Related Concept Videos

Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System01:18

Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is an intricate network of nerves that controls functions such as the regulation of heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure regulation. When this system malfunctions, it can lead to various disorders that affect multiple bodily functions. One common feature of many autonomic disorders is the involvement of smooth blood vessels, which play a crucial role in regulating blood flow throughout the body.
Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's phenomenon, is a...
Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters01:20

Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters

The introduction of polyesters has brought major development to the textile industry. The wrinkle-free behavior of polyester blends has eliminated the need for starching and ironing clothes.
Polyesters are commonly prepared from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol; the crude product is known as poly(ethylene terephthalate) or PET. However, polyesters are synthesized industrially by transesterification of dimethyl terephthalate with ethylene glycol at 150 °C. The two reactants and the polymer...
Types of Toxins01:36

Types of Toxins

Humans continually engage with an environment rich in potentially harmful chemicals. These are introduced to our bodies through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. These chemicals exist in various forms, such as air and environmental pollutants, agricultural chemicals, organic solvents, and heavy metals.
Air pollutants, primarily gases, pose significant threats to respiratory health, leading to conditions like hypoxia, lung cancer, and in extreme cases, death.
Environmental pollutants like...
Protein Denaturation01:28

Protein Denaturation

The function of proteins depends on their native three-dimensional structure, which is dictated by the amino acid sequence of the specific protein. Folding of the polypeptide chain takes place under specific conditions that energetically favor the folded conformation. In contrast, protein denaturation occurs spontaneously under unfavorable conditions that disrupt the integrity of the folded conformation. Thus, the chemical and physical environment of a protein, such as significant changes in pH...
Classification and Mechanical Properties of Synthetic Polymers01:28

Classification and Mechanical Properties of Synthetic Polymers

Synthetic polymers are classified as elastomers, fibers, or plastics based on their crystallinity. Crystallinity, the degree of long-range order in the solid state, influences the mechanical properties (stretching or contracting) of elastomers. Elastomers are flexible polymers that can expand or contract easily upon the application of an external force. They have numerous crosslinks that pull them back into their original shape when stress is removed. Silicones, for instance, are highly elastic...
Diabetic Neuropathy01:22

Diabetic Neuropathy

DefinitionDiabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by long-standing diabetes mellitus. It results directly from prolonged high blood sugar levels.PathophysiologyThe pathophysiology of diabetic neuropathy involves both metabolic and vascular disturbances triggered by chronic hyperglycemia.Metabolic injury: Elevated glucose levels activate the polyol pathway within nerve cells, leading to the accumulation of sorbitol and fructose. This increases oxidative stress, disrupts normal nerve...