XRay of Heart

-


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Pleural effusion

-
Image
Definition Pleural effusion is a collection of fluid in the pleural space between the visceral pleura surounding the lungs and the parietal pleural attatched to the throacic wall. Demographics Pleural effusions are relatively common, but it is a manifestation of other underlying diseases. The prevalence and incidence of pleural effusions is therefore dependent on it's cause. Pathophysiology/causes Pleural fluid is usually filtered from the parietal pleura into the pleural space, due to hydrostatic pressure from the capillaries, negative pressure in the pleural space and pleural oncotic pressure. The visceral pleura is perfused by the pulmonary system which has a lower pressure, and fluid in the pleural space is therefore drawn back in through the visceral pleura due to the higher oncotic pressure in plasma. Some of this fluid is then drained by the lymphatic system.
Read more

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

-
Image
Definition: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is defined as a condition of restricted airflow which is not fully reversible. It is often a progressive disease caused by abnormal inflammatory responses to obnoxious substances.  Demographics: COPD is a common condition, The prevalence of COPD increases with age, with most patients being diagnosed at around the age of 50.  Aeitiology and pathophysiology:  Airway obstruction in COPD is caused by;  1) increase in mucus secretion, leading to obstruction.  many COPD patients show increased number of goblet cells in their airways, which block airways.  2) inflammation and scarring to the airways, leading to narrowed airways.  Inflammatory cells infiltrate the bronchi and bronchiole walls. The inflammation causes scarring and thickening of walls which cause small airways to narrow. Initially, inflammation is reversible, but this become irreversible with continued smoking. As the dis...
Read more

Innervation of the vocal cords

-
Image
The vocal cords are innervated by the superior laryngeal nerve and the recurrent laryngeal nerves which are branches of the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X). The superior laryngeal nerve splits into the external and internal branches. The internal branch contains sensory nerves from the larynx whereas the external branch supplies the cricothyroid muscle which tenses the vocal cords. Damage to the superior laryngeal nerves can be caused by thyroid surgery. Unilateral damage to the superior laryngeal nerve causes slight voice changes, usually affecting pitch. Bilateral damage to the superior laryngeal nerves reduces the ability for the vocal cords to close increasing the risk of aspiration. The recurrent laryngeal nerves supply the other muscles of the vocal cords, including the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle which is the only muscle which opens the vocal cords. The recurrent laryngeal nerves have a different course on the left and the right. The left is longer and descends down to...
Read more