Abstract
This paper examines the nervous and digestive systems of reptiles, emphasizing their main characteristics and briefly compare them to the nervous and digestive systems at other vertebrates including humans. The author points out that the anatomical characteristics of the reptile's nervous system, such as the position of the brain or the spinal cord, resemble closely those of the human and higher vertebrates; the reptilian nervous system has developed to provide the best adaptation of the reptiles' necessities, with emphasis on sight, smell and motor functions. The paper relates that birds and reptiles are the only vertebrates to have the cloacae chamber, the removal system of the body, is where the feces is discharged; the urodaeum receives the urogenital tract ducts and the proctodaeum acts as a common collecting area prior to evacuation.

From the Paper
"As such, the reptilian nervous system is formed of two different components: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The central nervous system is composed of the brain and the spinal cord, while the peripheral nervous system is composed of all nervous tissues and structures that do not actually belong to the CNS. As at other vertebrates, the brain, constituent part of the central nervous system, is protected by the skull. The bones forming the skull similarly have names such as parietal and occipital, which also form the human skull, for example."

Tags:vertebrates, adaptation, cloacae, whole, esophagus

Abstract
Emphysema, also called pulmonary emphysema, is an abnormal distention of the lungs with air; in patients with emphysema, the air ducts and the air sacs, or alveoli, are distended, and there is destruction of the partitions between alveoli and loss of alveoli. This paper provides an overview of the disease, its etiology, treatment, and possible prevention modalities. A summary of the research is provided in the conclusion.

From the Paper
"Many people with emphysema also have chronic bronchitis, in which inflammation and swelling of bronchial walls obstructs air flow. It is characterized by coughing due to excessive mucus in the airways. The two disorders are grouped together under the heading chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which afflicts nearly 15 million people in the United States. According to Burri (2003), lungs affected by emphysema show loss or degeneration of elastic tissue, disappearance of capillary walls, and breakdown of the alveolar walls."

Tags:chronic, copd, trachea, windpipe

Abstract
The paper relates that conjunctivitis is commonly known as Pink Eye and is an infection of the transparent membrane that lines the inside of the eyelid and the outside of the eyeball. The paper discusses how the infection causes the small blood vessels inside the eyelid to increase in size and become inflamed, resulting in the whites of the eyeball to become pink or red (Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)", 2008). The paper reveals that the causes of conjunctivitis are bacteria, viral, incomplete development of the tear duct and an allergic reaction. The paper notes that conjunctivitis rarely affects a person's eye sight; it is more of an irritant that causes discomfort, and, it is often contagious and early diagnosis can help prevent the spread of the infection.

From the Paper
"Conjunctivitis is commonly known as Pink Eye. Conjunctivitis is an infection of the transparent membrane that lines the inside of the eyelid and the outside of the eyeball. The infection causes the small blood vessels inside the eyelid to increase in size and become inflamed resulting in the whites of the eyeball to become oink or red (Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)", 2008). The causes of conjunctivitis are bacteria, viral, incomplete development of the tear duct and an allergic reaction. Conjunctivitis rarely affects a person's eye sight it is more of an irritant that causes discomfort."

Tags:eye, infections, conjunctivitis

Abstract
This paper positively reviews Michael Bliss' book about the medical discovery of insulin, stating that Bliss manages to relate the story of the discovery of insulin in an exciting, engaging way.

From the Paper
"One might predict that a book detailing the history of a medical discovery might prove to be rather dull reading. However, The Discovery of Insulin by Michael Bliss demonstrates that this is certainly not necessarily the case. The story that Bliss relates has all the elements of an intriguing novel - fascinating characters, conflict, scandal, and inspirational outcomes. Yet, the book is a carefully researched document rather than a work of fiction. The human side of medical research is revealed, both in the activities and thoughts of the scientists involved in the discovery of insulin, and in the heartwarming stories of diabetes sufferers whose lives are saved by the discovery."

Tags:frederick, grant, banting, canadian, physician, practice, medicine, pancreative, ducts

Abstract
This paper identifies the different surgical treatments for pancreatic pseudo-cysts and attempts to determine which is the best option among these treatments. The paper explains that the three main surgical treatments available for the treatment of pancreatic pseudo-cysts are internal drainage, pancreatic resections and external drainage. The paper further explains its findings that, contrary to common medical acceptance, drainage is not the best surgical option for pancreatic pseudo-cysts. Rather, the paper explains, that most cases resolve spontaneously and patients do well without intervention and that sometimes patients can even develop complications or get worse when subjected to drainage.

From the Paper
"A pancreatic pseudocyst is a localized collection of pancreatic-enzyme-rich fluid, originating from or near the pancreas and is enclosed in a wall of granulation and/or fibrous tissue, which lacks epithelial lining (Rossoa 2003). The incidence of chronic pancreatitis has been increasing and pancreatic pseudocyst is a common complication. Advances in radiological techniques have led to increased diagnosis of pseudocyst and better understanding of associated complications and the natural history of pseudocysts. New modes of treating the ailment have also increased surgical options. Statistics reveal that two-thirds of all pancreatic cystic lesions are pseudocysts, which complicate pancreatitis in 20-40% of patients, and that pseudocysts develop in 10-20% of acute pancreatitis patients. Furthermore, 14 or 14% of 102 consecutive patients with acute pancreatitis developed a pseudocyst within 72 hours from admission (Rossoa)."

Tags:management, contraindication, failure, endoscopic, radiological, duct, strictures