Blood Sedimentation (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, ESR)

What is the erythrocyte sedimentation rate? The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (blood cell sedimentation rate) indicates how quickly the red blood cells in an unclottable blood sample sink. It is influenced by the number, shape and deformability of the red blood cells. When is the erythrocyte sedimentation rate determined? The erythrocyte sedimentation rate is used as … Blood Sedimentation (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, ESR)

Collagen: Structure, Function & Diseases

Collagen is associated with human connective tissue. In fact, connective tissue is made up of different types of collagen, which is the most important element of connective tissue cells. Teeth, tendons, ligaments, bones, cartilage, blood vessels, and the largest organ in humans – the skin – are all made of a protein called collagen. What … Collagen: Structure, Function & Diseases

Kleine-Levin Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Kleine-Levin syndrome is an episodic recurrent hypersomnia characterized by increased sleepiness, perceptual disturbances, and paradoxical waking behaviors. Presumably, a central nervous cause is present. To date, there is no established treatment option because of its low prevalence. What is Kleine-Levin syndrome? The medical profession knows Kleine-Levin syndrome as periodic hypersomnia in childhood or adolescence. More … Kleine-Levin Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Fibromyalgia or fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a condition characterized by severe pain throughout the body. The causes are not yet understood, and treatment is primarily directed at relieving the symptoms. Fibromyalgia currently has no cure, but the severity of symptoms may lessen with age. What is fibromyalgia? Infographic of pain regions in fibromyalgia. Click image … Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Calcitriol: Function & Diseases

Calcitriol is a very potent secosteroid that resembles steroid hormones because of its structure. It is hydroxylated in a wide variety of tissues, but predominantly in the kidneys, and is sometimes prescribed as a medication. What is calcitriol? Unlike other vitamins, vitamin D can be produced in the body itself. Deficiency symptoms only occur when … Calcitriol: Function & Diseases

Myelin: Structure, Function & Diseases

Myelin is the name given to a special, particularly lipid-rich, biomembrane that mainly acts as a so-called myelin sheath or medullary sheath, enclosing axons of nerve cells of the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system and electrically insulating the contained nerve fibers. Because of regular interruptions of the myelin sheaths (Ranvier’s cord rings), … Myelin: Structure, Function & Diseases

Adrenal Cortex: Structure, Function & Diseases

The adrenal cortex, as part of the adrenal gland, represents an important hormonal gland. Its hormones significantly control mineral metabolism, the body’s stress response, and sexual function. Diseases of the adrenal cortex can lead to severe hormonal dysfunction. What is the adrenal cortex? The adrenal cortex, together with the adrenal medulla, forms a paired hormonal … Adrenal Cortex: Structure, Function & Diseases

Interleukins: Function & Diseases

Interleukins form a subset of cytokines, cellular messengers that control the immune system. Interleukins are short-chain peptide hormones of 75 to 125 amino acids. They mainly control the local deployment of leukocytes at sites of inflammation, although they can also have systemic effects as in triggering fever. What are interleukins? Interleukins (IL) are short-chain peptide … Interleukins: Function & Diseases

Anterior Pituitary Insufficiency: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

In anterior pituitary insufficiency, there is a partial or complete failure of anterior pituitary hormones. These hormones include control hormones that act on other endocrine glands and effector hormones that have a direct effect on organs. The failed hormones can be therapeutically substituted. What is anterior pituitary insufficiency? The anterior pituitary gland forms the largest … Anterior Pituitary Insufficiency: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment