Most energy in the body is sourced from carbohydrates. Through digestion and metabolism, carbohydrates are broken down into simpler substances like glucose which can be used for energy production. Sometimes when there is insufficient carbohydrates, the body has to depend on proteins and fats for energy. These nutrients >> Read More ...
What is a fat embolism? Fat embolism is where large globules of fat travel in the bloodstream. Since fat cannot dissolve in blood on its own, it remains in a solid form and there is a risk that it may block a smaller blood vessel. It is more likely to obstruct a blood vessel that is already narrowed (stenosis) with >> Read More ...
The myelin sheath covering the nerves fibers of the brain and spinal cord is composed of several layers of a fatty substance known as lipoprotein. In addition to acting as a protective covering for the nerves, the myelin sheath also allows rapid conduction of electrical impulses along the nerve fibers. When the myelin >> Read More ...
There are several areas in the body where certain organs and structures may move against each other thereby causing friction. Where two bones meet to articulate, the area has specialized cartilage and fluid within a capsule to reduce friction. This is known as a joint. At other sites like between between muscles, tendons, >> Read More ...
Chikungunya and dengue fever are both mosquito-transmitted viral diseases that are endemic in Asia and Africa. Dengue may also occur in other parts of the world such as South America, Central America and the Caribbean. Both chikungunya and dengue should always be considered in case of fever in travelers returning from >> 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 ...
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 ...
Uric acid is produced in the body by the breakdown of purines. These purines in turn are sourced from the breakdown of genetic material when old or damaged cells are normally destroyed in the body. Other purines comes from the metabolism of purine-rich foods, primarily proteins, that are ingested. These are found in foods >> Read More ...
What is urea? Urea is the organic compound high in nitrogen that is formed in the body during protein and ammonia breakdown. It is fairly harmless but large quantities can be dangerous and urea is constantly passed out by the kidneys in urine. Proteins are broken down into simpler substances known as amino acids which are >> Read More ...
What is hypercalcemia? Hypercalcemia is the medical term for elevated calcium levels in the blood. Most patients with moderately elevated blood calcium levels are asymptomatic (without symptoms) and hypercalcemia is often detected upon routine blood tests. It can however lead to acute emergencies, often associated with >> Read More ...
