The thyroid is located at the base of the neck and it produces two important hormones, thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Under or overactivity of the thyroid leads to specific conditions. (more…)
The pineal body, or gland, is situated on the upper part of the mid-brain, although its function is not fully understood. It would seem, however, to be involved in the daily rhythms of the body (more…)
An imbalance of pituitary gland secretions, often caused by a benign tumor, can lead to acromegaly (excessive growth of skeletal and soft tissue). Gigantism can result if it occurs during (more…)
Endocrine glands are glands that release hormones directly into the bloodstream, or lymphatic system. Some organs, such as the pancreas, also release secretions via ducts. The major endocrine glands are, in (more…)
Asthma is one of the major problems of the respiratory system and its incidence seems to be escalating. The condition is caused by a narrowing of the airways in the lungs. It usually begins in early childhood and (more…)
Veins that have become stretched, twisted and distended, and this often happens to the superficial veins in the legs. The possible causes are numerous and include pregnancy, defective valves, obesity and (more…)
Hypertension (high blood pressure) may be one of several types, the commonest being essential (due to kidney or endocrine disease or an unknown cause and malignant (a serous condition that tends to occur in the younger age groups). In (more…)
Angina
A suffocating, choking pain usually referring to angina pectoris, which is felt in the chest. It occurs when blood supply to the heart muscle is adequate and is brought on by exercise and relieved by rest. The coronary (more…)
The heart is obviously a vital organ. This muscular pump is situated between the lungs and slightly left of the midline. It projects forward and lies beneath the fifth rib. Blood returns from the body via the veins and (more…)
The stomach is an organ that has thick muscular walls and in which food is reduced to an acidic semi-liquid by the action of gastric juices. There are many factors that can cause an upset stomach. To assess the (more…)
