Neuromuscular disorders are a group of conditions where extensive damage to the nerves occur, according to the National Institutes of Health. When the nerves die, the communication between the patient's nervous system and muscles are disrupted....
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), arthritis affects 19 million American adults. The CDC considers arthritis the leading reason for disability in the U.S. The CDC also expects that by the year 2030, the number of...
The thymus is a lymphoid organ responsible for the production and maturation of T-lymphocytes. In the early development, precursor cells migrate from the bone marrow into the thymus where they mature into T-lymphocytes. T-lymphocytes are...
Asthma is a lung disorder characterized by hypersensitivity of the airways. This leads to spasms and constriction of the bronchioles followed by inflammation. Chemicals are released in the inflammatory process that cause swelling and narrowing of...
Normally, there is a balance between the formation of clots and their destruction. But there are times when that balance is not maintained. Cancer, infections, atherosclerosis, certain medications and injury can all cause blood clots to be formed....
Xolair, also known as omalizumab, is a medication that belongs to the drug category of monoclonal antibodies, according to Medline Plus. It treats asthma attacks (a condition characterized by wheezing and trouble breathing) when inhaled steroids...
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, but it can also occur in men. In 2009, the National Cancer Institute reported 192,370 cases of breast cancer in women and 1,910 cases in men. The treatment for breast cancer depends on the stage of...
Myasthenia gravis produces various degrees of weakness in the muscles in your face, arms and legs as well as the muscles that control your breathing. Research published in the September 2005 issue of the journal "Chest" indicates that physical...
Colorectal cancer is a term that encompasses both colon cancer and rectal cancer. Colon cancer refers to cancer that originates in the longest part of the large intestine, while rectal cancer starts in the last few inches of the large intestine...
The two major nervous systems of the body are the central and peripheral systems. Disorders of the peripheral nervous system include all nerve pathways outside the brain and spinal cord. Disease symptoms include muscle weakness, paralysis and...
Low blood platelets, a condition known as thrombocytopenia, can result in excessive bleeding or internal bleeding that can become life-threatening. Treatment for this condition depends on its cause and what other treatments have been used. Once...
Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter -- a chemical in the brain that helps transmit electrical impulses generated by nerves. Acetylcholine plays a vital role in the peripheral nervous system by activating muscle cells. It also plays a role in the...
Your liver is one of the largest organs in your body and primarily is involved in metabolism, digestion, detoxification and elimination of various harmful compounds from your body. Because your liver is in constant contact with toxins and...
Remicade, the brand name of the generic infliximab, is a monoclonal antibody medication. Monoclonal antibodies are scientifically engineered antibodies developed in laboratories that mimic natural antibodies produced by the body. Before Remicade...
Protein belongs to a class of nutrients called macronutrients, which provide you with calories. Protein also provides the structural support to most your cells. It helps transport substances throughout your body, maintains acid-base balance,...
Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is an acute illness that appears as increasing muscle weakness--sometimes leading to paralysis. Its symptoms may also include severe muscle spasms, numbness and "pins and needles." It is named after the French...
Peanut butter is a natural source of protein, fiber and other vital nutrients. However, peanut butter is not a complete protein because it does not provide all essential amino acids required by the body. In general, plant-based foods such as nuts,...
The muscular system consists of muscles that allow the body to take part in gross movement. There are three types of muscles in the body: cardiac, skeletal and smooth. Cardiac muscle makes up the heart. Skeletal muscle covers most of your bones;...
Traditional western medicine relies on thyroid hormone replacement with synthetic hormones to treat abnormal thyroid conditions. The synthetic hormones do not affect the thyroid gland, but they place the correct level of hormones in the...
Asthma is a condition that is marked by inflammation of the airways. This inflammation causes swelling around the airways, making it harder for air to get in and out of the lungs. One of the most common forms of asthma is allergy-induced asthma,...
Myth #1: Moving to Arizona will cure my allergies. Unfortunately, moving to a new location will probably not help your allergies very much. Although the deserts of the American Southwest may lack ragweed and maple trees, other plants grow there...
Second degree heart block describes a disorder of the conduction pathways in the heart. Normally, an electrical impulse initiates at the sinus node located in the right atrium. Cells carry the impulse to the atrioventricular node or AV node...
Overactive thyroid, medically known as hyperthyroidism, is a condition in which excessive thyroid hormone is produced by the thyroid gland. Symptoms may include sweating, irritability, weight loss, nervousness, loose stools, heat intolerance and...
Arrhythmias caused by a disruption of the electrical signals in the heart called heart blocks can occur in infants as a result of congenital heart defects or acquired disease or damage. The signs, symptoms and prognosis for infants with heart...
Protein is the most abundant component of the human body besides water. It serves as structure for muscles and organs and provides building blocks for hormones, enzymes and antibodies. Protein is found in animal meat, dairy products, nuts, seeds,...
Peptides and polypeptides are both chains of amino acids. Your endocrine system secretes peptides and polypeptides. After they are secreted, your blood distributes peptides and polypeptides to end organs such as your heart, kidneys and liver....
Heart block may be caused for a number of reasons, and some of the causes result in specific types of heart block. Patients do not always have to exhibit signs and symptoms of heart blocks and may live for years without knowing they have a heart...
According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma make up 9.5 percent of all cancers diagnosed in the U.S. Leukemia is the No. 1 fatal cancer in individuals younger than age 20. For children younger than...
The average American gets his full share --- or more --- of protein in his diet. Protein is vital for several functions in your body including making red blood cells, antibodies for immunity to disease and hormones. It's also a key building block...
