Your Stunning Red Blood Cells

Red blood cells, also named erythrocytes, are the most common type of cells present in your bloodstream, and they are responsible for giving the blood its distinct red color.

 

A single drop of your blood contains millions of red blood cells. When you examine them through a microscope, the cells ordinarily resemble a doughnut with a depressed center instead of a hole.

 

Hemoglobin is a protein existing inside the red blood cells and its core function is to carry oxygen.

 

Hundreds of millions of hemoglobin molecules are packed in each cell. Hemoglobin molecules are beautiful spherical structures that are made up of roughly 10,000 hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon, sulfur and oxygen atoms.

 

This is in addition to the four atoms of iron, which afford the blood its oxygen carrying abilities.

 

Hemoglobin eases the transport of carbon dioxide from body tissues to the lungs. Carbon dioxide is a waste product of metabolism, and it is in the lungs where it is gotten rid of.

 

Another part of the red blood cell that is very significant is the skin, which is widely known as the membrane.

 

The membrane is a fantastic covering that makes it easy for the cells to stretch into thin shapes so as to pass through your body’s tiniest blood vessels hence sustaining every part of your body.

 

The manufacture of the red blood cells takes place in the bone marrow. Once a newly produced cell enters your bloodstream, it can circulate through your heart and body more than 100,000 times.

 

Unlike other body cells, the red blood cells do not have a nucleus. Lack of nucleus provides the cells with enough space to transport oxygen and also makes the cells lighter.

 

Lack of nucleus ensures that the amount of oxygen required by the cell for its own metabolic purposes is very low.

 

Therefore, most of the oxygen carried by the cell is freed into the body tissues. This is what makes your heart capable of pumping trillions of red blood cells throughout your body.

 

However, their lack of nucleus makes them unable to renew their internal parts. Therefore, after every 120 days, the red blood cells begin to deteriorate and lose their elasticity.

 

Phagocytes are large white blood cells that ingest these worn out cells. After consuming them, the phagocytes are known to spit out the iron atoms.

 

The iron atoms then attach themselves to the transport molecules, which take them to the bone marrow where they are used again in the formation of new red cells.

 

Did you know that if your trillions of red blood cells were to stop functioning all at once, you would die within a short time?

 

It is, therefore, important to maintain healthy red cells. Eating vitamins help build healthy red blood cells.

 

These include eating vitamin E that is found in foods such as nuts, seeds, dark green vegetables, avocados, and mangoes; vitamin B2, B3, and B12 which are found in foods such as whole grains, eggs and bananas; and folate, which is present in lentils, dried beans, orange juice, fortified cereals and green leafy vegetables.

 

Unfortunately, many people do not think about taking good care of their red blood cells unless they have ailments that affect these cells.

 

Various diseases that afflict the red blood cells are mainly due to lack of vitamins or iron in your diet. Additionally, some diseases of the red blood cells are inherited.

 

Diseases of the red blood cells include numerous types of anemia, a condition that arises due to the presence of too few red cells in the blood. This makes it hard for them to carry enough oxygen throughout the body.

 

Individuals suffering from anemia may have red blood cells possessing unusual shape, or that may look normal, bigger than normal or sometimes smaller than normal.

 

Symptoms of anemia include irregular heartbeat, tiredness, pale skin, feeling cold and in extreme cases heart failure.

 

Children with low levels of healthy red blood cells usually develop slower than other children. These symptoms show how important red blood cells are to your daily life.

 

You should, therefore, take appropriate measures to ensure that your red blood cells remain healthy.

 

 

 

References

1. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/red-blood-cell
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-increase-red-blood-cells
3. https://www.healthline.com/health/rbc-count#symptoms-ofan-abnormal-count

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Learn More About the Anatomy of a Human Tooth

 

The human teeth primary function is to break down food in preparation for swallowing and eventual digestion. The human teeth are of four types:

. Incisors

. Canines

. Molars

. Premolars

 

Every type of teeth performs different functions. The main duty of the incisors is to cut food. Canines tear the food while the molars and the premolars crush the food. The roots of the teeth are embedded in the upper jaw and the lower jaw and are covered by the gums. The teeth are made up of layers of tissues that have varying density and hardness:

 

Crown

Crown is the uppermost part of the tooth and it is the only part that is visible. The shape of a crown greatly determines a tooth’s function. For example, the teeth that are situated at the front are chisel-shaped and sharp for cutting while the flat surface of molars makes them suitable for grinding food.

 

Enamel

Enamel is the outer part of the teeth, and it is made up of calcium phosphate. The calcium phosphate is a rock hard mineral that makes the outermost part of the teeth very strong. If not taken care of, the enamel can be easily damaged through decay.

 

Dentin

Dentin is the layer of the teeth that comes just below the enamel. When decay of a tooth has progressed through the enamel, it attacks the dentin. The dentin is made up of living cells that secrete the enamel. Dentin is softer by nature when compared to enamel; therefore, it is capable of decaying more rapidly if not immediately treated. The main function of the dentin is to act as a protective layer and support the crown. Dentin is secreted by cells known as odontoblasts that are found in the dental pulp.

 

Pulp

The pulp is the soft tissue that is found in the center of the teeth. It’s in the center of the teeth where the nerve tissues and blood vessels are located. When the tooth decay has reached the pulp, a person usually feels a lot of pain.

 

Root

Root is the part of a tooth that is embedded into a bone. The root holds the tooth in place and it is about two-thirds of the tooth.

 

Gum line

Gum line is found where the tooth and the gums meet. The gum line needs to be brushed and flossed regularly to avoid build-up of plaque and tartar. The buildup of these materials leads to gum disease and gingivitis.

 

Proper oral care is paramount for healthy teeth. Practicing these dental habits will ensure that you have excellent dental health:

. Taking care of the toothbrush

The toothbrush should be rinsed well after use and placed in an upright position for it to dry. According to the American Dental Association, a toothbrush should be replaced after using it for three months.

 

. Tongue brushing

Brushing your tongue will assist in fighting bacteria in the mouth.

 

. Visit a dentist

Visiting your dentist on a regular basis for checkups is vital in keeping the teeth healthy.

 

. Fluoride therapy

Fluoride therapy is recommended to protect the teeth against dental caries. The fluoride that is made available to the teeth through fluoride therapy makes the enamel resistant to demineralization hence more resistant to decay.

 

References

1.  http://www.uky.edu/~brmacp/oralhist/module4/lecture/oh4lect.htm

2.  https://www.britannica.com/science/tooth-anatomy

 

 

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT EYE DISORDERS YOU SHOULD KNOW

 

Most eye disorders do not manifest early symptoms. Sometimes they are painless, and a person may see no difference in vision until the disease has become quite advanced.

 

The best way to guard your eyes is by having a regular checkup. Any unfamiliar development in your eyes should be reported to the doctor.

 

The most common vision problems include refractive errors. Refractive errors comprise of farsightedness, nearsightedness, presbyopia, and astigmatism.

 

Refractive errors do occur when the shape of the eye hinder the light from focusing directly on the retina. The length of eyeball changes according to the form of the cornea.

 

Refraction refers to the bending of light that happens when it passes from one object to another. People see clearly with their eyes when the light rays are bent as they pass the cornea and the lens.

 

When the light is converged on the retina, the retina converts the rays into information which is then sent within the optic nerve to the brain. The brain then performs the work of interpreting the messages into the images we see.

 

Types of refractive errors

1. Nearsightedness: This condition is also referred to as myopia. Myopia occurs when an individual sees the nearby objects clearly, but the distant objects seem blurry. In nearsightedness, the light comes into focus in front of the retina instead of being focused on the retina.

 

2. Farsightedness: This ailment is also named hyperopia. It is a general refractive error that makes the distant objects visible, but the near object appears blurred. This condition, however, affects different people differently. Some individuals are incapable of noticing any problem with their vision when they are young. To those individuals with notable farsightedness, vision becomes blurry for objects located at any distance, whether near or far.

 

3. Astigmatism: This condition makes the eye incapable of focusing light evenly onto the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue located at the back of the eye. Astigmatism makes the images appear stretched out and blurry.

 

4. Presbyopia: This condition is age-related, and it makes the eye’s ability to focus difficult. During advanced age, the eye becomes unable to change shape enough to make it possible to view the nearby objects. Presbyopia mostly affects adults who are above the age of 35. Other refractive errors do affect both adults and children. People who have their parents or other family members with refractive errors are more likely to get either one or more of these illnesses.

 

Symptoms of refractive errors

The most common symptom of refractive errors is blurred vision. Other symptoms comprise of haziness, squinting, double vision, headache, eyestrain, and glare.

 

Professionals perform diagnosis of refractive errors during a comprehensive dilated eye examination.

 

Many people with these errors are known to visit eye care professionals with complaints about ocular discomfort or blurred vision. The doctor uses eyeglasses, surgery or contact lenses to correct these refractive errors.

 

Low vision

Individuals with low vision do not get assistance by using eyeglasses, contact lenses, surgery or medicine.

 

People affected by poor vision find it hard to perform the routine daily chores like cooking, shopping reading, writing and watching television. Most of the Americans are known to lose their sight every year due to this condition.

 

Conditions that may lead to low vision include age-related macular degeneration, bulging eyes, cataracts, CMV Retinitis, color blindness, crossed eyes, diabetic macular edema, glaucoma, eye floaters and eye flashes, keratoconus, lazy eyes, ocular high blood pressure, uveitis and retinal detachment.

Irrespective of the cause, when vision is lost it cannot be restored. However, it is possible to manage the condition through proper treatment and vision rehabilitation.

 

People with low vision are unable to recognize the faces of family members and friends. They also find it difficult to read, cook, or perform the usual daily chores. These are usually the early warning signs of low vision.

 

If you find it difficult to accomplish the things you used to do or experience blurred vision, you should consult an eye professional immediately.

 

Diagnosis of eye disorders

Various tests are used to diagnose eye disorders:

1. Angiography

Angiography of the eye involves injecting the eye with dyes to make the blood vessels of the eye more visible. This makes it simpler for the doctor to photograph or examine them.

 

2. Electroretinography

Electroretinography makes it possible for the doctor to examine the light sensing cells located in the retina. This procedure is useful in evaluating diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa.

 

3. Ultrasonography

During this procedure, a probe is placed against a closed eyelid to bounce sound waves off the eyeball. The reflected sound waves then produce an image showing the inside of the eye. Ultrasonography is useful in determining the nature of unusual structures inside the eye.

 

4. Optical Coherence Tomography

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) makes available high-resolution images showing the structures that are located on the posterior side of the eye such as the retina, vitreous humor, and choroid. This method is useful in checking if the retina is swollen.

 

5. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

These imaging techniques are helpful in providing detailed information about an eye’s orbit and structures inside the eye. These techniques evaluate eye injuries, tumors, and optic neuritis.

 

Treatment options

Treatment options depend on diagnosis, but it mainly comprises of medical therapies and botulinum toxin injections. The injections are administered to stop muscle spasm for disorders such as hemifacial spasm.

 

Surgery is also performed by specialists to restore straight eye alignment. Laser surgery is done to treat some vision disorders. Many surgical procedures are done in an outpatient setting, without the patient having to spend a night in the hospital.

 

Prevention

Several ways are useful in preventing vision disorders:

1. Eat right: Eating the right foods including fruits and vegetables is helpful to the eyes.
2. Maintain a healthy weight: Excessive weight increases the risk of diseases such as diabetes that can harm vision.
3. Wear protective eyewear: Always protect your eyes by wearing protective gear especially when working, doing sports or other home improvement activities.
4. Wear sunglasses: Sunglasses protect the eyes from sun damage.
5. Quit smoking: Many of the eye diseases have been linked to smoking.
6. Wash hands. Always wash hands thoroughly beforeA putting in the contact lenses to avoid infections.

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

1. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/a-z
2. https://www.med.unc.edu/ophth/for-patients/Eye-Diseases-and-Disorders

Find Out the Amazing Treatments for Degenerative Disc Disease

 

Degenerative disc disease is used to refer to the typical changes of spinal disc that affect people as they start to age. This condition can begin as early as 30’s or 40’s. These changes usually cause long-lasting neck pain or low back pain.

 

Although the condition can cause significant discomfort to the affected individual, the good news is that the pain is manageable.

 

Usually, when a person is young, the discs facilitate bending, flexion, and twisting.

 

As a person ages, the discs shrink and begin to lose their stiffness. Although aged individuals can show some signs of disc deterioration, not all elderly persons encounter back pain. The area in the body that is mostly affected by degenerative disc disease is the lumbar region (lower back) and the cervical region (neck region). These are the regions of the spine that experience most movements.

 

The discs function as shock absorbers of the spine. When the discs dry out due to age, it becomes difficult for them to absorb shock as required.  The wear and tear on the outer part of the disc as a result of routine work can also contribute to their degeneration.

 

Moreover, injuries to the spine can lead to soreness, swelling, and instability.

 

The disease can show itself through pain on the lower back, sharp pain when seated, numbness, tingling, neck pain that may spread to hands, and weak leg muscles.

 

Numbness is as a result of the inflamed disc compressing a nerve or the spinal cord.

Weakness in the leg or arm is also caused by compressing the spinal cord or the nerves.

 

To correctly diagnose degenerative disc disease, an examination is done by a qualified and experienced health professional. The doctor will query the circumstances that led to the pain.

 

An MRI scan can be performed to show the extent of the disc damage. Other diagnostic tests include an x-ray of the spine, computed tomography (CT) scan, and electromyography (EMG) and Electrophysiological testing.

 

Treatment of degenerative disc disease usually includes regular physical exercises. The exercises are done to enhance the flexibility and strength of the muscles supporting the spine.

 

Proper exercises boost the blood supply to the back region of the body, therefore, providing vital nourishment to the muscles and joints. Nourishment of the tissues enables the body to get rid of waste products that may cause inflammation.

 

Additionally, body massage, when combined with physical exercises, can take pressure off sensitive neurological tissues. This reduces muscle tension in those areas. This procedure is vital in restoring blood flow to the affected areas and also assisting in creating chemical reactions in the body that act as natural painkillers.

 

Other treatment options of disc degeneration involve spinal mobilization, heat and cold therapy, surgery, ultrasound, epidural injection, and medications.

 

Lifestyle changes such as weight loss are known to slow down the progression of the condition hence alleviating its symptoms. Most of the people who are affected by degenerative disc disease do not require surgery at all.

 

However, it is important to note that when this condition is left untreated, it can lead to other complications such as cervical spinal stenosis and myelopathy (spinal cord damage), herniated disc and lumbar spinal stenosis.

 

References

1. 1. https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/degenerative-disc-disease/what-degenerative-disc-disease

   https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/tc/degenerative-disc-disease-topic-overview#1