“Anatomy and Physiology: Tissues” plus 1 more nursing article(s): NursingCrib.com Updates

Posted: 23 Jan 2011 06:20 PM PST

Definition

Body tissues are groups of cells that are similar in structure and function.

EPITHELIAL TISSUES

Epithelial tissues are the tissues that lines or covers the body. It is the lining, covering and the glandular tissue of the body. Primarily, epithelial tissues functions include:

Protection
Absorption
Filtration
Secretion

In general, the epithelium has the following distinct characteristics:

Forms continuous sheet by fitting together closely with the exception of glandular tissues.
Have one free surface or edge in the membranes called an apical surface.
Has a basement structure where the lower surface of the epithelium rests.
Have no blood supply.
Depends on diffusion from the capillaries in the underlying connective tissue for food and oxygen.
Regenerates themselves if well nourish.

The epithelium is classified into simple and stratified epithelium. The classification is based on the cell arrangements.

Simple Epithelium

This type of epithelium is very thin. It functions for absorption, secretion and filtration. Protection is not one of their specialties.

Simple squamous epithelium – forms the membranes where filtration or exchange of substances by rapid diffusion takes place.
Simple cuboidal epithelium – this is one layer of cuboidal cells which lies on the basement of the membrane. It forms the walls of the tubules in the kidney and the one that covers the surface of the ovaries in females.
Simple columnar epithelium – this is one layer of columnar cells (tall cells) that fits closely together. It covers the entire area of the digestive tract from the stomach to the anus. In this type of epithelium, goblet cells are found. Goblet cells are the one which produce lubricating mucus.
Pseudistratified Columnar Epithelium – this type of epithelium gives the impression that it is stratified. The main function of this epithelium is on absorption and secretion.

Stratified Epithelium

This epithelium consists of two or more layer of cells. These epithelia mainly functions for protection. It is more durable than the simple epithelia making it possible to carry out its function of protection.

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Heimlich Maneuver

Posted: 23 Jan 2011 06:15 PM PST

Definition

Heimlich maneuver is composed of a series of under-the-diaphragm abdominal thrusts. It is an emergency technique recommended for helping a person who’s choking on a foreign object (foreign-body airway obstruction).

Indication

Choking

Purpose

Heimlich maneuver is just a simple action that will most of the time dislodge food or foreign object from a person's airway when they are CHOKING. The abdominal thrusts lift the diaphragm and force enough air from the lungs. Forceful air from the lungs creates an artificial cough. The cough is intended to move and expel an obstructing foreign body in an airway. It provides an increase pressure in the abdomen, thus, enabling the object to be expelled out of the airway.

Procedure

Get the choking person in a standing position. However, it can also be performed in a sitting position if the victim is too heavy for the rescuer or if the set-up is in a confined space such as a plane. The rescuer should see to it that there will be plenty of room to perform the moves.
Place yourself slightly behind the standing victim.
Reassure the victim immediately that you know the Heimlich maneuver and are going to help him or her.
From behind, wrap your arms around the victim’s abdomen. Stand with your legs separated, to form a “tripod” shape in the event the victim faints or becomes unconscious (this will help you to catch them and stabilize their fall quickly).
Make a fist with your dominant hand with the thumb of this fist pointing to the fist.
Place the fist below the ribcage and above the navel.
Wrap your other hand firmly around this fist. Be sure to keep your thumb away from the victim’s body, to prevent injury to the victim.
Perform the abdominal thrusts (Heimlich Maneuver) by pulling inward and upward while pressing into the victim's abdomen with quick upward thrusts using a good force. The motion should be similar to that of the letter "J" – in, then up.
Perform 5 abdominal thrusts in quick succession. Do not squeeze the ribcage; confine the force of the thrust to your hands. Repeat until object is expelled.

images from health.allrefer.com