A throat infection is one of the most common upper respiratory tract conditions affecting every person at some point in life. The most common pathogens are viruses and then bacteria. Among the different types of bacteria, it is the group A streptococci (Streptococcus pyogenes) that are more commonly involved in a sore >> Read More ...
The immune system has several mechanisms to neutralize invading microorganisms, limit the damage to the body and totally eradicate the infection. This immune response is a carefully coordinated sequence of events that ensures that the invaders are specifically targeted and the body’s tissues are spared. However, >> Read More ...
The body has an efficient mechanism for stopping blood loss when bleeding arises. This mechanism has several phases to first reduce the degree of bleeding, temporarily plug the point of the blood loss, further seal the area for the long term and then expedite healing of the affected blood vessel to restore its integrity. >> Read More ...
There are several processes that ensure that blood loss is stopped when a blood vessel is torn or ruptured. A platelet plug quickly reduces and even stops the blood loss and is then further secured by a blood clot which is more long lasting measure. In order for the body to carry out these functions, it needs a number of >> Read More ...
Red blood cells (RBCs) or erythrocytes are small round cells that circulate in the blood stream and carry oxygen throughout the body. These cells measure about 6 to 8 micrometers (um) in diameter which is equivalent to 0.006 to 0.008 millimeters – too small to be seen by the naked eye. The cells are disc shaped with >> Read More ...
The red blood cells (RBCs or erythrocytes) are important carriers of gas in the blood ensuring that oxygen reaches all tissues. These cells are constantly being produced and destroyed in the body. The balance ensures that there is a sufficient quantity of RBCs in the blood. The normal lifespan of a red blood cell is about >> Read More ...
The body has several mechanisms to stop bleeding collectively known as hemostasis. This involves multiple phases, each with several processes which ultimately stops blood loss and allows the body the opportunity to repair the damaged blood vessel. In certain diseases, these mechanisms are compromised giving rise to some of >> Read More ...
Hemostasis is the mechanism by which the body stops blood loss. It involves a series of steps first to rapidly plug the leak and then to secure it followed by permanent healing processes that restores the integrity of the blood vessel. One of the important phases of hemostasis is the coagulation phase which involves >> Read More ...
What is a blood clot? A blood clot is a coagulated mass of blood cells and other blood components. It plugs any damaged area of the vessel wall and maintains the integrity of the blood vessel by preventing blood from leaking out. A host of factors come into play in blood clotting (coagulation). When an area of the vessel >> Read More ...
Bleeding diseases or blood clotting disorders are a group of conditions that affect the body’s ability to stop blood loss. The mechanism by which blood loss is normally stopped is known as hemostasis and involves several phases. One of these phases is the blood clotting or coagulation >> Read More ...
