The appendix is a small, finger-shaped pouch attached to the large intestine, located in the lower right side of the abdomen. For many years, it was considered a vestigial organ with no significant function, but research suggests it may play a role in the immune system and gut health. Here’s what we currently understand about the appendix: 1. Immune Function (Especially Early in Life): The… Read More »What does the appendix do?

The spleen is an important organ in the immune and circulatory systems, located in the upper left side of the abdomen, just under the rib cage. While it is not essential for survival (other organs can compensate for its loss), it plays several critical roles in maintaining health. Here’s what the spleen does: 1. Filters Blood: The spleen removes old, damaged, or abnormal red blood… Read More »What does the Spleen do ?

The liver is a vital organ with a wide range of essential functions that keep the body healthy. It is the largest internal organ and sits in the upper right side of the abdomen, beneath the rib cage. Here’s what the liver does: 1. Detoxification: The liver filters and removes toxins, drugs, alcohol, and harmful substances from the blood. It converts these substances into less… Read More »What does the Liver Do?

The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland in males located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is part of the male reproductive system and plays a crucial role in fertility. Here’s what it does: 1. Produces Seminal Fluid: The primary function of the prostate is to produce a fluid that, together with fluids from the seminal vesicles, makes up the… Read More »What does the Prostate do ?

Brain death is the complete and irreversible loss of all brain function, including the activity of the brainstem, which controls vital involuntary functions such as breathing, heartbeat regulation, and reflexes like pupil response to light. When brain death occurs, the brain no longer sends signals to the body, and the individual is legally and medically considered dead, even if their heart is still beating with… Read More »What does it mean to go brain dead after not getting CPR after the brain shuts off for 10 or more minutes

Electrolytes play a crucial role in hydration because they help your body maintain fluid balance, support cellular function, and optimize the absorption of water. Here’s how they differ from water in contributing to hydration: 1. Maintaining Fluid Balance Electrolytes (e.g., sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium) regulate the movement of water in and out of cells through osmosis. They ensure that water is distributed evenly across your… Read More »How do electrolytes help with hydration as opposed to water ?

Bloodborne pathogens (BBPs) are microorganisms present in blood and other bodily fluids that can cause diseases when transmitted to another person. These pathogens include viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Below are the most common diseases associated with bloodborne pathogens: Viral Infections Hepatitis B (HBV) Affects the liver and can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Preventable with a vaccine. Hepatitis C (HCV) Also… Read More »What are all the diseases you can catch from blood borne pathogens

The idea that “sugar feeds cancer” is based on the observation that cancer cells consume glucose (a type of sugar) at a much higher rate than normal cells. Here’s how and why this happens: 1. High Glucose Consumption by Cancer Cells Warburg Effect: Cancer cells preferentially use a metabolic process called aerobic glycolysis, even in the presence of oxygen. This process is less efficient than… Read More »How and why does sugar feed cancer cells

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) is a molecule that serves as the primary energy carrier in all living organisms. It is often referred to as the “energy currency” of the cell because it provides the energy needed for various biological processes. Structure of ATP: ATP is a nucleotide composed of three main parts: Adenine: A nitrogenous base. Ribose: A five-carbon sugar molecule. Three Phosphate Groups: A chain… Read More »What is ATP?

Parts of the body that lack access to oxygenated blood may not respond to the nervous system because oxygen is essential for the proper functioning of cells, including neurons (nerve cells) and muscle cells. Here’s why this happens: 1. Oxygen’s Role in Cellular Function: Oxygen is necessary for cellular respiration, the process by which cells produce energy (ATP) from glucose. Without oxygen, cells cannot generate… Read More »why do parts of the body that don’t have access to oxygenated blood not respond to the nervous system

The brainstem is a critical part of the brain responsible for controlling many vital and automatic functions necessary for survival. It connects the brain to the spinal cord and acts as a relay center for information between the brain and the body. Here’s what the brainstem controls: 1. Autonomic Functions: The brainstem regulates basic, involuntary processes essential for life, including: Breathing (via the medulla oblongata)… Read More »What parts of the body does the brain stem control?

The process where oxygen mixes with the blood in the lungs is called gas exchange and involves diffusion. Here’s how it works: Inhalation Brings Oxygen into the Lungs: When you inhale, air containing oxygen enters the lungs and travels down to the alveoli, which are tiny air sacs at the end of the bronchioles. Structure of the Alveoli: Alveoli are surrounded by a network of… Read More »What is the process of diffusion where the lungs mix the oxygen with the Blood

The Western healthcare field utilizes a wide variety of medications to treat, manage, and prevent diseases. These medications can be classified based on their function, mechanism of action, or targeted system/condition. Here’s an overview of the different types: 1. By Function a. Analgesics (Pain Relievers) Treat pain by blocking pain signals or reducing inflammation. Examples: Non-opioid analgesics: Acetaminophen, ibuprofen. Opioid analgesics: Morphine, oxycodone. Adjuvant analgesics:… Read More »What are the different types of medication in the western healthcare field?

The ultimate reason people die from cancer is typically due to the widespread and systemic effects of the disease on the body, which disrupt its vital functions. The specific reasons vary depending on the type, stage, and location of the cancer, but the primary mechanisms include: Organ Failure: Advanced cancers can grow large enough to invade or compress vital organs (e.g., the liver, lungs, brain),… Read More »What is the ultimate reason why people die from cancer

Several first aid medical emergencies can impair breathing, requiring immediate recognition and intervention to prevent severe complications or death. Below are the most common emergencies that can impair breathing, along with appropriate first aid responses: 1. Choking Cause: Blockage of the airway by food, a foreign object, or swelling. Signs: Inability to speak, cough, or breathe; clutching the throat (universal choking sign); cyanosis (bluish skin).… Read More »What are some first aid medical emergencies that could impair breathing

Death from an infection occurs when the body’s defense mechanisms are overwhelmed by a pathogen, or when the immune system’s response to the infection causes severe harm. Here are the key reasons and mechanisms through which infections can become fatal: 1. Sepsis and Septic Shock What It Is: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s response to an infection damages its own… Read More »How and why can someone die from an infection

Several first aid medical emergencies can impede blood flow and, if untreated, ultimately lead to death. These emergencies involve severe disruption to the cardiovascular system or blood vessels, which can result in insufficient oxygen and nutrient delivery to vital organs. Here are the most common scenarios: 1. Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction) Cause: Blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle due to a blood clot… Read More »What are some first aid medical emergencies that could impede blood flow and ultimately cause death

The difference between emergency first aid that could lead to CPR being necessary and first aid for non-life-threatening situations lies in the severity of the condition, the risk to life, and the immediacy of action required. Here’s how they differ: 1. Emergency First Aid (Potentially Life-Threatening) Definition: Situations where a person’s life, breathing, or circulation is at immediate risk. Without prompt action, the condition could… Read More »What is the difference between emergency first aid that could lead to CPR being necessary and first aid that is not life threatening

The window of time for effective CPR is critical, as the brain is highly sensitive to a lack of oxygen. Here’s how long CPR remains useful in restoring life: Timeframe for Brain Survival Without Oxygen: 0 to 4 Minutes: The brain can survive without oxygen for up to about 4 minutes with minimal damage. CPR is highly effective if started within this time. 4 to… Read More »How long after someones brain shuts off due to lack of oxygenated blood can CPR still be useful to bring someone back to life

When a person is in a coma, their body is in a state of prolonged unconsciousness where they cannot be awakened, do not respond to stimuli, and have significantly impaired brain function. Here’s what happens in the body and brain during a coma: 1. The Brain’s Activity in a Coma Suppressed Brain Function: A coma occurs when areas of the brain responsible for consciousness (such… Read More »What is happening to a persons body when they are in a Coma ?