Mitral valve regurgitation is also known as mitral regurgitation/Mitral Insufficiency. Mitral regurgitation (MR) can occur due to abnormalities of the valve leaflets, the annulus, the chordae tendineae or papillary muscles, or the left ventricle. The most frequent causes of mitral regurgitation are degenerative (myxomatous) disease, ischemic heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, and infectious endocarditis. Mitral…
Who are we? Where are we from? We can attempt to answer these questions by studying human evolution. Evolution provides a context for understanding the structure and function of our bodies, and even how we behave and think. ANCIENT ORIGINS In placing our species within the animal kingdom, it is clear that we are primates—mammals…
(The respiratory system delivers oxygen to the bloodstream and removes excess carbon dioxide from the body.) The respiratory system functions primarily to maintain the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs and tissues and to regulate acid-base balance. Any change in this system affects every other body system. Conversely, changes in other body…
Dengue is due to a flavivirus transmitted by the bite of the Aedes mosquito. It may be caused by one of four serotypes (possibly five, with a potentially new serotype from Malaysia under study) widely distributed globally between the tropics of Capricorn and Cancer. Symptoms and Signs Dengue infection may range from asymptomatic to severe…
What is Anaphylaxis? Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death. It arises as an acute, generalized IgE-mediated immune reaction involving specific antigen, mast cells and basophils. The reaction requires priming by the allergen, followed by re-exposure. To provoke anaphylaxis, the allergen must be systemically absorbed, either after…
