart. A sudden increase … Read more
Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone. Bones may become prone to infection from trauma, surgery, ischemia, or bacteria from surrounding tissues. Osteomyelitis can result from a systemic bacterial infection that extends to the bones (sepsis or bacteremia). This form typically affects a child’s long bones, such as the femur or humerus. Adult cases of … Read more
Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland is underactive and does 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 how quickly the heart beats. People with hypothyroidism can … Read more