Nerves control the functions of the body as well as the organs, cells, muscles and brain. The nervous system is divided into two main types that also have subdivisions. The peripheral nervous system is the primary system of nerves that extend from...
According to the textbook "Examination of Orthopedic and Athletic injuries," many types of tests are used in the physical examination of patients. One common neurological test is called deep tendon reflex testing. Deep tendon reflexes,...
Healthy kidneys help eliminate waste and maintain proper fluid volume and electrolyte balance in your body. Your protein intake should not significantly affect blood flow to your kidneys if your kidneys are working properly, but in some cases,...
The eye pupil is the hole in the middle of the iris, the colored part of the eye. Pupils dilate and shrink in response to light; two muscles control pupil size, according to "Fundamentals for Ophthalmic Personnel." Pupillary reactions are...
The somatic, or voluntary, nervous system is the part of the nervous system that is under conscious control. The other functional component of the peripheral nervous system, the autonomic system, participates in the preparation and facilitation of...
Before food is even in sight, the brain prepares the body for digestion. The mere thought of food can trigger a release of chemicals in the stomach. The process of digestion then continues in the mouth, proceeding on into the stomach and then...
Allergies are one of the most common ailments that occur throughout the United States each year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that in 2006 alone, 13.1 million people visited physicians offices, hospitals and emergency...
If you haven't experienced it in person, you have likely seen it on television: The doctor in the examining room taps the area just below your kneecap with a small rubber mallet, and your lower leg responds with a "knee-jerk" reaction. Assessing...
The kidneys are an enormously complex organ involved in everything from regulating blood pressure, filtering blood, maintaining healthy bones and helping mature red blood cells. In the absence of illness, it is very possible to avoid thinking...
Peppermint has a long history of folklore use for treating a variety of ailments from indigestion to headaches to colds. It is a native plant found throughout the United States. Peppermint is a natural hybrid between spearmint and water mint. The...
Cayenne pepper, also known as chili pepper, contains the compound capsaicin, which is responsible for its heat effects and pain-relieving properties. Although cayenne has been traditionally used to treat digestive problems and poor appetite, it...
Blood pressure is measured in a comparison of systolic, which is blood pressure when the heart is pumping, and diastolic, which is blood pressure when the heart is at rest. A normal blood pressure reading is about 120/80mm Hg. If either number...
The nervous system is the master of all systems; it controls the functions of all other systems in the body. It is divided into two main parts: the central nervous system, or CNS; and the peripheral nervous system, or PNS. The CNS consists of the...
Your own anecdotal experience may tell you that coffee consumption is related to weight loss. Coffee has been consumed for generations and its affects on energy are well-known. Recent research has helped us to better understand the mechanism that...
Ulcerative colitis, also known as inflammatory bowel disease, targets the lining of the colon and rectum. The cause of this condition is unknown but certain foods and stress can trigger the symptoms. Limited research has investigated cayenne...
Peppermint is a native plant of the United States, found in most of the lower 48 states. It has a long history of global folklore use for a diverse array of ailments, ranging from stomach disorders to colds to cancer. Like many herbal supplements,...
Although your body needs cholesterol to make steroid hormones, bile salts and vitamin D, too much cholesterol can lead to coronary artery disease. Doctors sometimes prescribe statin drugs to lower blood cholesterol levels. Natural remedies, like...
Glutamate plays an important role in regulating the electrical signals running throughout your brain. Manufacturers use this substance in the form of monosodium glutamate as a food additive in a broad range of products. Known as a flavor enhancer,...
Sciatica is the medical term used to describe symptoms due to an injury or pressure on your sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve forms out of the lower spine and branches off into each leg. It’s responsible for controlling muscle movements of...
