The glomerulus is the communication point between the bloodstream and nephron, the functional unit of the kidney. It is composed of the glomerular capillaries and Bowman’s capsule of the nephron. Fluid from the blood in the glomerular capillaries pass into the Bowman’s capsule and then enters the tubules where >> Read More ...
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerves due to gradually increasing pressure within the eye, the intraocular pressure (IOP). Glaucoma can develop in one or both eyes. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness, yet many people are unaware that they have this condition since the >> Read More ...
Cataract surgery involves removal of the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. Not all cataract cases require surgery. However, surgery is the only effective treatment option in advanced cataract causing problems with routine activities such as driving, reading, cooking, watching television, and so on. >> Read More ...
The lens of the eye needs to be clear so that light can pass through it uninhibited and cast an image on the back of the eye (retina). Clouding or opacification of the lens of the eye, which is clear under normal circumstances, is known as a cataract. This usually develops over a long time, impairing vision and may >> Read More ...
The sense of itch is elicited when there is irritation on the surface of the skin like that of an insect crawling on it. It is closely associated with a tickle and its purpose is to make a person act against the offending agent by scratching or rubbing it off. In this manner, itching is a protective mechanism that is >> Read More ...
Neuritis is the term for inflammation of the nerve. It may be due to a number of causes including mechanical trauma, chemical injury, nutritional deficiencies, infections, inherited disorders and systemic diseases. Inflammation of a sensory nerves may present with numbness, tingling, abnormal sensations or pain. When the >> Read More ...
Peripheral nerves are those nerves that lie outside of the central nervous system or CNS (brain and spinal cord). These nerves may carry sensory information (sensory nerves) to the CNS or motor signals (motor nerves) to the muscle. Nerves are a collection of neurons, the basic nerve cell, and like any part of the body it >> Read More ...
The metabolism is all the chemical reactions that occur in the body to sustain life. In the process heat is generated as energy is expended. A measure of the amount of heat generated over time is a direct indication of the energy expenditure and this is known as the metabolic rate. The process of energy production requires >> Read More ...
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 ...
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 ...
