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Atherosclerosis What is atherosclerosis? Atherosclerosis is thickening of the walls of the arteries. It is also known as hardening of the arteries. It is caused by a buildup of plaque in the inner lining of an artery. Plaque is made up of deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol

Congenital Heart Disease According to the American Heart Association, about 9 of every 1,000 babies born in the U.S. have a congenital heart defect. This is a problem that occurs as the baby's heart is developing during pregnancy, before the baby is born. Congenital heart defects

Anatomy of the Skin Facts about the skin The skin is the body's largest organ. It covers the entire body. It serves as a protective shield against heat, light, injury, and infection. The skin also: Regulates body temperature Stores water and fat Is a sensory organ Prevents water

Hirschsprung Disease in Children What is Hirschsprung disease in children? Hirschsprung disease is a rare birth defect. It affects the nerve cells in the large intestine. These nerve cells control the muscles that move food and waste, or stool, through the large intestine. The

Megaloblastic Anemia in Children What is megaloblastic anemia in children? Anemia is a problem in which there are not enough red blood cells or hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. In megaloblastic anemia, the bone marrow

The Thyroid Gland Anatomy of the thyroid gland The thyroid gland is found in the front of the neck. It sits below the voice box (larynx) and on top of the trachea (windpipe). It has a butterfly-like shape. The small, 2-inch gland consists of 2 lobes, 1 on each side of the

Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac Rash What is poison ivy, oak, and sumac rash? Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are types of American plants. They each grow in different parts of the country. The plants cause allergic contact dermatitis in most people who touch them. The rash

Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence) What is erectile dysfunction? Erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence means you can’t get an erection. It can also mean you aren't happy with the size or hardness of your erections, or how long your erections last. In the past, ED was thought to be

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis What is juvenile idiopathic arthritis? Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a form of arthritis in children. Arthritis causes joint swelling (inflammation) and joint stiffness. JIA is arthritis that affects 1 or more joints for at least 6 weeks in

Melanoma: Diagnosis If your healthcare provider thinks you might have melanoma, you will likely need certain exams and tests to be sure. Diagnosing melanoma starts with your healthcare provider asking you questions. They will ask you about your health history, your symptoms, risk