Autoimmunity Autoimmunity is the failure of an organism to recognize its own constituent parts (down to the sub-molecular levels) as self, which results in an immune response against its own cells and tissues. Any disease that results from such an aberrant immune response is termed an autoimmune disease. Prominent examples include Coeliac disease, diabetes mellitus type 1 (IDDM), systemic lupus…
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Reflux Disability Explained
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD; or GORD when spelling oesophageal, the BE form) is defined as chronic symptoms or mucosal damage produced by the abnormal reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. This is commonly due to transient or permanent changes in the barrier between the esophagus and the stomach. This can be due to incompetence…
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What is Marfan Scoliosis
Marfan Syndrome The Marfan syndrome is a medical condition and is classified as a heritable disorder of connective tissue. Connective tissue (including the extra-cellular matrix) is the glue and the scaffolding of the body, but is important in many more functions as well, such as development before birth, growth after birth, cushioning of joints, and enabling passage of light through…
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Orthopaedic Problems in Children
Orthopaedic Problems in Children From knock-knees to pulled elbows, paediatrician Dr Benjamin Jacobs and orthopaedic surgeon Ms Deborah Eastwood advise on some common paediatric conditions. Delayed walking Most children start to walk with assistance – for example, with hands held or cruising around furniture – by one year of age. If a child is not walking by 18 months of…
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What is a Congenital Physical Anomaly
Congenital Disorder A congenital physical anomaly is an abnormality of the structure of a body part. An anomaly may or may not be perceived as a problem condition. Many, if not most, people have one or more minor physical anomalies if examined carefully. Examples of minor anomalies can include curvature of the 5th finger (clinodactyly), tiny indentations of the skin…
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Neurology Dealing With Disorders
Neurology Neurology is a medical specialty dealing with disorders of the nervous system. Specifically, it deals with the diagnosis and treatment of all categories of disease involving the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems, including their coverings, blood vessels, and all effector tissue, such as muscle. Physicians who specialize in neurology are called neurologists and are trained to investigate or…
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How The Body Works
How The Body Works Breathing The body’s breathing apparatus is enclosed in an expansile bony cage, formed by the ribs, the spinal column, and the sternum. The floor of the cage is closed by the muscular diaphragm. Air passes down the windpipe, or trachea, to enter the lungs. During inspiration, or inhaling, the diaphragm moves downward and becomes flatter, and…
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