Essential Facts: Stem Cells, Diabetes, Malaria, and More
What are Stem Cells?
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the potential to develop into many different cell types in the body.
The Pancreas and Insulin
What is the Pancreas?
The pancreas is an organ that produces digestive pancreatic juice and insulin.
What is Insulin?
Insulin is a hormone that regulates sugar levels in the blood. It helps to regulate glucose.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes primarily affects adults. In this condition, cells become resistant to insulin.
Recombinant Insulin
Recombinant
Read MoreCell Structure, Tissues, and Human Biology Fundamentals
Cellular Components and Their Functions
Organelles
Endoplasmic Reticulum: Membrane system forming a complex network of tubules and sacs throughout the cytoplasm. Two types exist: smooth and rough.
Mitochondria: Elongated organelles with a double membrane. Their primary function is to generate energy for the cell.
Vacuoles: Membranous vesicles responsible for storing various substances.
Lysosomes: Membranous vesicles containing digestive enzymes.
Golgi Apparatus: Membranous organelle composed of grouped
Read MoreEndocrine System and Kidney Function
Endocrine System
Pancreas
Located in the upper abdomen, the pancreas secretes hormones:
- Insulin: Regulates blood glucose levels.
- Glucagon: Increases blood glucose concentration; its action opposes insulin.
Pituitary Gland
Located below the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland secretes hormones such as:
- TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone): Stimulates the thyroid.
- Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH): Acts on the kidneys.
- Oxytocin: Stimulates contraction of the myometrium (uterine muscle).
Thyroid Gland
Located in the anterior
Read MoreUnderstanding the Human Heart
The Heart
The heart, a muscular organ roughly the size of a fist, pumps blood throughout the body via blood vessels. It’s located in the center of the chest, between the lungs.
Heart Walls and Chambers
The heart walls consist of myocardial muscle, responsible for involuntary contractions. The heart’s interior is divided into right and left halves, separated by a wall to prevent mixing. Each half contains two interconnected chambers: an upper atrium and a lower ventricle. The ventricles have thicker
Read MoreAnatomy of Major Arteries: Lower Limbs, Abdomen, and Head
Anatomy of Major Arteries
Scarpa’s Triangle
Scarpa’s triangle is formed by the vessels and nerves of the lower limbs, covered only by the fascia of the thigh, fat, and skin. It is a vulnerable area because the vessels and nerves are more superficial there.
Key Structures in Scarpa’s Triangle:
- Femoral artery
- Femoral vein
- Crural nerve
- Sartorius muscle
- Pectineus muscle
- Gracilis muscle
- Iliopsoas muscle
Lower Limb Arteries
The popliteal artery, tibial arteries, dorsalis pedis artery, plantar arteries, and collateral
Read MoreEmergency Care: Basic Life Support and Trauma
Basic Life Support
Basic Life Support: The set of measures that are intended to prevent cardiopulmonary arrest in emergency situations, if this has not occurred, or the maintenance of life or basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if it occurs.
Sequence in Basic CPR
- Ensure safety for the victim and the people that are attending.
- Assess the seriousness of the emergency situation.
- Assess the level of consciousness.
- Check for the existence of adequate ventilation.
- Assess blood circulation.
Hemorrhage
Hemorrhage:
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