The thyroid gland is a double-lobed gland that lies just below and in front of the voice box. It resembles a fatty mass and can extend to the upper part of the chest cavity. An abnormally enlarged thyroid gland is known as a goiter and is often an indication of a diseased state. This rather unassuming gland has several >> Read More ...
The body has an efficient mechanism for stopping blood loss when bleeding arises. This mechanism has several phases to first reduce the degree of bleeding, temporarily plug the point of the blood loss, further seal the area for the long term and then expedite healing of the affected blood vessel to restore its integrity. >> Read More ...
There are several processes that ensure that blood loss is stopped when a blood vessel is torn or ruptured. A platelet plug quickly reduces and even stops the blood loss and is then further secured by a blood clot which is more long lasting measure. In order for the body to carry out these functions, it needs a number of >> Read More ...
There are several micronutrients which are required in small amounts to sustain life. These include a host of vitamins and minerals, each of which play important roles in various biochemical processes. One of these substances is vitamin K. A deficiency or total lack of vitamin K can have a number of effects on the human >> Read More ...
The body has several mechanisms to control the internal temperature. Heat is generated by the body’s cells as part of its metabolic activity. At the same time heat is lost through the surface of the skin into the environment. The heat will dissipate faster if the body is unclothed or when the environment is cold and >> Read More ...
Red blood cells (RBCs) or erythrocytes are small round cells that circulate in the blood stream and carry oxygen throughout the body. These cells measure about 6 to 8 micrometers (um) in diameter which is equivalent to 0.006 to 0.008 millimeters – too small to be seen by the naked eye. The cells are disc shaped with >> Read More ...
The red blood cells (RBCs or erythrocytes) are important carriers of gas in the blood ensuring that oxygen reaches all tissues. These cells are constantly being produced and destroyed in the body. The balance ensures that there is a sufficient quantity of RBCs in the blood. The normal lifespan of a red blood cell is about >> Read More ...
The body has several mechanisms to stop bleeding collectively known as hemostasis. This involves multiple phases, each with several processes which ultimately stops blood loss and allows the body the opportunity to repair the damaged blood vessel. In certain diseases, these mechanisms are compromised giving rise to some of >> Read More ...
What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome? Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is not a single disease but a range of disorders which include numerous physical and mental problems, as well as various developmental defects, that may occur as a result of alcohol consumption by the mother while pregnant. No amount of alcohol is considered safe >> Read More ...
Hemostasis is the mechanism by which the body stops blood loss. It involves a series of steps first to rapidly plug the leak and then to secure it followed by permanent healing processes that restores the integrity of the blood vessel. One of the important phases of hemostasis is the coagulation phase which involves >> Read More ...
