Basicmedical Key

 preload: this is governed by the ventricular end-diastolic volume, which in turn is related to ventricular filling pressure and therefore to venous return of blood to the heart,  heart rate,…

Biological basis of schizophrenia There is a strong genetic component to schizophrenia with several risk genes that affect early brain development and predispose an individual to developing the condition. Triggers…

 drug toxicity and adverse effects, which discusses mechanisms for adverse effects produced both during normal drug therapy and after an overdose,  self-poisoning and drug overdose, which is concerned with the…

Fig. 42.1 Regulation of calcium metabolism.A fall in plasma Ca2+ leads to increased release of parathyroid hormone (PTH) from the parathyroid gland, which increases calcitriol [1,25-(OH2)-D3] formation in the kidney….

Fig. 44.1 The core structure of steroid hormones is derived from the cholesterol molecule shown.The four rings are each identified by a letter A–D, and each carbon atom by a…

Fig. 29.1 The arachidonic acid cascade of eicosanoid synthesis.Arachidonic acid liberated from membrane phospholipids can be utilised by cyclo-oxygenases (COX-1, COX-2, COX-3) to form prostanoids (prostaglandins, prostacyclin and thromboxane) or…

 regulation of plasma electrolyte concentrations and fluid balance,  regulation of acid–base balance,  elimination of waste products,  conservation of essential nutrients. Of these, a basic knowledge of the mechanisms of electrolyte…

 The central nervous system (CNS) comprises neuronal networks of the brain, brainstem and spinal cord (Section 5).  The peripheral nervous systems, which interconnect the CNS to the organs of the…

Fig. 30.1 The biology of rheumatoid arthritis and sites of drug action.The affected synovial joint is characterised by inflamed and swollen synovium with angiogenesis and increased presence of fibroblasts, osteoclasts,…

Fig. 32.1 Neuronal pathways and receptors involved in the control of nausea and vomiting.The pathways and neurotransmitter receptors involved in nausea and vomiting are complex and only those underpinning the…