Introduction Research is an organised, systematic and rigorous process of enquiry to develop concepts and theories and describe phenomena. It aims to add to a scientific body of knowledge. A fundamental understanding of how to approach clinical research is now…
Introduction Many doctors often equate statistics with the numbers and equations seen in research papers, but the term ‘statistics’ does not mean ‘numbers’; indeed, a competent statistical analysis of a paper should include non-numerical issues such as the nature of…
Introduction The application of the theories, principles and methods of physics to medicine and healthcare, in general, belongs to a branch of medicine called ‘medical physics’. This chapter focuses on the use of medical physics in obstetrics and gynaecology, with…
Introduction A drug is broadly defined as any chemical agent that affects living protoplasm. About one-third of women in the UK take drugs at least once during pregnancy, but only 6% take a drug during the first trimester. In the…
Introduction In this chapter, the endocrine system is introduced by describing mechanisms of hormone action and the types of hormones. Six groups of hormones and/or endocrine systems will then be discussed, which include: (1) hypothalamus, pituitary and pineal glands; (2)…
Biophysical Definitions Molecular Weight One mole of an element or compound is the atomic weight or molecular weight, respectively, in grams. For example, 1 mol of sodium is 23 g (atomic weight Na = 23) and 1 mol of sodium…
Structure and Function of the Normal Cell All cells possess certain basic structural features, regardless of their location, type and function ( Fig. 9.1 ). The major division is into nucleus and cytoplasm. Nucleus The nucleus contains the chromosomes (see…
Introduction The immune system exists to protect the organism from the consequences of infectious disease and, to a lesser extent, neoplasia. It does this by having a complex system of organs, cells and molecules that are distributed throughout the body.…
Bacteriology, Mycology and Parasitology Introduction Bacteria are the smallest organisms capable of a free-living existence. That is, with the exception of a few highly evolved examples, they are able to take up nutrients from the environment, grow and self-replicate independently…
General Pathological Principles Adequate understanding of the underlying pathophysiological disease processes associated with the range of obstetric and gynaecological presentations is essential for the rational evaluation of appropriate investigations, therapies and outcomes. Huge volumes of literature are available on almost…