The Anatomy of the Sternocleidomastoid Muscle

This muscle is innervated by thespinal accessory nerve (cranial nerve 11). The SCM has two heads. One originates from the collarbone/clavicle and the other from the breastbone/manubrium. PeopleImages / Getty Images One side can contract, or both sides can contract. The SCM is part of a group of muscles known as the anterolateral neck flexors. The scalenes are synergist (helper) muscles to the SCM. They assist the SCM in turning and tilting both the head and neck....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 177 words · Mackenzie Steele

The Anatomy of the Subclavian Artery

The right subclavian artery receives blood from thebrachiocephalictrunk (the first branch to arise from the aortic arch). Structure There are two types of arteries: elastic and muscular. The aorta is the largest artery in the body, which is connected to the heart’s left ventricle. Ellen Lindner / Verywell There are two subclavian arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to each side of the body. When the blockage occurs in the legs it can cause severe cramping, calledclaudication....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 202 words · Anthony Taylor

The Anatomy of the Subclavian Vein

The subclavian vein is a large paired, deep vein that extends along each side of the neck. Both subclavian veinsright and leftare located underneath the clavicle (collarbone). Without the veins and arteries continuously circulating blood throughout the body, a person would be unable to live. MedicalRF.com / Getty Images The subclavian vein extends along the medial (middle) side of a muscle called the anterior scalene muscle. These smaller veins are called tributaries....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 181 words · Steven Macias

The Anatomy of the Sublingual Glands

The sublingual glands lie on the floor of your mouth, under yourtongue. Shaped like almonds, theyre the smallest of the three pairs of salivary glands. The glands actually connect to each other in the front of your mouth, creating a U-shape. Science Photo Library / Getty Images The blood supply for the sublingual glands comes from the sublingual and submentalarteries. Each duct has between eight and 20 ducts. Some people with abnormal duct structure have a major sublingual duct, also called the duct of Bartholin....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 160 words · Theresa Cooper

The Anatomy of the Urethra

It passes through the shaft of thepenisin males, exiting through the head of the penis. In females, the opening is situated below theclitorisand above the opening of thevagina. The urethra is vulnerable to infections, obstruction, and other medical conditions, including cancer. Verywell / Alexandra Gordon It also explains how many of these conditions are diagnosed and prevented. Anatomy The anatomy of the urethra varies between males and females. These variations occur during early fetal development with the differentiation of male and female sexual organs....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 237 words · Kim Huffman

The Anatomy of the Zygomatic Bone

Facial Bone Located Below Each Eye Socket The zygomatic bones are more commonly known as the cheekbones. These bones are located just below each eye and extend upward to the outer side of each eye. The zygomatic bone consists of cartilage when a fetus is in utero, with bone-forming immediately after birth. Sebastian Kaulitzki / Science Photo Library / Getty Images The most significant condition associated with the zygomatic bones is afracture....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 437 words · Kenneth Livingston

The Anatomy of Vertebral Endplates

They consist of a layer ofcartilageand a layer of porous bone. They also are the passageway through which blood and nutrients make their way to the discs. The injury or degeneration of the endplates in thelumbar (lower) spinemay cause certain types of back pain. CNRI / Science Photo Library / Getty Images Endplates in thecervical (neck) spinewill be smaller, while endplates in the lumbar spine will be larger. In young adults, vertebral endplates are dense, thick, and curved....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 209 words · Jessica Diaz

The Association Between Anemia and Heart Failure

There is a strong link betweenanemiaand heart failure. What Are the Causes of Anemia? Anemia lowers the number of red blood cells in your blood. Verywell / Jessica Olah There can be several reasons for this. This results in your organs not getting enough oxygen to function properly. The two most common conditions that cause anemia are iron-deficiency anemia and sickle cell disease. What Is the Association Between Anemia and Heart Failure?...

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 596 words · Robyn Walters

The Axial Skeleton: Bones and Related Pain

The axial skeleton consists of all the bones in the central part of your body. There are 80 bones in the axial skeleton. They help transfer vibrations from your eardrum to your inner ear and are the smallest bones in your body. valentina angiuli photografie / Getty Images It helps you breathe, move your tongue, and swallow. This bone is mobile, meaning it “floats” in place. Some of these conditions can develop over time as the bones in your axial skeleton wear down....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 383 words · Eduardo Hall

The Beneficial Effects of Propolis and Ways To Use It

Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak Propolisis a mixture of pollen and beeswax produced by honey bees. It contains flavonoids and has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Propolis has a long history of use as a natural treatment for many health problems. Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak In addition, propolis is sometimes found in nasal and throat sprays, mouthwash, and toothpaste. Researchers attribute this to small sample sizes and how studies were organized and carried out....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 238 words · Shane Suarez

The Benefits and Uses of Lactiplantibacillus Plantarum

plantarumis also found in over-the-counterprobiotic supplements. plantarumhave been studied in clinical trials. But research results are inconsistent so studies are ongoing. Westend61 / Getty Images That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Fermented Foods and Beverages A vibrant history offermentedfoods and beverages exists from around the globe.L. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease. There is significant interest in themicrobiome(all the microorganisms living in your body)....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 390 words · Tyler Rollins

The Benefits of Art Therapy

Art therapy is an integrative form oftherapythat helps individuals heal through creative expression. Art therapy is individually tailored to your needs and focuses on personal goals and well-being. Art therapy is one of many treatment options, typically combined withcognitive behavioral therapyand other psychotherapy approaches. Illustration by Jessica Olah for Verywell Health About one in three people who experiencesexual assaultare diagnosed with PTSD. Substance Use People with substance use disorder may benefit from art therapy....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 193 words · Ann Case

The Best and Worst Sleep Positions for Health Conditions

Most people have a favorite sleeping positionwhether that’s lateral (side),stomach, or back. While you may find your chosen position comfortable, some sleep positions can actually aggravate certain health problems. Body position can have an important impact on sleep, especially if it affects breathing. ColorBlindImages / Getty Images Certain positions can also lead to neck or back pain. So what are the best and worst sleep positions? How should you sleep torelieve back or neck pain?...

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 690 words · Thomas Greer