Babies A baby is a neonate for its first 4 weeks and an infant for its first year. Neonates are classified by gestational age or birthweight ( Box 15.1 ). 15.1 Classification of newborn infants Birthweight Extremely low birthweight (ELBW): <1000 g Very…
Dermatological conditions are very common (10–15% of general practice consultations) and present to healthcare professionals in all specialties. In the UK, 50% are lesions (‘lumps and bumps’), including skin cancers, and most of the remainder are acute and chronic inflammatory…
The history Common presenting symptoms Pain In musculoskeletal pain, the acronym SOCRATES (see Box 2.2 , p. 12) suggests questions that help reveal useful diagnostic clues. Site Fig. 13.1 illustrates the anatomy of a typical joint. Determine which component is painful: the…
Anatomy and physiology The kidneys lie posteriorly in the abdomen, retroperitoneally on either side of the spine at the T12–L3 level, and are 11–14 cm long ( Fig. 12.1 ). The right kidney lies 1.5 cm lower than the left because of the…
Breast Anatomy and physiology The adult breast lies over the pectoralis major and serratus anterior muscles; it extends from the lateral border of the sternum into the lower axilla as the tail of Spence. The centre of the breast is…
Endocrine glands synthesise hormones that are released into the circulation and act at distant sites. Diseases may result from excessive or inadequate hormone production, target organ hypersensitivity or resistance to the hormone. The main endocrine glands are the pituitary, thyroid,…
Ear Anatomy and physiology The ear is the specialised sensory organ of hearing and balance; it is divided anatomically into the external, middle and inner ear. External ear The external ear consists of the cartilaginous pinna, the external auditory canal (cartilage…
Anatomy and physiology The eye lies in the bony orbit of the skull and is covered by the eyelid, which protects it from foreign bodies and keeps the anterior surface moist by maintaining the tear film. The upper lid is…
Anatomy and physiology The nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system, CNS) and the peripheral nerves (peripheral nervous system, PNS). The PNS includes the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for controlling involuntary functions. The…
Anatomy and physiology The gastrointestinal system comprises the alimentary tract, liver, biliary system, pancreas and spleen. The alimentary tract extends from the mouth to the anus and includes the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine or small bowel (comprising the duodenum, jejunum…