Health Library

Articles In This Section

• Endocrine System

  The glands of the endocrine system and the hormones they release affect almost every cell, organ, and function of our bodies.

• The Lymphatic System

  The lymphatic system is an extensive drainage network that helps keep bodily fluid levels in balance and defends the body against infections.

• Skin, Hair, and Nails: The Body’s Protective Layer

  Skin, hair, and nails form the outer layer of our body and protect everything inside.

• Skin

  Our skin protects the network of tissues, muscles, bones, nerves, blood vessels, and everything else inside our bodies.

• Peripheral Nervous System

  The peripheral nervous system delivers information back and forth between your brain and your body.

• Nervous System

  The nervous system is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and a complex network of nerves. It's job is to send messages back and forth between the brain and the body.

• Nails

  Nails protect the sensitive tips of fingers and toes.

• Mouth and Teeth

  Our mouth and teeth play an important role in our daily lives. Here's a course on the basics - including common problems of the mouth and teeth.

• Metabolism

  Brush up on metabolism, the chemical reactions in the body's cells that change food into energy, in this article.

• Male Reproductive System

  Understanding the male reproductive system and what it does can help you better understand your son's reproductive health.

• Immune System

  The immune system, composed of special cells, proteins, tissues, and organs that protect against germs and microorganisms, is the body's defense against disease.

• Hair

  Hair grows all over the human body except the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and lips.

• Female Reproductive System

  Learning about the female reproductive system, what it does, and the problems that can affect it can help you better understand your daughter's reproductive health.

• Enzymes

  Enzymes speed up chemical reactions in our bodies. They’re essential to digestion, blood clotting, and growth, and do many other important things.

• Digestive System

  The digestive process starts even before the first bite of food. Find out more about the digestive system and how our bodies break down and absorb the food we eat.

• Central Nervous System: The Brain and Spinal Cord

  The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system. Find out how they work together to control everything we do.

• Bones, Muscles, and Joints

  Without bones, muscles, and joints, we couldn't stand, walk, run, or even sit. The musculoskeletal system supports our bodies, protects our organs from injury, and enables movement.

• Blood

  Here are the basics about the life-sustaining fluid called blood.

• About Body Basics

  Remember the biology class you had in high school? Well, maybe you don't or maybe now that you have a child, your interest in how the body works has grown.

• The Spleen

  The spleen is a fist-sized organ in the upper left part of the belly under the ribcage. It helps protect the body by clearing worn-out red blood cells and other foreign bodies (such as germs) from the bloodstream.

• Lungs and Respiratory System

  We need the respiratory system for breathing. Find out how it works.

• What Is Collagen?

  Collagen is a protein in the body that helps make bones strong.

• Ears

  Hearing may be the ears' main job, but it's not all they do. Learn all about the ears in this Body Basics article.

• Kidneys and Urinary Tract

  The bean-shaped kidneys, each about the size of a child's fist, are essential to our health. Their most important role is to filter blood and produce urine.

• Heart and Circulatory System

  The heart and circulatory system are our body's lifeline, delivering blood to the body's tissues. Brush up on your ticker with this body basics article.

• Blood Types

  Categorizing blood according to type helps prevent reactions when someone gets a blood transfusion. Find out how blood types work.

• Eyes

  The eyes are small compared with most of the body's other organs, but their structure is incredibly complex. Learn more about eyes, vision, and common problems with both.