Investigations #2

Periodontitis is a type of gum disease that occurs when the inflammation of gums leads to the separation of the gums and the teeth, forming pockets that become infected. The meaning of "periodontitis" is "inflammation around the tooth."

(2) Symptoms of periodontitis

This disease is interestingly initiated when the bacteria in our mouths, along with mucus and other substances, create "plaque" on our teeth. This plaque that is not removed can become hard and create "tarter" that cannot be cleaned by yourself. The longer these two substances are in our teeth can cause inflammation of the gums. The immune system fights this bacteria as plaque is spread throughout our mouth, especially at the gum line. The immune system also starts to break down bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth intact. When this is not treated by a professional, the bones, gums, and tissue that hold the teeth break down and cause the tooth to be permanently removed.

(3) Patient with periodontitis

Treatment for periodontitis reduces inflammation and removes the tarter. The easiest method of treatment seems to be the best: cleaning, brushing, and flossing your teeth regularly. Surgery may be needed if the tarter in the teeth needs to be opened and cleaned or if the teeth with this tartar or bacteria needs to be removed before it spreads to adjacent teeth.




References:

(1) http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/oralhealth/Topics/GumDiseases/PeriodontalGumDisease.htm#intro

(2) http://periodontalhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/gum-visual-6.jpg

(3) http://www.natural-health-news.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Periodontitis.jpg

My Dictionary #3

Since the last time I posted in "My Dictionary," I've come across a few new and unfamiliar words in class and in my study of histology.

These words are:

(1) Tonofilaments making up the intercellular bridges

1. Tonofilaments:
A tonofilament is developed in the epidermis layer of the skin, specifically in the stratum spinosum, which is the second deepest layer in the epidermis. In this layer, the cytoplasm is filled with keratin bundles that are known as tonofilaments. Tonofilaments also are the intercellular bridges in this layer and are made up of various proteins and keratin.

(2)

2. Gingiva:

Also sometimes known as the gums, the gingiva surrounds and is firmly attached to the teeth and the bones around the teeth. It has three components (as seen on the picture to the left): free gingiva, interdental gingiva, and attached gingiva. The gingiva is bound to the underlying cementum and the alveolar bone.

(3)

3. Peyer's Patches:
Found in the ileum of the small intestine, the Peyer's patches are the many areas in the lymphoid  tissue that interact with the development of immunity to antigens present there. These Peyer's patches contain numerous lymph nodules, obviously in order to fulfill their duty.



Picture references:

(1) https://o.quizlet.com/i/q6ru-1iunk59zCBULM8fsw_m.jpg

(2) http://periobasics.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Gingiva.jpg

(3) http://medcell.med.yale.edu/systems_cell_biology/gi_tract_lab/images/ileum_labels.jpg

Investigations #1

(1)

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a type of skin cancer. This occurs through abnormal, uncontrolled growths that arise in the skin’s basal cells (1). The basal cells are the deepest layer in the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of the skin. BCCs often look like open sores, red patches, pink growths, or shiny bumps.

(2)

The primary cause of this cancer is usually through long-exposure to sun light or ultraviolet rays over a period of years. This disorder occurs in areas of the body that is exposed to sun like in the face, neck, ears, scalp, shoulders, and back, although tumors in the basal cells can occur anywhere.


Some of the treatments include cutting out the tumor, freezing the cancer cells, and scalping out the tumor using electricity to kill the cancer cells. However, the easiest thing one with BCC can do is to stay away from the sun!

Picture references:

(1) https://www.human-anatomy99.info/basal-cell-carcinoma-diagram/

(2) http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/mobileart.asp?articlekey=107548