Anatomy of the Internal Carotid Artery

Inside the skull, the internal carotid artery is closely associated with important nerves and brain regions. Its path places it right alongside brain regions associated with visual and sensory processing. At its end, it splits into the two cerebral arteries before breaking into the anterior andmiddle cerebral arteries. SEBASTIAN KAULITZKI / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images This can then lead tostrokecell and tissue death due to a lack of nutrients and oxygen....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 212 words · Melissa Garrison

Anatomy of the Masseter Muscle

Injury to the masseter muscle may cause pain, difficulty chewing, or swelling around your jaw and face. This article will describe the anatomy of the masseter muscle, its function, and associated health conditions. You have two masseter musclesone on the left and one on the right. The three layers of the masseter are the superficial layer, the intermediate layer, and the deep layer. The muscle fibers originate from thezygomatic archof your skull, also known as your cheekbone....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 758 words · Emily Lee

Anatomy of the Olfactory Epithelium

Assists in the Sense of Smell The olfactory epithelium is membranous tissue located inside thenasal cavity. It measures about 3 square centimeters (cm2) in adults. Containing olfactory receptor cells, it is involved in the sense of smell. Olfactory disorders can range from a mild decrease in the ability to smell to a complete loss of smell. A loss of smell can indicate a mild illness or injury or something more serious....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 464 words · Lauren Summers

Anatomy of the Submandibular Gland

They are one of the three pairs of glands that produce saliva. While these glands usually function well, several conditions may impact them. Infections such assialadenitismay develop due to a blockage in the glands. This can cause swelling, soreness, and loss of moisture in the mouth. Autoimmune disorders and medication side effects may also affect the submandibular glands and impede saliva production. The two other types of salivary glands are theparotid(the largest) and sublingual glands....

April 18, 2025 · 5 min · 864 words · Erik Hoffman

Anbesol vs Orajel: How Do They Compare for Oral Pain Relief?

Anbesol contains the active ingredient benzocaine. Benzocaine is a local anesthetic that temporarily numbs the area. Benzocaine blocks nerve conduction, which sends pain signals to the brain. Getty Images |Bloomberg/ Contributor It does this by blocking sodium channels. It begins to work within a minute but lasts only for about 15 to 20 minutes. You should avoid eating or drinking for up to an hour after applying it. Be sure to wash your hands before and after applying it....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 475 words · Victor Trevino

Androgenic Alopecia in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Even so, the thinning can be significant enough to expose large areas of the scalp. In people with PCOS, androgenic alopecia rarely occurs in isolation. Causes of Androgenic Alopecia With PCOS The cause of PCOS is unknown. Sol de Zuasnabar Brebbia / Getty Images When the balance is thrown off, any number ofhormonal problemscan occur. This can trigger a condition known ashyperandrogenismin which the body produces excessive amounts of androgens....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 394 words · Latoya Smith

Anemia and Colon Cancer

This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and skipped or rapid heartbeats. As the tumor gets larger, the bleeding and blood loss worsen. On top of this, chronicinflammationcaused by the tumor alters how the body uses iron. Jon Feingersh / Getty Images In those who get chemotherapy or radiation, around 67% can expect to have anemia. With that said, iron-deficiency anemia can also be due to slow, chronic internal bleeding....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 83 words · Kevin Martin

Anemia in Premature Babies

Causes It is not uncommon for newborns to have mild anemia. As a rule, the red blood cells of an infant break down faster than new ones are made. Preemies are an entirely different story. Illustration by JR Bee, Verywell In some cases, they can develop a more severe key in of anemia called anemia of prematurity. These gaps in fetal development can easily lead to anemia. Even a small blood draw can cause a dramatic drop in the preemie’s hemoglobin count....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 134 words · Samantha Brown

Anger Management Therapy: Types, Techniques, and Benefits

Anger management refers to a set of skills used to handle and express anger in healthy ways. Anger is a natural emotion, and when managed well, it can even be healthy and productive. Read on to learn more about anger management counseling and why it’s important. Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health What Is Anger Management? People use a number of conscious and unconscious processes to handle their anger....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 651 words · Edward Rios

Angioplasty Surgery: Everything You Need to Know

Angioplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to open blocked blood vessels that travel to the heart. What Is Angioplasty? Angioplasty is acatheterization procedurethat opens arteries blocked or narrowed by a sticky material called plaque. Javier Larrea / age fotostock / Getty Images Then, a deflated balloon attached to the catheter is inflated to open up the narrowed artery wall. In some cases, it may require an overnight hospital stay....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 636 words · Julie Perkins

Anhedonia Causes and Treatment

When you could’t find pleasure in things Anhedoniais the inability or reduced ability to feel pleasure. This article discusses the types, causes, and symptoms of anhedonia. It also covers how its diagnosed and treated. Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health Social anhedoniarevolves around social situations. It causes a decreased interest in social interactions and reduced pleasure from engaging in social situations. Physical anhedoniadescribes a persons inability to feel pleasure from physical things that are normally pleasurable....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 643 words · Jamie Brooks

Animal vs. Plant Proteins: Which Is Better for Your Health?

Dietary fiber is found in plants but not animals. Plant protein sources, which also containfiber, are only partially digested or not digested by the body. Fiber passes through the digestive system, giving stool bulk and making it softer. Thai Liang Lim / Getty Images Environmental Impact Animal and plant protein sources have different environmental impacts. Choosing animal proteins produced with moresustainable practicesis also a way to lessen the environmental effect of meat protein....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 212 words · Carolyn Martinez

Anise: Uses, Side Effects, & More

Its scientific name isPimpinella anisum(P. anisum). Anise is native to Egypt and the eastern Mediterranean region. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Savany / Getty Images No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease. Like many natural products, more extensive research is necessary. But people might use anise for various reasons. The potential effects werelower fasting (before-meal) blood sugar levelsand lowertotal cholesterolandtriglyceride levels....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 712 words · Nathan Spence