Neurosteroids or neuroactive steroids are steroids synthesized within the brain and modulate neuronal excitability. The term was coined by the French physiologist Etienne Baulieu. Neurosteroids have a wide range of potential clinical applications from sedation to treatment of epilepsy and traumatic brain injury. What are the Different Types of Neurosteroids? Inhibitory Cause inhibitory actions on […]
Basics
Anatomy of the Breast
The breasts are paired structures that lie in front of the anterior thoracic wall over the pectoralis major muscle. In this article, we shall discuss the anatomy of the breast, its nerve supply, blood supply, lymphatic drainage along with various aspects of clinical significance. The breasts contain the mammary glands which are an accessory gland […]
Grey Turner Sign, Cullen Sign and Their Significance
Grey Turner sign is ecchymosis or discoloration of the flanks occurring because of abdominal pathology. Classically it is associated with severe acute necrotizing pancreatitis often in association with Cullen’s sign (periumbilical ecchymosis) but it is not specific to that. The color of discoloration may be green, yellow, or purple depending on the degree of red […]
Cytogenetics – Scope, Techniques and Uses
Cytogenetics is a branch of genetics concerned with the study of chromosomal structure, location, and function of the cells. The study includes chromosome number, appearance or karyotyping, location of genes on chromosomes and chromosomal behavior in cell processes such as cell division. There are various techniques used to study chromosomes which we will discuss later. […]
Thoracic Duct Anatomy and Functions
The thoracic duct is the largest lymphatic vessel in the human body that is responsible for the passage of around 75% of the lymph from the whole of the body except the right upper limb, right breast, right lung and right side of the head and neck. It drains into the venous angle or Pirgoff’s […]
Vagus Nerve Anatomy, Course and Function
Vagus nerve is a cranial nerve [arises from brain] that contains both motor and sensory fibers. It is the longest cranial nerve and has the widest distribution from neck to thorax to the abdomen where its somatic and visceral afferent fibers are distributed. There are 12 cranial nerves on each side of the skull and […]
Spleen Anatomy, Function and Significance
The spleen is the largest organ of your lymphatic system which consists of network of trabeculae, blood vessels and lymphoid tissue. It resides in the upper left of the abdomen and is protected by the rib cage. The region is also known as left hypochondriac region. It provides a milieu where lymphocytes proliferate and old damaged red […]
Lymph Node Structure and Function
The lymph node is small, oval bean-shaped structure of lymphatic system formed of lymphoid tissue enclosed in a connective tissue capsule. These occur in association with the lymphatic vessels and serve as filters for the blood. They are typically found concentrated near junctions of the major lymphatic vessels, most prominently in the neck, groin, and […]
50 Iron Rich Foods You Can Add to Your Diet
Iron is a major constituent of blood and is one of the minerals we should eat regularly in our diet. There are many iron rich foods available across the food groups. [Read more about the dietary requirement of iron] Iron deficiency leads to anemia and oxygen carrying capacity of the blood is reduced. It leads […]
Lymphatic System Structure and Function
The lymphatic system is a part of the circulatory system [also called subsystem of the circulatory system] that is formed by a network of network of vessels [other than arteries and veins], tissues, and organs. The main function of the system is Maintainfluid balance in the body by collecting excess fluid depositing them in the bloodstream. Provides immunity […]