The ureters are the long narrow tubes that carry urine from each kidney to the bladder. Although this part of the urinary tract is often not given much consideration in diseases of the urinary system, the ureters can be affected by a number of conditions that will impact on the functioning of the kidney and could even lead >> Read More ...
Peritoneum and Peritoneal Cavity The peritoneum is a double layered membranous sac that houses many of the abdominal organs. One layer of the peritoneum known as the visceral peritoneum is attached to these organs, which are known as intra-peritenoeal organs. The other layer known as the parietal peritoneum lines the inner >> Read More ...
The esophagus, also known as the gullet, is the long and narrow tube of the alimentary tract that leads from the throat to the stomach. It is located in the neck and chest cavity (thorax). Food and fluid when swallowed enters the esophagus and is rapidly propelled by esophageal contractions to reach the stomach. No >> Read More ...
What is a digital rectal examination? A rectal exam, or more accurately digital rectal examination (DRE), is an investigative procedure where a medical professional uses a gloved finger to reach the rectum via the anus and examine for abnormalities in the pelvis and lower abdomen. It is done in both men and women although >> Read More ...
The vocal cords or vocal folds are the part of the upper airway (larynx) that vibrate to form sound. It is commonly referred to as the voice box. By tightening and loosening these membranous folds, the flow of air is manipulated to produce the voice which is later formed into distinct sounds by the lips, tongue and other >> Read More ...
Oral herpes or mouth herpes is caused by the Herpes simplex type 1 virus (HSV-1). Also known as cold sores or fever blisters, this infection has a tendency to recur several times in life and the infection remains latent and therefore asymptomatic in between. A recurrence is referred to as a reactivation while the first >> Read More ...
What is herpes of the mouth? Oral herpes, commonly referred to as mouth herpes, is a viral infection of the mouth and gums primarily by the Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) but may also be due to the genital variant (HSV-2). It is also known as recurrent herpetic stomatitis or acute herpetic gingivostomatitis. The >> Read More ...
What is a nodule on the thyroid gland? Thyroid nodules are focal enlargements on the thyroid gland commonly referred to as lumps. It may be present in an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter) or a normal sized gland. Nodules may be due to various causes – it may be due to swelling often associated with inflammation, >> Read More ...
The concept of adrenal fatigue or adrenal exhaustion is highly controversial. However, it continues to attract much media attention and there are scores of websites and books dedicated to the subject of adrenal fatigue. There is much debate as to whether many of the signs and symptoms attributed to adrenal fatigue syndrome >> Read More ...
Adrenal Glands and Hormones The adrenal glands, also known as the suprarenal glands, are two small structures that lie on the superior poles of each kidney. It has two distinct portions – the smaller inner adrenal medulla surrounded by the large outer adrenal cortex. The medulla secretes the hormones epinephrine and >> Read More ...
