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Anatomy and Function of the Heart Valves What are heart valves? The heart has four chambers: two upper chambers (atria) and two lower chambers (ventricles). Blood passes through a valve before leaving each chamber of the heart. The valves prevent the backward flow of blood

Your Child's Allergies: Dust Mites What is a dust mite? Dust mites are microscopic organisms that live in homes and schools. They like warm, humid areas filled with dust. Dust mites feed on the shed scales of human skin that work their way into furniture, carpets, bedding, and

Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes You've probably heard that people with diabetes are at risk for multiple health complications. These include cardiovascular disease. As it turns out, cardiovascular disease is especially common among people with diabetes. Most people with type

Sports-Related Injuries Most sports injuries are from either injury or overuse of muscles or joints. Most are caused by minor injury involving muscles, ligaments, tendons, or bones, including: Bruises. Sprains. Strains. Fractures. Dislocations. What is a bruise? A bruise is an

Anatomy and Function of the Urinary System How does the urinary system work? The body takes nutrients from food and changes them to energy. After the body has taken the food components that it needs, waste products are left behind in the bowel and in the blood. The kidney and

Common Liver Tests What are some common liver tests? A series of blood tests can often find out if the liver is inflamed, injured, or working normally. The pattern of abnormalities can point to hepatitis (infection or inflammation of the liver) versus cholestasis (problems with

Cholesterol in the Blood Facts about cholesterol Cholesterol is a fat-like, waxy substance that can be found in all parts of your body. It helps your body make cell membranes, many hormones, and vitamin D. The cholesterol in your blood comes from 2 sources: the foods you eat and

Components of Food If you are trying to make heart-healthy changes to your lifestyle and diet, it's helpful to know some basics about nutrition, starting with the components of food. Facts about calories You need enough calories to give you energy, but no more than you can burn

Anatomy of a Newborn Baby's Skull The skull may seem to be one large bone, but it's made of several major bones that are connected together. The major bones that compose the skull include: 2 frontal bones 2 parietal bones 1 occipital bone These bony plates cover the brain, and

Overview of Kidney Disorders How do the kidneys work? The body takes nutrients from food and converts them to energy. After the body has used all the food components that it needs, waste products are left behind in the bowel and in the blood. The kidneys and urinary system help