The Hormone Cortisol Cortisol is the main type of glucocorticoid – a group of hormones secreted by the outer cortex portion of the adrenal glands that sit on top of each kidney. These glucocorticoids are sterol hormones and cortisol (hydrocortisone) is a natural corticosteroid. Cortisol secretion is almost entirely >> Read More ...
The Hormone Prolactin Prolactin is s hormone synthesized and secreted from the lactotroph cells in the anterior pituitary gland. It is also produced by various other tissues in the body but to a far lesser degree than in the anterior pituitary. There are three forms of prolactin in the body which differ by molecular >> Read More ...
White blood cells are important components of the body’s immune system. These cells are also known as leukocytes. There are different types of white blood cells which are broadly divided into the granulocytes and agranulocytes named so due to the presence of granules within the >> Read More ...
Bleeding is the loss of blood from a vessel and the medical term is hemorrhage. Although bleeding is often only associated with an open wound on the skin, there can be blood loss internally without any obvious signs of bleeding. Blood may pass out into environment any of the extravascular spaces – these are any >> Read More ...
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 ...
What is Forceps Delivery? Forceps delivery is a form of assisted delivery or operative delivery where active measures are taken to accomplish vaginal delivery by means of an instrument known as the obstetric forceps. Simply, the forceps are used to help with the delivery of the baby through the vagina. This form of >> 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 ...
