The Liver

Image of a Liver

Introduction The liver is a large, meaty organ that sits on the right side of the upper abdomen. It is the second largest organ in the body, after the skin. Weighing one and a half kilograms on average, the liver is reddish brown in colour and feels rubbery to the touch. It is protected by […]

Spinal Nerves

Anatomy of the Spinal Cord To discuss the spinal nerves and how they work we first have to understand the anatomy of the spinal cord and column.  The spinal column supports the head and protects the spinal cord, which is attached to the brain and extends down the centre of the back.  It is approximately […]

The Human Ear

The Human Ear Image

The human ear is a sense organ which enables us to hear and to balance.  The process by which we hear is an entirely mechanical one, as opposed to involving chemical reactions like taste, sight and smell. Anatomy of the Ear The human ear is made up of three main parts – the outer ear, […]

Lateral Epicondylitis

Elbow Pain Image

Medical Condition of the Elbow Lateral epicondylitis is a painful condition of the elbow. It is also known as tennis elbow because it is common in tennis players. It is generally an overuse phenomenon resulting in inflammation of the epicondyle. Anatomy The elbow joint is made up of three bones, the humerus, radius and ulna. […]

Fat Embolism

Fat Embolism Image

Overview An embolus is something that travels through the bloodstream and lodges in a place where it would not ordinarily be. A fat embolism has nothing to do with being overweight. It occurs when a fat particle or droplet travels through the circulation and eventually blocks a blood vessel. Fat emboli tend to be small […]

Jaundice

Liver Image

Overview The word jaundice comes from the French word jaune which means yellow, describing the colour of the skin, conjunctiva, mucous membranes, sclera and whites of the eyes, of a patient who is suffering from jaundice. Jaundice is a symptom as opposed to a condition. If jaundice is present it means there is an excessive […]

Liver Transplant

The Liver

Overview When irreversible liver failure occurs, the only option for treatment is for the patient to have a liver transplant. A liver transplant is when a patient undergoes surgery to remove a diseased or malfunctioning liver to be replaced with a complete or portion of a healthy liver that has been donated by another person. […]

The Endocrine System

Image of Thyroid

The term endocrine is derived from the Greek words “endo” meaning within, and “crinis” meaning secrete.  The endocrine system affects the function of every cell, tissue and organ in the human body.  The system is made up of several glands, each gland consists of a network of cells that together produce and secrete chemicals.  The […]

Psychiatric Disorders

Image of the Human Brain

Psychiatry is the study and medical treatment of mental health disorders, of which there are a wide spectrum.  It integrates biological, social and psychological aspects of mental health to provide medical care for a wide range of symptoms. When considering an Independent Medical Examination, psychiatric problems may be considered as a stand alone issue for […]

Paediatric Hip Conditions

Image of The Hip

Anatomy and Development of the Hip The hip joint is the connection between the head of the femur and the part of the pelvic bone known as the acetabulum.  It is a ball and socket joint, allowing for a large range of motion in multiple planes.  The joint is protected by articular cartilage on both […]