Tumgik
#partial healthy liver
anandkhakar · 5 months
Text
The Facts About Liver Transplant - Liver hospital in India
Tumblr media
Liver hospital in India. Liver transplant is a surgery performed to replace one’s damaged liver with a whole or partial healthy liver from another person.
0 notes
amelizscribbles · 2 months
Text
OK, EXPLAINING DABIS SCARRING because @good-lord-not-books asked
*note these are just my hcs and some medical research
I'm putting this under a cut because it's long as hell, and I apologize in advance for any typos or if it's confusing. I have no problem explaining further♡
His scars are hypertrophic. which 1) explains the discoloration. It's what happens when the smaller blood vessels become partially or fully obstructed with scar tissue. They typcially start off pinkish or light red. (like when he woke up from his coma.)
Typically the treatment for this is laser removal. But if you don't have access the color may naturally shift with age/as it natueally heals. But with continuous damage to the areas.. the scar will get darker as the veins and tissue is further injured (the deeper into the skin and possible muscle it damages)
most hyrpertophic scarring can take a year + to heal. but obviously Dabi just keeps making his worse. The scars themselves are cause by the body over producing collagen for wound healing and not actually being able to break all of it down.
Which leaves collagen fibers in the skin to harden and thicken. Hardened skin doesn't allow much give, lessening the skins elasticity over all. Which can be shown in the way his unscarred skin pulls along the edges where the dermal rings line said scars. (my thoughts on his staples acrually being dermal rings will be at the end)
That's not even going into the nerve damage systemically for him considering hes covered in that kind of scar. So when he says he can't feel a thing it's literal as the nerve endings are shot to shit. And that is only going into skin deep level.
Interal organ nerve damage is a whole other mess due to the scaringbeing from burns. As severe enough burns cause systemic damage. (will also go into atfer the scarring part)
His skin looks TIGHT on him. If he did have and semblance of sensation in his nerves it might feel like hella tight/dry skin. Also I think hypertrophic scars are an inflammation response to the body healing.
His body is literally misshapen from it. (and yes we love him the way he is) You can see in panels where the skin is probably softer where there's lack of muscle definition but can see where it's tighter or pulling over his arms/ shoulders/ribcage because the skins elasticity is non-existent. The instances where it's sifter looking is probably due to his body trying to retain as much body fat it can to keep healthy (or as healthy as it's going to get in his state.)
As far as it going right up to his lower lids and having zero tear ducts. that man has chronic dry eye like it's nobodies business. so itchy and possibly bleeding eyes isn't a shock. he probably has several counts of grand larceny in artificial tears alone.
Ok so as for his scaring being from burns, burns affect the whole body and how it works depending on the severity.
It can effect muscle tissue/muscle mass, bone structure and interior organs.
Given he seems to be perpetually giving himself 3rd degree + burns .. his respiratory system and cardiovascular system are probably shot to shit. Just from smoke inhalation and perpetual injury. (hypertrophic scars fill the veins with scar tissue remember) Assuming how deep the burn and scar tissue goes.
But we haven't seen him with much breathing issues so I'm assuming it's whatever. He has mentioned motion sickness and we've even seen him turning down food. So I can at least go into it's affects on his GI tract.
In the GI tract, burns can result in increased gastric secretions, reduced intestinal motility, decreased nutrient absorption, increased GI mucosal permeability, bacterial translocation and increased intra-abdominal pressure. If it's bad enough he may have ulcers or gi hemorrhaging. Severe burns also cause liver and intestinal damage.
The fact that he's been alive this long is wild if he's been homeless this whole time and just committing small crimes to not die. One thing that irritates me is when people think he would be incredibly unhygienic due to the scars and such.
Like do you understand how CLEAN you have to keep burn injuries to keep them from getting infected?? Even if it's layered over already damaged and scarred skin. He might smell like burnt flesh but I doubt he's letting wounds fester.
Yes he could probably just cauterize himself but that's still just burning burn wounds. Especially with 0% health insurance. I always assumed he kept breaking into the Todoroki family home when he knew no one would be there to do basic things to make sure he didn't die on the street over the years.
Quick add on to my thoughts on his staples just being dermal rings to homd his skin together/as a form of human Kinstugi.
They (the rings) are pretty rounded in the manga, surgical staples aren't nearly that large either so I always assumed human Kinstugi regardless of metal color (between manga gold or anime silver) and it was both decorative and necessary for his skin.
I just assumed wherever the rings weren't, it was just spots he couldn't reach.
it's also shown in the manga that he's adjusting/adding more along his scars.
Tumblr media
als, in case anyone is unfamiliar with the term Kintsugi, it's this
Kintsugi (Japanese: 金継ぎ, lit. 'golden joinery'), also known as kintsukuroi (金繕い, "golden repair"), is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending the areas of breakage with urushi lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. The method is similar to the maki-e technique. Its the Japanese philosophy that the value of an object is not in its beauty, but in its imperfections, and that these imperfections are something to celebrate, not hide.
which I think suits his character very well when his piercings and dermal rings are gold looking in some of the colored manga art.
ok, I'll shut up now, ♡
228 notes · View notes
godlizzza · 11 months
Note
Prompt of plz plz that art of dan listening to herberts notes !!!
Art in question is this lovely piece from @sidetrek (sorry if this wasn't what you had in mind when drawing this haha).
Dan was prepared to admit that he had a problem. He'd heard of some weird kinks over the years, both from personal anecdotes friends had shared, and through his medical studies. He supposed having a thing for someone's voice wasn't the oddest thing in the world, all things considered, but for Dan, who'd always been a pretty vanilla guy when it came to sex (comfortable, his brain amended), it was off-putting. Not so off-putting to get him to stop doing it though.
"Time is November eleventh, ten fifty-two pm," Herbert's voice droned in his ears. "Examining a cadaver for possible partial or full reanimation."
Dan closed his eyes, blocking out all sights, focusing only on Herbert's words through his headphones. He sighed and reached down to palm himself over his underwear. He was already half hard from anticipation and excitement.
"Subject is a fifty-three-year-old male. South Asian in appearance. Presented with complaints of chest pain and shortness of breath. He died shortly after from a pulmonary embolism. I'll be looking to establish how much damage was done to the arteries. With hope, the blockage in his lung didn't tear."
Dan rolled his hips up into his hand for a minute before getting impatient and reaching over to squirt some lotion on his palm. He pushed his boxers down and grasped his exposed dick, fully erect from Herbert's precise annunciation of the word embolism.
"Making Kocher incision now. Subject is reasonably muscled, suggesting an active lifestyle, though had a history of smoking. His family history showed no signs of lung cancer, which is promising."
Dan imagined the scene as Herbert spoke: Herbert stood under the harsh overhead light, apron and gloves on as he sliced open the cadaver's chest with his scalpel. The split skin and dark blood would have no impact on him and his eyes would remain impassive where they were visible over the top of his surgical mask. His cock twitched in response to the thought and Dan bit his lip as he squeezed it.
"Subject's lungs appear healthy. No signs of contusions to the costal surface. Right ventricle and pulmonary trunk appear intact. Perhaps he was a swimmer. Length of torso suggests he had the ability to hold his breath for quite some time."
Dan's own torso was sheened with sweat, his shirt open to let the cool air of the ceiling fan brush his hot skin. He pumped his hand in earnest, chasing his mounting pleasure. He imagined his hand was Herbert's hand, that Herbert was right beside him, his mouth to Dan's ear, whispering all the things he was saying in the tape. What he wouldn't give to hear Herbert say contusion to him in person.
"Making mid-line incision now." Herbert's words were accompanied by the squelch of blood and moving organs. Dan's toes curled at the sound. "Surrounding organs appear undamaged. Subject has had his appendix removed. Liver seems worn. Possible alcohol abuse. Deterioration does not appear to have progressed to the point of liver failure."
Dan gasped as he thrust up into the ring of his hand. His breath came out of him in ragged puffs in time with his pumps. His guts were tightening up as his pleasure built. He was so close-
"Subject appears a suitable candidate for full reanimation. Suturing the skin now. I'll have to inform Dan."
Dan came suddenly, the sound of his name from Herbert's voice playing into his own ears enough to push him over the edge. He pumped himself through the waves of pleasure that coursed through him until he was dry, his hand wet with his own release. He laid there for a moment, breathing heavily and listening to the click of the recorder, soaking in the feeling.
After a minute his heartrate returned to normal and he sat up, reaching for the tissues on his nightstand. Herbert would be home soon. He'd need to put the tape back before Herbert realised it was gone.
With luck, he'd have a new tape for Dan to listen to later.
45 notes · View notes
azaan2002 · 14 days
Text
The Ultimate Keto Meal Plan: A Beginner's Guide to Healthy Eating and Weight Loss
The ketogenic diet, sometimes referred to as the "keto diet," has gained popularity as a means of promoting weight loss, increasing energy, and enhancing general health. Eating a lot of fat, moderate quantities of protein, and very little carbs is part of this diet. The idea is to get your body into a state known as "ketosis," when it burns fat for energy rather than carbohydrates. This article offers a comprehensive overview for anyone wishing to begin the keto diet, along with a simple and efficient meal plan to assist them reach their health objectives.
 What is the Keto Diet?
The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carb diet that has been demonstrated to help with blood sugar regulation, weight loss, and cognitive performance. When you cut back on carbohydrates significantly and replace them with fat, your body goes into a condition of ketosis. Your body becomes extremely adept at burning fat for energy when it is in ketosis. Additionally, it causes the liver to produce ketones from fat, which are a fantastic source of energy for the brain.  
 Get The Ultimate Keto Meal Plans Buy Now 
Here’s a breakdown of the standard keto diet:
- **70-75% Fats**: The keto diet's mainstay is healthy fat. They aid in the ketosis process, provide you energy, and keep you full. - **20–25% Protein**: Maintaining and repairing muscle requires a moderate protein intake. - **5–10% Carbohydrates**: Your body is encouraged to burn fat for energy by consuming less carbohydrates.
Get
 Benefits of the Keto Diet
There are benefits to the keto diet beyond weight loss. It provides a number of health advantages: 1. Weight reduction: Your body must burn fat reserves for energy when you consume fewer carbohydrates, which causes weight reduction. 2. Enhanced Mental Clarity: The brain uses ketones as a potent fuel source, which helps with attention and concentration. 3. Stable Energy Levels: A lot of people report having consistent energy levels all day long without the highs and lows brought on by sugar and carbohydrates. 4. Reduced Appetite: Because high-fat foods are highly satisfying, they may help cut down on overall calorie consumption and appetite. 5. Better Blood Sugar Control: People with type 2 diabetes can benefit from the keto diet's ability to control and stabilize blood sugar levels.
Items to Take and Leave Out of Your Keto Diet Knowing what foods you may and cannot eat on a ketogenic diet is essential for successful ketogenic eating.
 which to avoid.
#### Foods to Eat
- **Meats**: lamb, turkey, pig, chicken, and beef. - **Fat Fish**: Sardines, mackerel, trout, and salmon. - **Eggs**: Whole eggs, ideally free-range or organic. - **Healthy Fats and Oils**: butter, ghee, avocado, coconut, and olive oils. **Nuts and Seeds**: Flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and almonds. Leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms are examples of **Low-Carb Vegetables**. - **Cheese**: Goat cheese, mozzarella, brie, cheddar, and more. **Avocados**: Low in carbohydrates and high in good fats. - **Berries**: Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries (partially).
#### Foods to Avoid
-**Delicious Foods**: Candies, ice creams, cakes, cookies, and sodas. Cereals, bread, rice, and pasta are examples of **Grains and Starches**. Fruits high in carbohydrates include bananas, apples, oranges, and grapes. **Legumes & Beans**: Peas, kidney beans, chickpeas, and lentils. **Root Vegetables**: parsnips, sweet potatoes, carrots, and potatoes. - **Dangerous Fats**: trans fats, processed vegetable oils, and margarine. - **Alcohol**: Sweet wines, beer, and mixed drinks with added sugar. - **Processed Foods**: crackers, chips, and quick cuisine.
 Get The Ultimate Keto Meal Plans Buy Now 
 The Ultimate 7-Day Keto Meal Plan
Here is a comprehensive 7-day keto meal plan that includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks to make things easy. These tasty, easy-to-make meals will support your continued ketosis.
#### **Day 1: Monday**
- **breakfast**: Butter-cooked scrambled eggs with feta cheese and spinach. - **Lunch**: A Caesar salad made with grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, avocado, and Caesar dressing. - ** Dinner**: Lemon- and olive oil-dressed baked fish served with a side of asparagus. - **Snack**: An avocado or a handful of macadamia nuts. **Tuesday** is Day 2 - **breakfast**: Almond flour-based keto pancakes garnished with a few fresh berries and sugar-free syrup. - **Lunch**: Grilled shrimp and creamy Alfredo sauce served on zucchini noodles, or "zoodles." - **Dinner**: Stir-fried beef with bell peppers, broccoli, and coconut aminos, a low-carb substitute for soy sauce. - **Snack**: Celery sticks dipped in cream cheese or cheese sticks.
#### **Day 3: Wednesday**
- **breakfast**: Almond milk without sugar, chia seeds, and a few blueberries combined to make a chia seed pudding. - **Lunch**: A bed of lettuce topped with tuna salad, chopped celery, mayonnaise, and boiled eggs. - **Dinner**: Sautéed green beans served over roasted chicken thighs flavored with garlic and rosemary. - **Snack**: A few almonds or walnuts.
#### **Day 4: Thursday**
- **breakfast**: An omelet prepared in olive oil with spinach, cheese, and mushrooms. - **Lunch**: Rice dish made of cauliflower topped with avocado, salsa, sour cream, and ground beef. - **Supper**: Roasted Brussels sprouts and bacon pieces served with pork chops. - **Snack**: A couple salami or pepperoni slices.
#### **Day 5: Friday**
- **Breakfast**: Avocado, spinach, unsweetened almond milk, and a scoop of protein powder combined in a keto smoothie. - **Lunch**: A mixed greens dish with an egg salad dressed with mustard, mayonnaise, and fresh herbs. - **Supper**: Roasted zucchini on the side and lamb chops with garlic butter. - **Snack**: Keto fat bombs or dark chocolate with at least 85% cocoa content.
#### **Day 6: Saturday**
- **breakfast**: Waffles made with coconut flour, butter, and sugar-free syrup. - **Lunch**: Blue cheese dressing, grilled chicken, bacon, avocado, and boiled eggs atop a Cobb salad. - **Supper**: Sautéed shrimp in butter with a side order of mashed cauliflower. **Snack**: Chips made with kale or pork rinds.
#### **Day 7: Sunday**
- **breakfast**: Eggs and baked avocado with bacon bits and cheese on top. - **Lunch**: lettuce wraps with turkey, cheese, avocado, and mustard. - **Dinner**: Bell peppers, mozzarella, and pepperoni are on a cauliflower crust keto pizza. - **Snack**: A couple cheese slices or a handful of nuts.
### Tips for Sticking to Your Keto Meal Plan
1. **Plan Ahead**: The keto diet requires careful meal planning to be successful. To stave against temptation and make sure you have keto-friendly options on hand, prepare your meals in advance. 2. **Remain Hydrated**: Throughout the day, sip lots of water. In addition to being beneficial to general health, being hydrated helps lessen feelings of hunger. 3. **Include Electrolytes**: Make sure your diet has adequate salt, potassium, and magnesium since the ketogenic diet can lead to increased water and electrolyte loss. Think about consuming bone broth or seasoning your food with a little salt. 4. **Track Your Macros**: Record the amount of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates you consume each day using a food journal or app. This will assist you in adhering to your keto
5. **Be Creative with Recipes**: Try out various keto dishes to add some variety and prevent boredom with your meals. There's no reason the keto diet has to be monotonous or boring.
### Delicious and Easy Keto Recipes
Here are a few simple keto recipes you can try at home:
#### **1. Keto Egg Muffins**
- **Ingredients**: Eggs, cheese, bacon bits, bell peppers, and spinach. - **Directions**: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, cheese, and bacon pieces. After filling a muffin tin, bake for 15 to 20 minutes at 350°F/175°C.
#### **2. Cauliflower Mac and Cheese**
- **Ingredients**: Garlic powder, butter, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and cauliflower. - **Directions**: Cauliflower should be steamed until soft. Melt butter, heavy cream, and cheese in a another pot and whisk until melted. Drizzle over the cauliflower and bake for ten to fifteen minutes at 375°F (190°C).
#### **3. Keto Chicken Salad**
- **Ingredients**: grilled chicken, cucumber, avocado, lemon juice, olive oil, and seasonings. - **Directions**: Combine diced cucumber and avocado with grilled chicken. Pour in some lemon juice and olive oil. Add pepper and salt for seasoning.
### ConclusionThe keto diet is a lifestyle shift that can assist you in reaching your health and weight loss objectives. It's more than just a diet. You can simply stay on track and take advantage of the many advantages of the keto diet with the correct meal plan, delectable dishes, and careful preparation. Always pay attention to your body, drink enough of water, and keep trying out different recipes. Whether you're new to keto or want to improve your experience, this comprehensive.
Get The Ultimate Keto Meal Plans Buy Now
2 notes · View notes
unhonestlymirror · 7 months
Text
Illya Muromets syndrome.
According to legends, Illya Muromets (Murovets) was the only son in his family. He was disabled and couldn't even get up on his feet, so he had to lie on a stove. Muromets suffered from his illness for thirty years.
One day, when Illya found himself alone at home, three wise wizards came in and asked for water. Illya really wanted to give something to drink to the travellers because in Ukraine, if you don't offer something to eat&drink, you are considered an extremely bad host.
So Illya forcefully lowered his legs and sank.
- Well, Ilya, you had a great illness and survived. Now you will be happy, your father and mother will be happy, because you will be a healthy and strong bohatyr - the wizards said.
They handed him a mug of water:
- Here, drink this, and then you will feel what will happen to you.
Illya took it, bowed once.
- What do you feel?
- I feel such strength, - Illya said, - that if a ring were to be inserted into the earth, I would take that ring and throw the whole world over.
- Good! Don't flaunt your strength, and don't tell anyone, but do it so that your father and mother are happy with you. Do not do evil to anyone but only do good.
Thus, Illya Muromets became a bohatyr, an extremely strong warrior, who could pull an oak tree out of the ground and use it as a weapon. Although, he still preferred to use his sword and a bow. He protected Kyiv from invaders.
However, even such a strong person had a weakness. To Illya Muromets, it was his land, his ground, both his weakness and strength. Wherever he went far from his land, he took a handful of Ruthenian earth as an amulet. They say, if you take away this handful of earth from him while he's not in Kyivan Rus, then all his strength disappears, and he's not able to stand on his feet again.
Interestingly, you can't find this information in google in public anymore. Most likely, because russians paid to erase it since they want Kyivan Rus to be russian so bad. However, in the RUSSIAN cartoons about bohatyrs, there are plenty of moments when Illya Muromets puts a handful of earth to his chest and speaks: Well, help me, Mother Wet Earth. (Ukrainian saying).
Tumblr media
Why do I mention it? Because in Ukrainian society, when you live abroad and miss you land, and you come to a doctor because:
You can't stop losing or gaining weight
You have general weakness, fatigue
Physical activity is harder and harder to do
Insomnia
Depressive mood
Chronic iron deficiency
Alopecia
All of your lab tests are normal (except for ferritin and the vitamins D, B group), so the doctors say it's a neurological disorder/depression
You have the Illya Muromets syndrome. It's a specific type of depression that has no medications from it except for your land in any suitable form. Antidepressants can't fully help you there and will only ruin your liver. In some cases, this disease can lead to cancer or partial paralysis, but usually its manifestation is just "neurological issues". CONSTANT brain&body exercises, meetings with friends, uptake of necessary vitamins and healthy lifestyle help to avoid worsening symptoms, though.
A lot of Ukrainians are suffering from this disease these days. This syndrome is also often observed in Belaruthians and Crimean Tatars, rarely in Baltics and Jews. This disease is generally not typical for russians.
P.S. Taking the history of medicine into an account, most incurable diseases actually have a very simple solution.
3 notes · View notes
o-craven-canto · 2 years
Text
Tree of Life 6: Metazoa (animals)
Brace yourselves, this one’s long.
[Disclaimer: taxonomy is a complex, ever-changing field, and this overview is certainly not going to be exhaustive, especially concerning extinct groups]
←  Part 5 (Unikonta: amoebae, fungi, and such) Part 6.5 (Porifera, Cnidaria, Plathyhelminthes, Annelida) →
We finally come to Animalia, or Metazoa “animals beyond” (as opposed to Protozoa, which are no longer considered animals at all). Perhaps you won’t find it easy to think of what sponges, chickens, oysters, starfish, and millipedes have in common. Here are the distinctive features that zoologists have identified for Metazoa:
First of all, all animals are heterotrophs, i.e. they cannot produce their own organic molecules, though very few species have become partially autotrophic thanks to symbiosis.
All animals have a diplont life cycle (see part 3), which goes as follows. It starts with two gametes, a female egg cell and a male sperm cell, which has a single flagellum (or, rarely, none), and fuses into the egg cell thanks to an anterior organ called acrosome. Each gamete is haploid, meaning it carries one copy of each gene; the fusion of the gametes produces a diploid zygote, which has two copies of each gene. The zygote multiplies by mitosis to form a multicellular body in which each cell is also diploid (unlike fungi and plants). Animals are always multicellular; while some fungi, namely yeasts, have reverted to unicellularity (see part 5), no animal has done so. Finally, each individual produces new haploid gametes, male and/or female, by meiosis, which discards half the genome in those cells. (All multicellular organisms -- not just animals, but plants and fungi too -- go through a unicellular stage at some point in their life cycle. Why is it so, given that many species can regenerate their body from small fragments and reproduce by division? Probably to keep cancerous mutations in check: if you start as a single cell, either that cell will be healthy, and mutant lineages will have to start all over again; or it will be mutant, and so will be all its descendants, with no healthy cells to exploit, so that the mutation will destroy itself.)
During the development from zygote to multicellular body, the embryo folds to form an inner cavity, and the cells organize themselves in two or three germ layers: an internal endoderm, an external ectoderm, and in most cases a mesoderm which lies in between. Generally speaking, the endoderm forms the lining of the digestive tube with annex glands (e.g. the liver), as well as our lungs; the ectoderm forms the outer coating of the body, with skin, armor, and sense organs, as well as the nervous system; the mesoderm forms other organs (e.g. kidneys, sex glands), bones, and muscles.
Animals have at least two types of tissues: epithelial, which cover surfaces, and connective, which fill up volumes. Epithelial tissues, such as skin and mucous membranes, are made out of one or more layers of tightly packed cells growing over a basal lamina which supplies food. The cells are linked to each other by junctions such as desmosomes, which sew cell membranes to each other making the whole tissue more resistant. In connective tissues, cells are spaced wide apart, sunk in an extracellular matrix. Usually the matrix is a mix of gelatin and elastic fibers made out of proteins, most importantly collagen; but sometimes it may be liquid, as in blood, or built out of hard mineral, as in bone. To these two basic kinds, most animals add two more: muscles and nerves.
Tumblr media
Cross-sections of three generic animals. Left to right, acoelomate, pseudocoelomate, eucoelomate. The endoderm (in yellow) forms the gut; the ectoderm (in blue) forms the outer surface; the mesoderm (in pink) fills the space in between. The body of an acoelomate, e.g. a tapeworm, is filled with a mass of mesodermal cells called parenchym (par), in which organs (such as kidneys or gonads, mor) and the gut are immersed. The body is surrounded by an ectodermal epidermis (epi). Simple enough, but the organs are vulnerable to squishing. In a pseudocoelomate, e.g. a hookworm, the other organs are immersed in a fluid-filled cavity called pseudocoelom (pse). Since water is not compressible, it gives the body a fixed volume and some mechanical resistance, as well as distributing substances, and storing products. Unfortunately a puncture wound is easily fatal. In an eucoelomate, e.g. an earthworm, the mesoderm forms a lining or peritoneum (per) that wraps around the coelom (coe) and divides it in sections, as well as mesenteries (mes) that keep organs in place. The separate chambers of the coelom help against liquid loss and allow new kinds of movement, such as burrowing in sand. However, blood vessels (ves) are now required to distribute materials. This is not a strict evolutionary sequence: animal phyla change from one to the other depending on their niche and conditions.
The animal kingdom is -- no wonder -- vast and complex. The most important high-level categories are known as phyla, commonly used in studies of animal diversity and large-scale evolution; here, I’ve written the names of phyla in all caps. The phyla Mollusca, Arthropoda, and the above-phylum group Deuterostomia will all get their own posts; the phyla Porifera, Cnidaria, Platyhelminthes, and Annelida will be described together in part 6.5.
?? 0. † Vendobionta: Let’s start with the strangest, shan’t we? Vendobionta is almost certainly not a clade, but a convenience term for all the weird macroscopic organisms that flourished in the Ediacaran period (once known as Vendian), between 580 and 540 Ma. It’s not clear even that they were all animals, let alone where they might fit in the tree: some have been described as algae, fungi, colonies of protists, or even representatives of a completely lost kingdom of life. In general, they didn’t have visible mouths or sense organs, nor any way to move; they probably (?) absorbed nutrients from water, grazed on mats of bacterial slime, and/or were photosynthetic. They suddenly disappeared at the beginning of the Cambrian, presumably because new organisms with eyes, jaws, and muscles predated them into extinction and/or consumed all their food.
† Trilobozoa “three-lobed animals”: These Vendobionts are radially symmetrical: their body, circular as a whole, is composed of three segments rotated around the central axis. This is quite unique: no living animal has a rotational or a three-fold symmetry (although some Cnidarians have a non-rotational, six-fold one). Branching grooves (a ciliated organ to collect food, maybe?) converge at the center of the upper surface. The most famous representative is † Tribrachidium, found in Russia and Australia.
† Medusoidea “jellyfish-like”: These too are flattened and radially symmetrical, often with concentric rings. The largest, like † Aspidella and † Cyclomedusa, could grow several cm wide. † Arkarua adami has a peculiar five-fold symmetry, like Echinoderms, though it’s unilkely to be related. Sometimes included among the † Medusoidea is † Eoandromeda octobrachiata, a strange galaxy-like being with eight spiral arm coiling out from the center.
† Petalonamae “petals from Namibia”: A set of two groups with plant-like shapes. † Rangeomorpha, most common in Newfoundland, had frond-like fractal structures -- possibly an adaptation to absorb as much food and oxygen as possible from the water. (Maybe sunlight too, but it seems some lived too deep for photosythesis.) Two, three, or six rows of branching fronds emerged from a central axis. Some, like † Charnia, stood upright in the water; others, like † Fractofusus, lay on the seabed. † Erniettomorpha such as † Pteridinium, found in Namibia, had lateral "vanes” formed by rows of sacs.
† Proarticulata “before articulated ones”: The most familiar, maybe. They had flattened bodies and bilateral (which is to say, left-right) symmetry. They also seemed to have internal branching canals that might be remains of a digestive system. † Dickinsonia grew as a thin segmented disk up to a meter long; it might actually be a Ctenophoran (see below), showing both righ-left and front-back symmetry. † Spriggina, from the very end of the Ediacaran, head a sort of “head” shield and rows of segments that might not have been exactly symmetrical, but somewhat offset.
Tumblr media
A selection of Vendobionta. Far left: † Charnia masoni († Rangeomorpha, England). (Museo delle Scienze di Trento, via Wikipedia) Upper row, from left: † Spriggina floundersi († Proarticulata, Australia) (Wikipedia); † Ernietta plateauensis († Erniettomorpha, Namibia) (Ivantsov & Zagrevskaya 2021). Lower row, from left: †Tribrachidium heraldicum († Trilobozoa, Australia) (I. & Z. 2021); † Dickinsonia costata († Proarticulata, Australia) (Verisimilus, Wikipedia); † Mawsonites spriggi († Medusoidea) (Nordelch, Wikipedia)
1. PORIFERA “hole-carriers”. The (possibly paraphyletic) phylum of sponges. In general, they have a system of internal ciliated canals collecting food from the water that streams in through lateral pores, and out through a channel at the top. The whole structure is kept up by a basket of various composition. See part 6.5 for more.
? 2. PLACOZOA “plate animals” Honestly, it’s a bit embarassing to call this thing an animal. Until a few years ago, phylum Placozoa counted a grand total of one species, Trichoplax adhaerens from tropical seas (now, the count is three). Its body is simply a single layer of epithelial tissue surrounding a thin syncitium (i.e. a network of fused cells that retain separate nuclei). On the lower side, the epithelium has cilia and digestive glands; on the upper, it contains little crystal spheres that might serve as defense. Trichoplax reproduces by splitting, and feeds by crawling over bacterial mats; it secretes digestive enzymes to break food down, but each epithelial cell takes it up on its own. Recent studies (e.g. Laumer & al 2019) suggest that Placozoa might belong next to Cnidaria.
Tumblr media
Trichoplax adharens, top view and cross-section. The whole thing is about 0.5 mm across and 0.025 mm thick. (Oliver Voigt, Wikipedia; Hickman & al 2008)
Tumblr media
A model of the origin of animals, starting from a colony of Choanoflagellates (see part 5), passing through the ancestors of sponges, and ending with the likely common ancestor of Eumetazoans, which gave rise to both us and jellyfish. (Nielsen 2012)
3. Eumetazoa “animals well beyond”: All animals more complex than that pass through a process called gastrulation: when the embryo is still just a little ball of cells, it folds inwards producing a hollow or archenteron, the future gut. It communicates with the exterior through an opening called blastopore, the first prototype of a mouth. The two layers of cells produced by the folding, inner and outer, become the endoderm and ectoderm. Thanks to this hollow, Eumetazoans practice extracellular digestion: the uptake of food is not a responsibility of individual cells, like in sponges and Placozoans, but rather food is degraded in the internal cavity by digestive enzymes, and the resulting simple molecules are distributed to all tissues. In Eumetazoans we also see the first appearance of the nervous system, which allows coordinated action of the whole body. In recent classifications, it’s being phased out in favor of Parahoxozoa, the animals defined by the presence of Hox genes, which specify different body regions and ensure that each anatomical structure forms in the correct part of the body; this would include Cnidaria and perhaps Placozoa too, but would exclude Ctenophora.
3a. CNIDARIA “nettles”: The phylum of corals, sea anemones, jellyfish, man-o’-wars, and curious parasites that have long been believed to be protists. They have radial symmetry (4-, 6-, or 8-fold), a single opening where the radia meet in the center, and specialized stinging cells for defense and hunting. See part 6.5 for more detail.
?? 3b. CTENOPHORA “comb-carriers”: What a strange situation! Ctenophorans have distinct tissues, appendages, a nervous system, and even have all three germ layers, unlike Porifera, Placozoa, and Cnidaria which lack the mesoderm. This would put them next to Bilateria (see below); except that recent molecular studies (e.g. Laumer &al 2019) insist on placing them in a basal position, further away from us than even sponges! An artifact of unusually fast evolution rates, perhaps? Most Ctenophorans (e.g. Mertensia or Pleurobrachia) have bag-shaped bodies with the mouth at one pole (serving both to eat and to expel waste) and a branching, blind-end gut. Eight rows of combs, each of which is a band of cilia, run along the sides: hence the common name of “comb jellies”. In fact, they are the largest organisms on Earth that swim with cilia instead of muscles. Two tentacles may be retracted into pouches or extended to catch preys thanks to colloblasts, specialized glue-producing cells. Others, like Beroë, lost their tentacles; Coeloplana flattened its body to crawl on the seabed; the “Venus’ girdle” (Cestum veneris) extended it sideways to swim like a lopsided worm. Class † Scleroctenophora, endowed with armor plates, is known from the Cambrian but now extinct.
Tumblr media
A variety of comb jellies. Left: Mertensia ovum, with one tentacle retracted. The rainbow shimmer of the comb rows is a distinctive feature of Ctenophora. Right: Beroë, Cestum, and Coeloplana. The mouth of Coeloplana is on the bottom, its lining forming the whole lower surface. Note that the body of Cestum is not long and narrow -- it’s short and very broad! (Kevin Raskoff, Wikipedia; Hickman & al 2008)
3c. Bilateria “two-sided”: The name says it all: animals in this clade have bilateral symmetry, with a left and a right side that are (in general) mirror images of each other, while keeping a distinction (thanks to signalling gradients during embryo development) between a front and back end. This allows them to concentrate their feeding and sensorial apparatus in the front, when the body first encounters new stuff, while the expulsion of waste and gametes moves to the back: a good plan if you’re an organism that moves consistently in one direction. In general, Bilaterians have a linear gut with an anterior mouth and a posterior anus, where food always flows from front to back.
3c1. Acoelomorpha: A group of marine worms, with thin bodies a few mm long. The simplest sort of Bilaterians: unlike almost all others, they don’t have a distinct mouth and anus, but a single opening at the center of their ventral surface, like jellyfish. That opening, which serves both as mouth and anus, does not lead into a gut (not even a jellyfish-style cavity), but onto a simple mass of endodermal cells that break down food. The body is covered by a thin ciliated epidermis; between these two layers, there are mesodemal muscles, nerves, ovaries, and testicles (they’re all hermaphroditic). That’s... about it. It’s not clear whether this simplicity is primitive, or a secondary loss of traits. They comprise three phyla, ACOELA, NEMERTODERMATIDA, and also XENOTURBELLIDA, whose 2 species were until recently classified next to Echinoderms (e.g. starfish).
3c2. Protostomia “mouth first”: This group is defined by a number of features, but few of its members possess them all. In theory, when the embryo folds to create a proto-gut, the resulting opening, or blastopore, should give rise to the mouth, with the anus appearing later; in Deuterostomes the opposite is true. In practice, this is only true in some cases. The nervous system is formed by a number of ganglia strewn along paired ventral nerve cords; these cords form a loop around the mouth, which in some cases (e.g. in spiders and octopodes) becomes a brain. Many groups of Protostomes develop from planktonic larvae that swim and collect food with bands of cilia.
3c2a. ? Mesozoa “middle animals” So called because they were once thought to lie between the simpler sponges and the more complex Eumetazoa. All there is to their body is a single layer of ciliated cells surrounding a mass of maturing eggs. In fact, they are descendants of relatively complex Protostomes that shed most of their body structures as a consequence of living as parasites: ORTHONECTIDA live in the body cavities of various marine invertebrates, RHOMBOZOA only in the kidneys of squids and octopodes.
Tumblr media
Left: a generic Acoela, possibly the model from which all Bilaterian animals from snails to pigeons and from wasps to starfish developed. Right: the Mesozoan Rhopalura (Nemertodermatida; female above, male below).
3c2b. Gnathifera “jaw-carriers”: A diverse clade of invertebrates. Most are microscopic, and form a pretty good part of marine animal plankton. They have some variety of jaws made out of chitin, a nitrogen-rich sugar that we already saw in the cell wall of Fungi (see part 5).
? 3c2b1. CHAETOGNATHA “hairy jaws”: They go by the common name of “arrow worms”. Unlike most worms, they swim in open water, with undulations of their flattened body which extends sideways into fish-like fins. They even have, like vertebrates, a post-anal tail that doesn’t contain the intestine. The head has a large hood that conceals rows of chitinous grasping spines.
3c2b2. GNATHOSTOMULIDA “little jawed mouths”: Delicate mm-sized worms that live between grains of sand on beaches and seafloors. They have rasping jaws to scrape bacteria and fungi off sand grains and into a blind-end gut.
3c2b3. MICROGNATHOZOA “animals with tiny jaws”: A phylum with only one species, Limnognathia maerski on Greenland. A tiny wrinkled thing only 0.15 mm long, but with bizarrely complex retractile jaws, made out of 15 different elements. All other structures are very simple; it uses cilia to move and feed. Only females have ever been found.
3c2b4. ROTIFERA “wheel-carriers” or Syndermata “fused skins”: Another of the big ones. They are named after the wheel-like ciliate crown (corona) which, beating, creates the water current they use to swim and feed. Almost always microscopic, they have a great variety of body shapes, sac-like, worm-like, or spiny, sometimes with a thick segmented armor. They have little jaws and usually a foot with adhesive glands to stick to a substrate, which can fold onto itself like a spyglass. Under the cuticle, their skin is a syncytium, that is, fused cells that share their cytoplasm. Rotiferan class Bdelloidea is famous for having only females, which reproduce by parthenogenesis, their males having gone extinct some 25 million years ago. Until recently considered a separate phylum, Acanthocephala (“spiny heads”) is a group of Rotifers that specialized for life as parasites, losing jaws and gut, and developing an eversible spiny proboscis to attach to the intestine of vertebrates.
Tumblr media
Variety of Gnathifera. On top: the chitinous jaws of Gnathiferan phyla, in red (Nicolas Bekkouche, Wikipedia). Below, from left: the arrowworm Pterosagitta draco (Chaetognatha), with its grasping spines extruded (Animal Diversity Web); some examples of Rotifera (Hickman & al 2008); Limnognathia maerski, only species of Micrognathozoa, carrying an enormous, highly decorated egg (Brusca 2016).
3c2c. Rouphozoa “sucking animals”
3c2c1. PLATYHELMINTHES “flat worms” The phylum of, well, flatworms; which includes such fascinating beings as flukes and tapeworms. They have lost their anus, and so have only a mouth leading into a branching gut; but often they are parasitic, and can absorb nutrients from the host through their skin. See part 6.5.
3c2c2. GASTROTRICHA “hairy bellies”: Millimeter-sized aquatic worms with a rounded back and a flattened belly, all covered in scales, spines, and bristles. Unlike flatworms, they have distinct mouth and anus, but for the rest their body organization is similar. They have a distinct brain that might also contain simple eyespots, and adhesive glands to attach to a substrate.
3c2d. Lophotrochozoa “animals with crest or wheel” or Spiralia: This group has several common traits but none that truly universal. The former name refers to the trochophora, a particular type of larva that swims with several ciliated bands, and has a sensorial apical organ connected to nerve ganglia. This larva was probably found in the earliest Protostomes but lost in most of their other branches. The latter name refers to a feature of embryonal development called spiral cleavage: the cells on top of the early embryo shift around so they’re no longer aligned with the ones below.
3c2d1. MOLLUSCA “soft ones” The phylum of chitons, tusk shells, clams, oysters, scallops, slugs, snails, squids, octopodes, and cuttlefish. The defining features are a muscular foot used for locomotion (which divides into the tentacles of squids), a tongue-like radula used to scratch at food, and a mantle that surrounds the organ mass and generally secretes a calcareous shell. We shall see more of them in part 7.
3c2d2. ANNELIDA “ringed” The phylum of segmented worms, such as ragworms, tubeworms, earthworms and leeches. They have a body divided in compartments with a true coelom, and blood vessels along its length; each segment contains its own excretory apparatus and usually locomorory appendages or bristles. See part 6.5.
3c2d3. NEMERTEA (named after the sea nymph Nemertes, “the unerring”) or Rhynchocoela “hollow muzzle”: Known as “ribbon worms”, they are mostly marine, though there are a few terrestrial species. They have a sharp-tipped muscular proboscis, normally tucked in a pocket in their head, which can shoot out like the tongue of a chameleon to catch preys. They are the simplest animals that have closed blood vessels, like us, rather than have blood soaking their whole body. For the rest, they are rather similar to Turbellarian flatworms, which we’ll see in part 6.5.
3c2d4. CYCLIOPHORA “wheel carriers”: A micro-phylum with no more than three species, all in genus Symbion, first discovered in 1995. All of them live exclusively on the mouthparts of cold-water lobsters, stealing a tiny fraction of their meals. They are sac-shaped, with an adhesive foot and a ciliate mouth at the top, only 0.3 mm long, and reproduce by budding.
Tumblr media
Left: minute Lepidodermella squamatum (Gastrotricha), next-of-kin of flatworms (Giuseppe Vago, Wikipedia). Right: the ribbon worm Gorgonorhynchus repens (Nemertea), extruding its uniquely branched proboscis in response to a threat (Rachel Koning, Wikipedia)
3c2d5. Lophophorata “crest-carriers”: Distinguished by having a lophophore, a hydraulic ridge covered in ciliated tentacles that catch microscopic food particles when exposed to a water current. The gut is U-shaped, with the mouth opening at the center of the lophophore, and the anus usually just outside. Usually unable to move much -- they are very ‘coral-like’ in lifestyle.
3c2d5a. † HYOLITHA “Y-shaped stone”: A completely extinct phylum from the Paleozoic era, some 500-to-250 million years ago. They had conical shells with a cap to close them, and coiling structures that perhaps served to prop them up on the seafloor. These structures are called helens, after the daughter of the paleontologist who described them.
3c2d5b. BRYOZOA “moss-animals” or Ectoprocta “anus outside” or Polyzoa “many animals”: Very coral-like indeed: colonial animals with tiny polyps that grow on hard surfaces, forming a chitinous or calcareous communal skeleton. Alcyonidium forms gelatinous finger-like columns; Membranipora forms delicate lace-like webs; Plumatella forms rigid branches. Food particles are carefully selected by the tentacles and can be rejected. The guts of the polyps are connected internally, so they don’t all need to catch food on their own; some are free to specialize for different functions, such as whip-like vibracula and beak-shaped avicularia, which defend the whole colony.
3c2d5c. ENTOPROCTA “anus inside”: Basically the same as Bryozoans, except the anus opens inside the lophophore, too. Can be colonial or solitary.
3c2d5d. PHORONIDA (named after the Phoronis or Io, a lover of Zeus): A very small phylum with animals that resemble Bryozoa but are not colonial. They have tube-shaped body several cm long, anchored to rock or buried in sand, into which their flower-like lophophores can be retracted.
3c2d5e. BRACHIOPODA “arm-feet”: A sad story: between 500 and 350 million years ago, Brachiopods or “lampshells” were absolutely everywhere in Earth’s seas, but they were hit badly by the Devonian and Permian mass extinctions, and now only a few hundred species are left, their niches mostly taken over by Bivalve mollusks (e.g. clams). They are indeed quite clam-like, but whereas Bivalves have symmetrical left- and right-valves, Brachiopods have a larger upper valve and a smaller lower one. Enclosed between these valves is a pair of spiral-shaped lophophores which deliver food particles to the mouth.
Tumblr media
Top left: two Symbion pandora (Cycliiophora) with larvae growing from their side (Nielsen 2012). Bottom left: Frenulina sanguinolenta (Brachiopoda) from the tropical Pacific, with the half-open valves revealing the curled lophophores inside (Brusca 2016). Right: the freshwater colonial Bryozoan Cristatella mucedo, with dozens of lophophorate polyps producing a common gelatinous matrix to creep about like a slug (Ernst Haeckel).
3c2e. Ecdysozoa “molting animals”: The distinctive feature of this clade is covering their whole body with a cuticle made out of organic molecules. The cuticle is strong and water-proof, but since it’s not made of cells it cannot grow: as the animal develops to adult size, it must shed or molt periodically its old cuticle and secrete a new one from its bare skin. They have few or no cilia (even their sperm cells often lack flagella!), and may have hard “teeth” or scales around the mouth.
3c2e1. Scalidophora “platelet-carriers”: A group of phyla whose cuticle is moade out of chitin, forming various kinds of plates, scales, and spines. They all live in sand or gravel.
3c2e1a. LORICIFERA “armor-carriers”: A small phylum discovered only in the 1980s. They have an egg-shaped armor or lorica and a retractile, cone-shaped head surrounded by long spines. Less than a mm long, they live in gravelly seafloors, eating bacteria. Three species discovered in the deep Mediterranean in 2014 are the only multicellular organisms known to survive in perpetual lack of oxygen.
3c2e1b. KINORHYNCHA “mobile muzzle”: Sometimes known as “mud dragons”, these tiny mud-dwelling worms have an 11-segmented trunk covered in back-pointing spines, and a further ring of spines surrounding their mouth. They cannot swim, but only crawl or burrow with their hydraulic extensile head: the spines prevent them from sliding backward.
3c2e1c. PRIAPULIDA “little Priapus”. These seafloor-dwelling worms have evertible hydraulic heads they use to burrow in the sand, which make them look like... well, there’s a reason they are named after the Greek god of penises. Size’s about the same, too. The cylindrical body is mostly filled with liquid and by very large gonads, and ends posteriorly with mysterious hollow appendages probably used to breathe.
Tumblr media
The strange and unfairly obscure Scalidophora. Left: Pliciloricus enigmatus, the first Loriciferan ever discovered (Carolyn Gast). Top right: the “mud dragon” Echinoderes (Kinorhyncha), with its spiny head fully protracted (Brusca 2016). Bottom right: Priapulus caudatus (Priapulida), lying on a Norwegian beach, with its burrowing head inflated (Hickman & al 2008).
3c2e2. Nematoidea “thread-like”: A clade of two rather similar phyla of worms.
3c2e2a. NEMATODA “threads”: One of the big ones: there are tens of thousands of named species. Their body is smooth and cylindrical (hence the name of “roundworms”); a pseudocoelom filled with liquid under pressure, contained by a tough collagen cuticle, gives them shape; they have lost any trace of cilia or flagella. They have a linear gut that starts with a large muscular pharynx to suck microscopic preys. Muscles run only along the body length, and are used to swim or burrow in a whip-like motion. Most, living in water and soil, are under 1 mm long, but parasite species can be larger; for example the cm-sized Ascaris lumbricoides, commonly found in the gut of people who ingest dirt. Placentonema, which lives in the uterus of sperm whales, can grow to 8 meters long! Other parasites are whipworms (Trichuris), hookworms (e.g. Ancylostoma), dog heartworms (Dirofilaria), and the terrible Wuchereria which causes elephantiasis. Most species however are harmless eaters of bacteria. The microscopic Caenorhabditis elegans is famous among biologists as one of the most extensively studied organisms in the world, since it’s so easy to raise and lives only a few days. A peculiarity of Nematodes is eutely, which means their development is so strictly organized that each species has a fixed number of cells: an adult hermaphrodite C. elegans, for instance, has exactly 959 cells; here’s the full list.
3c2e2b. NEMATOMORPHA “thread-shaped”: A much smaller phylum than Nematoda, and exclusively parasitic. Perhaps you’ll have seen haunting videos of huge tangles of worms sliding out of an insect’s abdomen upon being immersed in water: those are Nematomorphs, also known as “horsehair worms”. They are fairly similar to Nematodes, but their gut is fused into a solid mass of cells; most of their food they absorb as larvae, living in the “blood” of arthropods.
Tumblr media
Top: a hermaphrodite adult of Caenorhabditis elegans (Nematoda), about 1 mm long; this species has males and hermaphrodites, but no specialized females (WormAtlas). Bottom left: the friendly smile of the hookworm Ancylostoma caninum (Nematoda), which uses those hooks to attach to the intestine wall of dogs (Brusca 2016). Bottom right: the horsehair worm Paragordius tricuspidatus (Nematomorpha) leaving the husk of its host, a cricket (Hickman & al 2008). As they need to hatch in water, Nematomorphs of that species alter the behavior of their host to induce it to drown itself in the closest pond.
3c2e3. Panarthropoda “all arthropods”: Or rather, one should say, Arthropods plus their closest relations, which usually have some kind of paired limbs. Loosely synonymous with Lobopodia “lobed feet”. Their coelom is very reduced, and replaced by a haemocoel filled with blood (more properly hemolymph) in which organs are directly soaking. A muscular heart ensures blood circulations, but other than it there are no blood vessels.
?3c2e3a. † DINOCARIDIDA “fearsome shrimps”: Wonderfully weird quasi-Arthropods from the seas of the Cambrian. They were the top predators of their environment, with well-developed eyes, relatively large brains, and massive raptorial appendages. Just take † Anomalocaris, with its pair of articulated mouth tentacles, looming with its half meter of length over a mostly cm-sized fauna, or † Opabinia, with its five (!) eyes and mouth at the end of a flexible proboscis. The later † Tamisiocaris even took to whale-style filter-feeding with comb-like appendages. They didn’t have real limbs, but lateral flaps that probably beat up and down, “rowing” in the water.
Tumblr media
A beautiful selection of † Dinocaridida by Junnn11 (Wikipedia). Top left: † Anomalocaris canadensis, the largest predator of Burgess Shale. Top right: † Opabinia regalis. Bottom left: † Pambdelurion whittingtoni. Bottom right: † Kerygmachaela kierkegaardi. All are from the Cambrian; top row from Burgess Shale (Canada, about 510 million years ago), bottom row from Sirius Passet (Greenland, about 520 million years ago).
3c2e3b. TARDIGRADA “slow walkers”: You know these: “water bears”, those adorable microscopic eight-pawed creatures famous for being incredibly resistant to environmental stresses and dangers by dehydrating and stopping their own metabolism. (Boiling water! Liquid nitrogen! Pure alcohol! Hard vacuum! In reality, no species is resistant to all.) They have, guess what, a muscular pharynx with retractile stylets to pierce and suck fluids from animal or plant cells. They are so small that their muscles only have a handful of cells each, and they can expel eggs or waste only when molting their cuticle.
3c2e3c. ONYCHOPHORA “claw-carriers”: While all the other phyla are partly, mostly, or even exclusively aquatic (and often just marine), Onychophorans are the only animal phylum that is exclusively terrestrial. To be sure, its first representatives in the Cambrian, like Burgess Shale’s Aysheaia, lived in shallow seas; but their descendants are found only in the litter of tropical forests. Known as “velvet worms” because of their soft chitinous cuticle, they have cylindrical bodies walking on up-to-40 pairs of stubby clawed legs. The mouth is flanked by antennae and by massive slime glands that can shoot strings of gluey mucus to entangle preys and predators. Like insects, they breathe through lateral spiracles that allow air directly into the body. They are usually live-bearing, and may even have a placenta.
Tumblr media
Left: the velvet worm Peripatoides novaezelandiae (Onychophora) (Uwe Schneehagen, Wikipedia). Elsewhere: a variety of Tardigrades: Hypsibius dujardini (top), Milnesium tardigradum (bottom left), and Echiniscoides sigismundi (bottom right) (Animal Diversity Web).
3c2e3d. ARTHROPODA “articulated feet”. Nothing much. Just like, you know, >90% of the whole Animal kingdom by species count. Spiders, scorpions, mites, crustaceans, millipedes, and all sorts of insects are here -- see parts 8 and 9 on that!
3c3. Deuterostomia “mouth second”: The other major part of Bilateria, distinguished from Protostomia by features of embryonal development, chiefly the fact that the blastopore develops into the anus and not the mouth. The two main phyla of Deuterostomes are Echinodermata (starfish, sea urchins, and such) and Chordata (vertebrates and our kin). See part 10 to continue our journey in that direction.
...
Special secret bonus phylum! MONOBLASTOZOA “single-layer animal”. Only one species known, Salinella salve, which was observed exactly once in 1892 in a salt pan in Argentina and then was never seen again, so that today most zoologists doubt it ever even existed. They supposedly have only one kind of cells, forming a single ciliated layer than encloses a gut with a mouth and an anus.
Tumblr media
Summary. Dates (mostly from Edgecombe & al 2011 and Parfrey & al 2011) are in millions of years ago. Note how most of the radiation occurs between the Ediacaran (”Ediac.”) and Cambrian (“Cambr.”) periods -- roughly between 600 and 500 million years ago.
Sources Adl & al (2019), “Revisions to the Classification, Nomenclature, and Diversity of Eukaryotes” (link) Brusca (2016), Invertebrates (3rd edition), Sinauer Dunn &al (2018), “Ediacaran developmental biology” (link) Edgecombe & al (2011), “Higher-level metazoan relationships: recent progress and remaining questions” (link) Fernández & Gabaldón (2020), “Gene gain and loss across the metazoan tree of life” (link) Giribet (2016), “Genomics and the animal tree of life: conflicts and future prospects” (link) Hickman & al (2008), Integrated Principles of Zoology (14th edition), McGraw-Hill Ivantsov & Zagrevskaya (2021), “Symmetry of Vendobionta (Late Precambrian Metazoa” (link) Laumer & al 2019, “Revisiting metazoan phylogeny with genomic sampling of all phyla” (link) Nielsen (2012), Animal Evolution: Interrelationships of the Living Phyla Parfrey & al (2011), “Estimating the timing of early eukaryotic diversification with multigene molecular clocks“ (link)
4 notes · View notes
Text
Energy shots-cocktails to boost immunity
Tumblr media
Such shots-cocktails can be made independently at home – you will only need a juicer and a couple of other devices that can be found in every kitchen. The most important task of energy shots is to increase immunity. You can maintain your health by drinking these cocktails in the morning several times a week, as well as during colds and fatigue.
Natural shots based on fresh juices, spices, and superfoods will help you improve your athletic performance with regular use. They will increase energy, give your face a fresh, radiant look, and replace (partially or completely) medications during a cold.
Some of the recipes may seem very simple to you. Each of the ingredients is full of vitamins and minerals.
Healthy white grass cocktails
Daily consumption of wheat germ juice will raise your tone, and mood and charge you with energy for the whole day (of course, provided that it is fresh juice). You can combine wiregrass with any fruits and vegetables, because they all contain nutrients, and each of them has its own effect on the work of the body.
Not everyone likes to drink wiregrass in its pure form, so we offer you several delicious recipes for vitamin cocktails. So, in each cocktail, there are 2 tablespoons of wiregrass and 2 tablespoons of juice from other useful plants.
Coffee Whitegrass
This recipe is suitable for lovers of morning coffee, provided that all the rules are followed, you will be energized for the whole day. So, after a cup of your favorite morning coffee, drink 2 tablespoons of wiregrass. And then, within 1-2 hours, drink at least 2 glasses of water.
With ginger
After you try this cocktail, you will appreciate its name Mix 2 tablespoons of wheat germ juice with juice, 1 teaspoon of ginger, Snack on this splendor with a slice of lemon, and drink a glass of clean water.
With mint
This recipe is one of the most delicious because, for 2 tablespoons of wiregrass, you can take as much mint juice as your heart desires. Mint cleanses the blood and removes toxins, do not neglect it.
Tumblr media
With grapes
In this recipe, you should mix the juice of wheat sprouts with grape juice. But the grapes should be red, it contains quartzine, which is an antioxidant and antihistamine. It also contains saponins, which react with cholesterol and prevent it from entering the bloodstream.
Lemon Whitegrass
Here everything is very simple, mix 2 tablespoons of wiregrass and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Lemon contains antioxidants, so in combination with the juice of wheat sprouts, it gives a healing effect for the whole body.
You can combine wiregrass with any fruits and vegetables because they all contain nutrients.
Spirulina Shot
The powder from this seaweed consists of exactly half of the protein, which makes it the number one product for vegans and vegetarians. In addition, spirulina prevents premature aging, and has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the liver, strengthening the barrier mechanisms and increasing the level of purification of the body from toxins and toxins.
Along with this, it effectively restores the intestinal microflora and helps to reduce the amount of sugar in the blood. Just dilute half a teaspoon of spirulina with water and drink as quickly as possible, the taste of spirulina is very peculiar.
Proportions for two servings: 1/2 cup water, and 1/4 teaspoon spirulina powder.
Tumblr media
Red cabbage and apple shot
Red cabbage juice is rich in vitamin B, and is able to stop the growth of cancer cells and cure stomach diseases. Folic acid, contained in red cabbage juice, has a positive effect on women's health and is especially necessary for pregnant women.
Proportions for two servings: 7.0 oz red cabbage (without stalk), 1 red apple, and juice of 1/2 lemon.
Ginger, lemon, and apple shot
This shot will help to cope with poor digestion, constipation, and bloating. If you drink this shot in the morning, then ginger from the very beginning of the day will set the right settings for digestion. In addition to all of the above, ginger, along with lemon, is super support for the immune system, which is weakened in almost all residents of the metropolis, especially those who do not get enough sleep, are nervous a lot, and do not have time to regularly eat properly. And yes, never remove the skin from the root of ginger, it contains many useful trace elements! It is better to thoroughly wash the root.
Proportions for two servings: 1 apple, a piece of ginger, 1 teaspoon 1/2 lemon.
Anti-cold shot
Ingredients: ginger, lemon, turmeric, orange.
Turmeric is a natural antiseptic that can replace instant powders and pills at the time of a cold. Half a teaspoon will do the trick with regular use. You can also add a small piece of red hot pepper. This shot will help to clear up the toxins that often cause drowsiness, apathy, and weakened immunity.
Proportions for two servings: 1 teaspoon ginger, 1/2 lemon, 2 oranges, and a pinch of turmeric.
https://elenasunshinemagazine.com/cooking/drinks/energy-shots-cocktails-to-boost-immunity/
1 note · View note
mrvethospitals · 6 days
Text
Why Is Your Cat Vomiting? A Guide to Vomit Colors, Regurgitation, and Treatment Options
Tumblr media
Cats are known for their picky behavior, but when your feline companion starts vomiting, it can be quite concerning. Vomiting in cats can be triggered by various health issues, some harmless and others more serious. In this blog, we’ll explore the common reasons for cat vomiting, how to distinguish between vomiting and regurgitation, and what different vomit colors can tell you about your cat’s health. We’ll also look at treatment options to ensure your pet stays healthy and happy.
Common Reasons for Cat Vomiting
There are several reasons why your cat might vomit, and understanding these causes can help you take better care of your pet:
Hairballs: Cats groom themselves by licking their fur, which often leads to the ingestion of hair. Over time, the hair accumulates and forms hairballs, which cats vomit out. While occasional hairballs are normal, frequent vomiting may signal a need for attention.
Dietary Indiscretion: Cats sometimes eat things they shouldn’t, such as spoiled food, plants, or foreign objects. This can irritate their stomach, leading to vomiting. Keeping hazardous items out of reach can reduce this risk.
Food Sensitivities or Allergies: Some cats have sensitivities or allergies to specific ingredients in their food. This can result in digestive upset and frequent vomiting. Switching to a hypoallergenic or specialized diet may help alleviate the issue.
Infections: Viral or bacterial infections, such as feline panleukopenia or gastrointestinal infections, can lead to vomiting. If your cat shows signs of infection, consult a veterinarian for proper treatment.
Parasites: Intestinal parasites, like worms, can irritate your cat’s stomach and lead to vomiting. Regular deworming treatments are essential to prevent this.
Chronic Diseases: Conditions like kidney disease, liver problems, and hyperthyroidism are common in older cats and can cause vomiting. Early detection and treatment of these diseases can improve your cat’s quality of life.
Toxins: Ingesting toxic substances, including household cleaners, certain plants, or human medications, can result in vomiting. If you suspect your cat has ingested something harmful, seek veterinary care immediately.
What Does the Color of Cat Vomit Mean?
The color and consistency of your cat’s vomit can offer valuable insights into their health. Here’s what different vomit colors may indicate:
Clear or White Foam: This can suggest your cat is vomiting bile on an empty stomach. It might be due to hunger or mild stomach irritation.
Yellow or Green Vomit: This typically contains bile, a digestive fluid. Frequent yellow or green vomiting can indicate liver or gallbladder issues.
Brown Vomit: Brown vomit may suggest your cat is bringing up partially digested food, indicating a gastrointestinal problem. If it resembles coffee grounds, it may signal internal bleeding, which requires immediate attention.
Red or Bloody Vomit: Blood in vomit is alarming and could result from stomach ulcers, tumors, or injury. This condition demands urgent veterinary care.
Undigested Food: If your cat vomits shortly after eating, the food may be undigested. This could suggest food intolerance or a condition like gastritis.
Vomiting vs. Regurgitation: What’s the Difference?
It’s important to understand the difference between vomiting and regurgitation, as they have different causes and treatments:
Vomiting: This is an active process where your cat will retch and use abdominal muscles to expel the stomach’s contents. Vomiting often includes bile or partially digested food and is usually accompanied by signs of nausea, such as drooling or excessive lip-smacking.
Regurgitation: Regurgitation is a passive action where food is expelled without effort or warning. It generally occurs soon after eating and involves undigested food. Regurgitation often stems from esophageal issues rather than stomach problems.
Treatment Options for Cat Vomiting
The treatment for vomiting depends on the cause. Common treatment options include:
Dietary Adjustments: If food intolerance is suspected, switching to a hypoallergenic or sensitive-stomach diet may help. Make sure to introduce the new food gradually to avoid further digestive upset.
Hairball Remedies: Regular grooming, hairball control diets, and specialized lubricants or treats can help reduce vomiting caused by hairballs.
Hydration: Vomiting can cause dehydration, so ensure your cat has access to fresh water. Your veterinarian may also recommend fluids if dehydration becomes a concern.
Medications: Anti-nausea medications, antibiotics for infections, or antiparasitic treatments can be prescribed based on the underlying cause of the vomiting.
Surgical Intervention: If a foreign object, tumor, or severe condition is responsible for the vomiting, surgery may be necessary.
Emergency Care: If vomiting is accompanied by symptoms like lethargy, diarrhea, or blood in the vomit, seek veterinary care immediately.
When to Visit the Vet
While occasional vomiting may not be concerning, frequent or severe vomiting should prompt a visit to the vet. Be on the lookout for additional symptoms such as weight loss, changes in appetite, or diarrhea, as these can indicate more serious conditions. Your vet may perform a physical exam, blood tests, or imaging studies to determine the underlying cause of vomiting.
Conclusion
Understanding the common causes of cat vomiting, the importance of vomit color, and the difference between vomiting and regurgitation can help you take better care of your pet. If your cat is vomiting frequently or showing signs of distress, it’s essential to consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
At MrVet Hospitals, our experienced veterinary team is here to provide expert care for your pet. Whether it’s diagnosing the cause of vomiting or offering personalized treatment plans, we are dedicated to keeping your feline friend healthy and happy.
0 notes
Text
Prescription Weight Loss Drugs: Assessing If They’re Right for You
Tumblr media
Carrying extra pounds poses life-shortening health hazards from diabetes to stroke. But shedding weight through food and fitness alone proves profoundly tough for some. In eligible candidates, prescription meds assist - but smart guidelines apply.
Below we detail realistic expectations, critical warnings, and key indicators around appropriateness to inform decisions about weight loss solutions and medications as last resort options after exhausting natural tactics first.
The Promise and Pitfalls of Pharmaceuticals
While potentially supporting nutrition and exercise efforts that ultimately strengthen lifelong health, weight loss medications carry caveats:
Potential Upsides
Boost adherence sustaining healthy changes
Overcome biological roadblocks stalling natural loss
Fast initial drops reinforce patient motivation
Risk Factors to Consider
High cost of uninsured (often $100-200+ monthly)
Uncomfortable side effects like GI issues or headaches
Safety unknowns with long-term utilization
Weight rebounds when stopping meds
No substitute for lifestyle and mindset shifts
Now let’s dive deeper into realistic outcomes...
Typical Prescription Weight Loss Medication Results
Beyond the hype, true averages help set goals properly. Per research across approved options:
Weekly loss initially ranges ~1-2 lbs monthly
Patients losing 5-10% baseline weight meet success thresholds
Discontinuing meds correlates to partial regain
Using meds short-term shows the best safety and sustainability
So while helpful boosters, pills won’t magically solve transcendent lifestyle challenges alone. Sustained motivation matters most.
Safety Considerations and Contraindications
All medications carry side effects and interaction risks requiring careful evaluation, especially:
Cardiovascular
As obesity already strains circulation, the following may preclude use:
High blood pressure
Irregular heart rhythms
History of stroke or heart disease
Metabolic
Conditions include:
Type 2 diabetes
Thyroid dysfunction
Liver or kidney disorders
Tumblr media
Mental Health
Potential conflicts with:
Eating disorders
Depression
Substance abuse history
Thorough medical reviews help steer the safest courses accounting for individual nuance.
Ideal Candidates for Prescription Therapy
Guidelines suggest patients meeting the following criteria stand to benefit most:
BMI over 30 (or 27+ with comorbidities)
Making both diet and exercise efforts without continued success
Passed comprehensive health screening
Ready to adopt sustainably improved nutrition and fitness habits
Committed to consistent lifestyle counseling and oversight
Simply taking pills without holistic foundations wastes time, money and health. Meds magnify diligence. They don’t replace it.
Exploring Prescription Medication Protocol
If cleared by physicians after careful historical reflection, patients begin regimens including:
Single medication titration - Slowly increasing doses while monitoring progress and side effects
Combination therapy - Adding additional medications sequentially
Lifestyle reinforcement - Monthly provider counseling focusing on nutrition and fitness
Metrics tracking – Following weight, biometrics, and motivation score trends to fine-tune the approach
Patience and grit sculpt long-term results more than instant gratification. Commit to a thoughtful journey, not a quick fix.
Key Takeaways on Weight Loss Medications
Before considering supplementation, double down on proven foundations first through strict nutrition planning and regular cardio activity.
After hitting plateaus despite earnest dedication, discuss pharmaceutical support options with your doctor while staying aware of risks.
Rather than purchasing patient motivation, prescriptions aid commitment once established. Meds magnify diligence; they don't replace it.
And once beginning protocols after careful vetting, temper expectations around gradual progress tied closely to lifestyle evolutions, not just pills alone.
Here’s to healthy trajectories in balanced harmony aligned closely with experienced medical guidance!
1 note · View note
millcreekvet · 1 month
Text
What is pet seizures ?
 Pet seizures in Mississauga are episodes of abnormal electrical activity in an animal's brain that result in involuntary movements, behaviors, or sensations. They are somewhat similar to seizures in humans and can affect pets like dogs, cats, and other animals. Seizures in pets can vary in intensity, duration, and frequency, and they can be a symptom of various underlying health issues.
Types of Seizures in Pets:
Generalized (Grand Mal) Seizures:
Involve the entire brain.
Symptoms: Loss of consciousness, convulsions, paddling of the legs, drooling, and possibly loss of bladder or bowel control.
Focal (Partial) Seizures:
Affect only a specific part of the brain.
Symptoms: Twitching of one part of the body, such as the face or leg, or unusual behaviors like snapping at the air.
Status Epilepticus:
A severe and prolonged seizure that lasts more than five minutes or occurs in rapid succession without the pet regaining consciousness.
This is a medical emergency and requires immediate veterinary attention.
Causes of Seizures in Pets:
Epilepsy: A neurological disorder causing recurrent seizures.
Infections: Such as distemper or encephalitis.
Poisoning: Ingestion of toxic substances like certain plants, chemicals, or medications.
Metabolic Disorders: Low blood sugar, liver disease, or kidney failure.
Brain Tumors: Especially in older pets.
Trauma: Head injuries can lead to seizures.
Genetics: Some breeds are more prone to seizures.
What to Do if Your Pet Has a Seizure:
Stay Calm: It can be frightening, but staying calm will help you handle the situation.
Time the Seizure: Keep track of how long it lasts.
Move Objects Away: Ensure the pet doesn't injure itself by removing nearby objects.
Avoid Touching Their Mouth: Pets may unintentionally bite during a seizure.
After the Seizure: Comfort your pet and contact your veterinarian for further advice.
Veterinary Care:
If your pet has a seizure, it's important to consult with a veterinarian. They may perform tests to determine the underlying cause and may prescribe medications to manage or reduce the frequency of seizures. Regular monitoring and adjustments to treatment might be necessary.
Seizures in pets can be a serious health concern, but with proper care and treatment, many pets can lead healthy lives. millcreek clinic help you .
0 notes
anandkhakar · 1 month
Text
The Facts About Liver Transplant - Liver hospital in India
Liver hospital in India. Liver transplant is a surgery performed to replace one’s damaged liver with a whole or partial healthy liver from another person. A liver transplant is done when someone is suffering from liver failure or liver cancer.
0 notes
herbiar · 2 months
Text
Investigating the Effectiveness and Advantages of Laser Therapy for Treating Nail Fungus
Introduction:
Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a widespread and persistent infection that affects millions of people throughout the world. Traditional treatments, such as topical antifungals and oral medicines, can take time and are not always successful. Laser therapy is a novel and promising treatment option for this enduring condition that has surfaced recently. This article delves into the effectiveness and benefits of laser therapy for nail fungus, as well as its mechanics, advantages, and implications for patients and practitioners.
Tumblr media
Identifying Nail Fungus and Its Difficulties
Many fungi that infect the toenails or fingernails, such as dermatophytes, yeasts, and moulds, are the source of nail fungus. The infection may cause the nails to become brittle, thicken, and discolored. Conventional therapies may have adverse effects or medication interactions and frequently call for long-term use. Recurrences are frequent in spite of these therapies, and some patients may only see modest improvement.
1. Signs of Alterations in Nails: Brittleness: Infected nails can become weak and prone to breaking or chipping.
Thickening: As the infection advances, the nails may thicken, making them more difficult to trim and more vulnerable to further harm.
Discoloration: Infected nails usually change color, looking yellow, brown, or white, affecting their aesthetic aspect.
2. Traditional treatments have the following challenges: Adverse effects: Skin responses, gastrointestinal problems, and liver damage are among the negative effects that oral antifungal medicines might have. Allergies or skin irritation might also result from topical therapies.
Drug Interactions: Oral antifungals have the potential to interact with other drugs, which might cause problems or lessen the efficacy of therapies taken at the same time. Extended Use: Conventional therapies frequently call for extended use, which can be bothersome and increase the risk of patient non-compliance or unfinished treatment regimens.
3. Issues with Recurrence and Efficacy Frequent Recurrences: Despite aggressive treatment, nail fungus frequently recurs, particularly if the original therapy did not entirely remove the illness or if reinfection arises from environmental causes. Modest Improvement: Some patients may find that standard medicines only partially alleviate their condition, which can be frustrating and necessitate the need for other treatment alternatives.
How Laser Treatment Treats Fungal Nails
Laser treatment uses concentrated laser energy to target and eradicate fungal germs in the nail bed while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. The laser light enters the nail and its underlying components, producing heat that specifically kills fungus. This method is non-invasive and usually causes the patient very little discomfort. Nd and CO2 lasers, among other laser types, have been successfully utilized to cure nail fungus. Here are some major elements regarding how this therapy works: 1. Action Mechanism: Targeted Heat Generation: The laser light enters the nail and its underlying components, creating heat that selectively eliminates fungus cells while sparing healthy tissues. The exact treatment of the affected region is ensured by this targeted technique. Selective Wavelengths: Various laser types, such CO2 and Nd lasers, work at particular wavelengths that are absorbed by fungi. since of its selectivity, the therapy is more successful since it concentrates energy where it is most required. 2. Features of the Procedure: Non-Invasive: Laser treatment does not include cutting or the actual removal of nail tissue, as contrast to invasive or surgical procedures. It is a less stressful alternative for patients because of this feature.
Minimal Pain: The majority of patient’s experience very little pain both during and following the surgery. Most people handle the therapy well, with some experiencing only a little sense of warmth or tingling.
Laser Therapy's Effectiveness
Laser therapy has proven to be a very successful treatment for nail fungus, according to studies and clinical trials. Based on clinical evidence, laser therapy has the potential to drastically reduce fungal infection, enhance the look of nails, and yield long-lasting effects. To get the best results, the therapy frequently takes several sessions, and its efficacy varies according on the type of fungus being treated and its intensity.
The advantages of laser therapy
1. Non-Invasive Care: Laser therapy does not involve the use of oral drugs, which may have systemic adverse effects. Additionally, laser therapy is non-invasive. This makes it a safer choice for people who could be allergic to medications or for whom systemic antifungals are contraindicated. 2. Lowered Chance of Reprise: Unlike conventional treatments, laser therapy treats the illness at its source, potentially lowering the chance of recurrence. Patients' long-term results may be enhanced by this focused approach.
3. Minimal Pain and Recuperation Time: There is often little discomfort experienced during and after the treatment, making the process well-tolerated. Because patients can typically return to their regular activities right away, it's a practical alternative for people who lead busy lives. 4. Improved nail appearance: In addition to removing the infection, laser treatment can enhance the look of the damaged nails by decreasing discoloration and thickness. The cosmetic outcome has the potential to improve patient happiness and self-esteem.
Factors to consider and limitations
1. Pricing and accessibility: Laser therapy is more expensive than standard therapies, and it may not be available from all healthcare providers. While examining their therapy options, patients should take availability and cost into account. 2. Varying Results: Although many people see a noticeable improvement, outcomes might differ. The kind of fungus, the extent of the infection, and the patient's reaction to the therapy are few examples of variables that may affect the results.
3. Possibility of Requiring Several Sessions: Several laser treatments are frequently necessary to get the greatest results. Patients should be prepared for a succession of therapies and follow-up care in order to effectively control the infection. 4. Not appropriate for many situations: Laser treatment may not be appropriate for every patient or every kind of nail fungus. To ascertain if this treatment is appropriate for the patient's particular situation, a comprehensive assessment by a healthcare professional is required.
Conclusion:
Laser treatment is a complex and promising strategy to treating nail fungus, with significant advantages over older approaches. Its non-invasive nature, efficiency, and ability to improve nail look make it a popular choice among many people. When considering this treatment, people must take into account the possible expenditures, the unpredictable nature of the results, and the requirement for several sessions. Getting advice from a healthcare professional can help you decide which treatment plan is ideal for controlling nail fungus and getting the greatest results.
0 notes
hopeandheal · 2 months
Text
How Environmental Factors Influence Cancer Risk
Tumblr media
For many types of cancers, the exact cause is unknown. Doctors state that DNA changes or mutations cause cells in the body to grow abnormally and divide, leading to cancer. While family history is a major risk factor for cancer, environmental factors are equally responsible. 
If you suspect you have increased cancer risk, consult a medical expert for health evaluation (checkup). Visit the top cancer hospital in Siliguri, Hope & Heal Cancer Hospital and Research Centre. 
DNA damage can result from environmental exposures, like tobacco smoke, radon gas, or UV rays. Certain cancer-causing exposures, like tobacco smoke, and UV radiation are often easy to avoid. 
However, some cancer-causing substances are more difficult to avoid. It happens when these are present in the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, or work. 
Let’s understand how environmental factors can increase cancer risk
Lifestyle 
One of the most frequent environmental factors responsible for cancer risk is your lifestyle choices. These include your diet, physical activity, tobacco smoking, and alcohol intake.
A diet high in processed foods, ultra-processed foods, fast foods, overcooked foods, sugar, refined carbohydrates, and red meats, and low in fruits and vegetables may increase cancer risk.
Cooking meats in high temperatures, or burning and grilling these partially can release chemicals that can be carcinogenic. Plus, digesting this food can trigger the Alkylating process known to damage DNA. 
Here, diets rich in antioxidants, fiber, folate, Vitamins, minerals, etc. found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains can reduce cancer risk.
Physical Activity
Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, while obesity increases inflammation. With routine exercise, you can reduce your risk of various cancers, including breast, colon, bowel, kidney, stomach, liver, lung, and endometrial cancer.
Smoking: Tobacco smoking is one of the most well-known risk factors for lung cancer. Tobacco contains numerous carcinogens causing changes in DNA. Smoking can increase the risk of mouth, throat, pancreas, bladder, breast, uterine and cervical cancer. 
Cigarette smoking includes more than 60 known carcinogens, such as benzene, PAH, ethylene oxide, N-nitrosamines, aldehydes, and further. 
Consult your doctor at the top cancer hospital in Siliguri for comprehensive diagnosis and treatment. 
Alcohol Consumption
More commonly, moderate to excessive alcohol intake can increase cancer risk, such as cancers of the mouth, throat, breast, liver, esophagus, colon, rectum, etc. But it doesn’t mean a small amount of alcohol is safe. 
Because alcohol acts as a solvent, it helps harmful chemicals to enter your cells. Next, it is metabolized into acetaldehyde, which is a toxic compound damaging DNA.
Contact with Chemicals
Exposure to some chemicals, whether in the workplace or the environment, may increase cancer risk. Such chemicals may be present in industrial settings where you work, in your household products, and pollution.
Industrial Chemicals
Industries like manufacturing, mining, and agriculture might include carcinogenic materials. These can be rado, asbestos, arsenic, benzene, acrylamide, propylene oxide, trichloroethylene, styrene-7, or 8-oxide. 
Pesticides and Herbicides
Agricultural workers might have a risk of lung cancer, prostate cancer, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma due to harmful pesticides and herbicides. These include Carbaryl, Carbofuran, Atrazine, Primicarb, Glyphosate, DDT, Fenoxycarb, and further. 
Air and Water Pollution
Environmental pollutants such as particulate matter, radon gas, arsenic, or cadmium can put one at cancer risk. Both air and water pollution increase the chance of lung cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, etc. 
Radiation 
Radiation (ionizing and non-ionizing) is a major environmental risk factor for cancer of many types.
Ionizing Radiation
This type of radiation mainly includes gamma rays, X-rays, and radioactive particles, which might affect DNA. 
Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation
Prolonged exposure to UV radiation from the sun is a potential risk factor for skin cancers, such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. 
Other environmental cancer risk factors include:
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Helicobacter pylori infection
Parasites
Growing awareness, prevention, education, and ongoing research can help reduce the risk of getting cancer due to environmental reasons. Reach out to one of the best cancer hospitals in Siliguri city. See your medical expert or ask for screening, vaccination, and preventive measures. 
0 notes
cancerinfoblog · 3 months
Text
Types of Liver Cancer Surgery
Partial Hepatectomy A partial hepatectomy involves removing the part of the liver affected by cancer. The extent of the resection depends on the size and location of the tumor and the overall health of the liver. Advantages: Can be curative if the cancer is localized and the remaining liver is healthy. The liver has the ability to regenerate, allowing for recovery of liver…
0 notes
healthychoisecare · 4 months
Text
"Natural Remedies at Your Fingertips: Top 10 Plants to Grow in Your Medical Garden"
Tumblr media
In a world increasingly focused on natural living and sustainability, growing your medicinal garden is a rewarding and practical endeavor. Not only does it provide you with fresh, organic remedies at your fingertips, but it also connects you to the age-old practice of using plants for healing. With a Medicinal Garden Kit, you can easily cultivate a variety of therapeutic plants right in your backyard or on your windowsill. This article will guide you through the top 10 plants to grow in your medicinal garden, each offering unique benefits to support your health and well-being.
Why Grow a Medicinal Garden?
Tumblr media
Before diving into the specific plants, let's explore the benefits of having a medicinal garden. Developing your restorative plants permits you to:
Ensure purity and quality: You control the growing conditions, avoiding pesticides and other chemicals.
Save money: Herbal remedies can be expensive to purchase, but growing your own is cost-effective.
Have fresh ingredients: Freshly picked herbs often have stronger medicinal properties than dried or processed ones.
Gain knowledge and self-sufficiency: Learning about medicinal plants and their uses increases your self-reliance and connection to nature.
What is a Medicinal Garden Kit?
 A Therapeutic Nursery Pack is an organized arrangement of seeds and developing directions intended to assist you with beginning your restorative nursery. These kits typically include a selection of easy-to-grow medicinal plants, making it simple even for beginners to cultivate their healing garden. Investing in a Medicinal Garden Kit is an excellent first step toward creating your apothecary.
1. Chicory
Chicory is a versatile herb often used to support digestive health and liver function. Its roots can be dried and ground as a coffee substitute. Growing Chicory is straightforward; it thrives in well-drained soil and full sun.
Benefits of Chicory
Digestive health: Promotes healthy digestion and reduces constipation.
Liver support: Helps detoxify the liver and improve its function.
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation and supports overall health.
2. Yarrow
Yarrow is a hardy perennial known for its ability to stop bleeding and promote wound healing. It's also used for its anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. Yarrow prefers well-drained soil and full sun, making it an easy addition to your medicinal garden.
Benefits of Yarrow
Wound healing: Stops bleeding and promotes the healing of cuts and abrasions.
Digestive health: Eases indigestion and supports digestive function.
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation and helps with various inflammatory conditions.
3. California Poppy
California Poppy is a beautiful flowering plant known for its mild sedative properties. It’s used to promote relaxation and sleep. Growing California Poppy is easy; it thrives in well-drained soil and full sun.
Benefits of California Poppy
Sleep aid: Promotes relaxation and restful sleep.
Pain relief: Provides mild pain relief and reduces anxiety.
Calming effect: Helps alleviate stress and nervous tension.
4. Marshmallow
Marshmallow is a soothing herb used for its mucilaginous properties, which help coat and protect mucous membranes. It's beneficial for respiratory and digestive health. Marshmallow prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade.
Benefits of Marshmallow
Respiratory health: Soothes throat and respiratory tract irritation.
Digestive aid: Eases digestive discomfort and promotes gut health.
Skin health: Helps heal wounds and reduce skin inflammation.
5. Chamomile
Chamomile is a gentle herb, often used to make a calming tea that can aid with sleep and digestion. The small, daisy-like flowers are harvested for their medicinal properties. Chamomile prefers well-drained soil and full sun, making it an easy addition to your medicinal garden.
Benefits of Chamomile
Sleep aid: Promotes relaxation and restful sleep.
Digestive health: Eases stomach discomfort and indigestion.
Anti-inflammatory: Helps reduce inflammation and skin irritations.
6. Evening Primrose
Tumblr media
Evening Primrose is known for its oil-rich seeds, which are used to treat various skin conditions and hormonal imbalances. Evening Primrose thrives in well-drained soil and full sun.
Benefits of Evening Primrose
Skin health: Treats eczema, acne, and other skin issues.
Hormonal balance: Alleviates symptoms of PMS and menopause.
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation and supports overall health.
7. Lavender
Tumblr media
Lavender is celebrated for its calming scent and ability to relieve stress and anxiety. It’s also useful for treating insomnia, headaches, and minor wounds. Lavender thrives in well-drained soil and full sunlight, making it a beautiful and practical addition to your garden.
Benefits of Lavender
Stress relief: Calms nerves and reduces anxiety.
Sleep support: Helps improve sleep quality.
Wound healing: Antiseptic properties aid in treating minor cuts and burns.
8. Echinacea
Tumblr media
Echinacea, also known as coneflower, is renowned for its immune-boosting properties. It’s commonly used to prevent and treat colds and flu. Growing Echinacea is simple; it prefers well-drained soil and full to partial sunlight.
Benefits of Echinacea
Immune support: Boosts the immune system.
Cold and flu prevention: Helps reduce the severity and duration of colds.
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation and promotes healing.
9. Calendula
Calendula, also known as marigold, is prized for its skin-healing properties. It’s used in creams and salves to treat cuts, burns, and rashes. Calendula prefers full sun and well-drained soil, making it an easy-to-grow plant in your medicinal garden.
Benefits of Calendula
Skin health: Heals wounds, cuts, and burns.
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation and soothes irritated skin.
Antimicrobial: Helps prevent infection in minor wounds.
10. Feverfew
Feverfew is a powerful herb known for its ability to prevent and treat migraines. It’s also used to reduce inflammation and support overall health. Feverfew grows best in well-drained soil and full sun.
Benefits of Feverfew
Migraine relief: Helps prevent and alleviate migraines.
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation and pain.
General health: Supports overall well-being and immune function.
Creating Your Medicinal Garden
Starting your medicinal garden with a Medicinal Garden Kit is a practical and fulfilling project. Here are a few hints to guarantee your nursery flourishes:
Choosing the Right Location
Select a location with adequate sunlight and good drainage. Most medicinal plants prefer full sun, but some, like marshmallow, thrive in partial shade.
Soil Preparation
Use well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. You can improve your soil by adding organic compost, which provides essential nutrients and enhances soil structure.
Planting and Maintenance
Follow the planting instructions provided in your Medicinal Garden Kit. Regularly water and prune your plants to encourage healthy growth. Pay attention to each plant's specific needs regarding sunlight, water, and spacing.
Harvesting
Harvest your medicinal plants at the right time to ensure maximum potency. For most herbs, this is just before they flower. Utilize sharp scissors or pruning shears to try not to harm the plants.
Using Your Medicinal Garden
Once your garden is flourishing, you can start using your plants to make teas, tinctures, salves, and more. The following are a couple of basic recipes to kick you off:
Chamomile Tea
Harvest chamomile flowers and dry them. Steep a tablespoon of dried flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Partake in a quieting cup of tea before sleep time.
Lavender Infused Oil
Fill a jar with dried lavender flowers and cover with olive oil. Seal the container and allow it to sit in a bright spot for 2 a month. Strain the oil and use it for massages or as a calming skin treatment.
Echinacea Tincture
Harvest echinacea roots or flowers, chop them finely, and place them in a jar. Cover with alcohol (such as vodka) and let it sit for 4-6 weeks, shaking occasionally. Strain and use the tincture to boost your immune system during cold and flu season.
Conclusion
Growing a medicinal garden with a Medicinal Garden Kit offers numerous benefits, from providing natural remedies at your fingertips to fostering a deeper connection with nature. By cultivating these ten essential plants, you’ll have diverse herbal solutions to support your health and well-being. Embrace the journey of growing your medicinal garden and enjoy the rewards of natural, home-grown remedies.
0 notes
merabaghicha-blog · 4 months
Text
Turmeric Plant
Tumblr media
🌿 Turmeric Plant: The Golden Spice 🌿 The Turmeric plant, known for its vibrant orange-yellow rhizomes, is not only a key ingredient in many culinary dishes but also celebrated for its medicinal properties. Here's everything you need to know about growing and caring for this versatile and beneficial plant. Benefits of Turmeric - Medicinal Properties: - Turmeric contains curcumin, known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It's used to treat a variety of conditions, from arthritis to digestive issues. - Culinary Uses: - Fresh turmeric rhizomes can be used in cooking to add color and flavor to dishes. It's a staple in many Asian cuisines. - Beauty and Skincare: - Turmeric is often used in skincare routines for its ability to improve skin health and appearance, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. - Health Benefits: - Consuming turmeric can boost the immune system, improve digestion, and support liver health. Planting Turmeric 1. Choosing Rhizomes: - Start with fresh, healthy turmeric rhizomes. Look for firm, plump rhizomes with visible buds or "eyes." 2. Pot and Soil Preparation: - Choose a pot with good drainage and at least 12 inches deep to accommodate the growing rhizomes. - Use a well-draining, rich potting mix. Adding compost or organic matter can enhance soil fertility. 3. Planting: - Plant the rhizomes about 2-3 inches deep in the soil with the buds facing upward. - Space the rhizomes 6-8 inches apart if planting multiple rhizomes. Caring for Turmeric 1. Light Requirements: - Turmeric thrives in partial to full sunlight. It needs at least 6-8 hours of indirect sunlight daily. 2. Watering: - Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly, especially during dry periods. 3. Temperature and Humidity: - Turmeric prefers warm, humid conditions. Ideal temperatures range between 68°F and 95°F (20°C to 35°C). Protect the plant from frost and cold temperatures. 4. Fertilizing: - Feed the turmeric plant with a balanced, organic fertilizer every month during the growing season. Compost or well-rotted manure can also be used. 5. Pruning: - Remove any dead or yellowing leaves to keep the plant healthy. Pruning is generally minimal for turmeric. Harvesting Turmeric 1. Timing: - Turmeric is ready to harvest 8-10 months after planting when the leaves and stems start to turn brown and dry out. 2. Harvesting Process: - Carefully dig up the rhizomes, shake off the soil, and rinse them clean. - Let the rhizomes air dry in a shaded area for a few days before using or storing them. Read the full article
0 notes