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 […]
Medical terminology refers to a special vocabulary used by medical professionals. Far from being used to bewilder those not trained in healthcare, it is an essential aid in consistent communication between medical professionals. Medical terminology is used consistently in medicolegal reporting. This week we are going to look at how medical words are formed, to […]
The Pituitary Gland The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain, attached to the hypothalamus, which controls its function and is approximately the size of a pea. Known as the master gland, it produces hormones that control other glands, and has a role in many body functions. The pituitary gland is divided […]
Overview Aspiration pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs and airways caused by breathing in foreign material, either from the mouth or regurgitated from the stomach. The foreign material can be made up of oral or gastric content including food, liquid, vomit, saliva or nasal secretions. This can lead to significant infection in the lung. Causes […]
Overview Cirrhosis is a chronic condition of the liver characterised by abnormal liver function and structure, as a result of damage caused by inflammation of liver cells. Inflammation and regeneration that is associated with dying liver cells leads to the formation of scar tissue. Surviving cells multiply as they try to replace dead cells, resulting […]
Overview The spleen is an organ found in virtually all vertebrate mammals. It is located in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen. In the average healthy adult it weighs around two hundred grams and it is about the size of a fist. The spleen has several main functions. It filters the blood and removes […]
The term Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease can be broken down into gastro, which means of or relating to the stomach, oesophageal meaning relating to the oesophagus, and reflux which means to flow back. It is a common condition in which the stomach contents leak backwards from the stomach into the oesophagus, which is the pipe attaching […]
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 […]
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 […]
Alcohol is the most widely used and abused drug on the planet. Most of us have experienced first hand or witnessed the effects of too much alcohol, and for many people, drinking alcohol is a habit that is as normal as waking up in the morning. What many of us are not aware of are […]
