ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY FOR NURSES

INTRODUCTION TO THE HUMAN BODY Anatomy is the study of the structure of the body and of the relationship of its constituent parts to each other. In regional anatomy a geographical study is made and each region, e.g. arm, leg, head, chest, etc., is found to consist of a number of structures common to all regions such as bones, muiscles, nerves, blood vessels and so on. From this study it follows that a number of different systems exist. These have been grouped together and described unser the heading systematic anatomy.               A study of the position and relationship of one part of the body could not be separated from a consideration of the use of each structure and system. This study led to the employment of the term functional anatomy which is closely allied to the study of physiology. Then again it was found that certain structures could be examined  by the naked eye and the term macroscopic anatomy was introduced to describe this study,in distinction to microscopic anatomy which necessitates the use of a microscope.  Closely allied to the study of anatomy are histology and cytology. The former deals with the fine structures of the body , and the latter with a study of the cells. Physiology is the study of the functions of the normal human body. It is closely linked with the study of all living things in the subject of biology: with the chemical reactions and    behaviour of cells under different conditions in biochemistry, and with physics in the study of the physical reactions and movements taking place in the body.           The body is made up of may tissues and organs, each having its own particular function to perform.  The cell is the unit or the smallest element of the body of which all parts are comprised.  The cells are adapted to perform the special functions of the organs or tissue they are in. Some cells, such as those in the nervous system and muscle, are very specialised indeed: others, such as those in the connective tissues, are less highly developed. As a general rule the most highly specialised cells are the least able to withstand damage and also are the most difficult to repair or replace.                                                                                              (continue)

Read more...

PAINKILLER FROM SNAIL

SUPER-STRONG PAINKILLER FROM SNAIL SPIT Scientists have developed a new pain-relief pill from a chemical in sea snails' saliva that they use to catch their prey. it was found to be as effective as morphine for relieving the most severe forms of pain but without the most severe forms of pain but without the added risk of addiction. Marine cone snails produce saliva that contains a deadly dose of peptide toxins to help the slow- moving creatures catch prey. They inject passing victims with needle- like teeth that shoot out of their mouths, the Daily Mail reports. Scientists have transformed one of the chemicals into a pain-reliever for humans.  However, it has to be injected directly into the spinal cord which limits how much of it can be used.

Read more...

CANCER CURE

SNAKE VENOM MAY OFFER CANCER CURE Japanese scientists have claimed that a number of toxins found in snake venom could help develop new therapies for chronic diseases like heart attack, stroke and cancer.  The scientists, who reported their findings in the journal of Biological Chemistry, said that inhibiting a protein found on the surface of blood platelets may combat both irregular blood clotting and the spread of certain cancers throughout the body. "The finding that platelets not only play a role in blood clotting but also in the development of vessels that allow tumours to flourish was quite unexpected and paves the way for new research on the role or roles of platelets," said Katsue Suzuki - Inoue, of the University of Yamanashi.

Read more...