Exclusive articles:
Stages of Embryonic Development: Meninges and CSF Drainage
The meninges, protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord, play a crucial role in supporting and safeguarding the central nervous system during embryonic development and beyond. This article explores an image depicting the meninges within the longitudinal fissure of the superior sagittal sinus, highlighting the dura mater, arachnoid, pia mater, subarachnoid space, and arachnoid villi, which facilitate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage into the bloodstream.
Early Embryonic Development of the Nervous System
The nervous system begins its formation in the early embryonic stage, with the neuroectoderm folding to create the neural groove, which eventually forms the neural tube. This article explores a detailed image of this developmental process, highlighting the transformation into the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral structures like the neural crest, offering a foundational understanding of neural embryology.
Embryonic Brain Development: Primary and Secondary Vesicle Stages
The embryonic brain undergoes remarkable transformation as it develops from the neural tube, progressing through distinct vesicle stages that shape its complex structure. This article examines a detailed image highlighting the primary vesicle stage with three regions and the secondary vesicle stage with five regions, providing insight into the early anatomical development of the brain.
Homeostatic Regulation of Blood Glucose Levels
Maintaining blood glucose concentration within the optimal range of 70 mg/dL to 110 mg/dL is essential for energy balance and overall health, achieved through a finely tuned homeostatic mechanism. This article explores a diagram illustrating how insulin lowers blood glucose when levels rise and how glucagon increases it when levels drop, providing a clear understanding of this critical physiological process.
Pancreas Anatomy: Structure and Hormone Functions
The pancreas, a versatile organ located in the abdomen, serves both exocrine and endocrine roles, contributing to digestion and blood glucose regulation. This article examines its anatomical structure, including the acinar cells and pancreatic islets, and explores the hormones insulin and glucagon, as revealed in a detailed micrograph at 760x magnification from the University of Michigan Medical School, shedding light on its dual functionality.
