Tests for Premature Rupture of Membranes Premature Rupture of Membranes: What Is it? In pregnant women, premature rupture of membranes (PROM) occurs when the amniotic sac that surrounds the baby (the membrane) breaks before the start of labor. It is more commonly referred to as “when your water breaks.” Membrane rupture that occurs before the …
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What Is Expiratory Reserve Volume and How Is It Measured? Definition of expiratory reserve volume Ask a medical professional for a definition of expiratory reserve volume (ERV) and they’ll offer something along the lines of: “The extra volume of air that can be expired from the lungs with determined effort following a normal tidal volume …
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Buccinator The buccinator muscle is the major facial muscle underlying the cheek. It holds the cheek to the teeth and assists with chewing.The buccinator muscle is served by the buccal branch of cranial nerve VII, also known as the facial nerve. The buccinator is one of the first muscles that a human can control; the sucking …
Arteriogram What is an arteriogram? An arteriogram is a procedure that produces an image of your arteries. During the procedure, your doctor will use contrast material or dye, and X-rays to observe the flow of blood through your arteries and note any blockages. This procedure, also known as an angiogram, can be done on many …
What to Expect from Colpocleisis What is colpocleisis? Colpocleisis is a type of surgery that’s used to treat pelvic organ prolapse in women. In prolapse, muscles of the pelvic floor that once supported the uterus and other pelvic organs weaken. This weakening allows the pelvic organs to hang down into the vagina and create a …
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What Causes Swollen Taste Buds? Inflamed taste buds Your taste buds are the reason you can tell that lemon is tart and ice cream is sweet. These tiny sensory organs line your tongue. They enable you to identify all the different tastes — sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami (meaty or savory). You have about 10,000 taste …
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What Causes Lordosis? What is lordosis? Everyone’s spine curves a little in your neck, upper back, and lower back. These curves, which create your spine’s S shape, are called the lordotic (neck and lower back) and kyphotic (upper back). They help your body: absorb shock support the weight of the head align your head over …
Penile Melanosis Overview Penile melanosis is usually a benign or harmless condition. It’s characterized by small patches of dark skin on the penis. This change in color is known as hyperpigmentation, and it occurs when melanin (brown pigment) forms deposits in the surface layer of skin. Penile melanosis is also known as penile lentiginosis. The spots …
Roth Spots in Eye: What Do They Mean? What is a Roth spot? A Roth spot is a hemorrhage, which is blood from ruptured blood vessels. It affects your retina — the part of your eye that senses light and sends signals to your brain that allow you to see. Roth spots are also called Litten’s signs. They’re …
Gingival Hyperplasia What is gingival hyperplasia? Gingival hyperplasia is an overgrowth of gum tissue around the teeth. There are a number of causes for this condition, but it’s often a symptom of poor oral hygiene or a side effect of using certain medications. If left untreated, this oral condition can affect the alignment of your …
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