#161 The Brain (English)

We use our brain everyday but we tend to forget the fact that we are. Let me introduce some parts of our brain and what they do.

             

The first and the biggest part of our brain is the cerebrum. This part controls all voluntary activities that you do in life. For example, when you are studying for a history exam, cerebrum takes the role.

The next one is cerebellum. Cerebellum is attached to the brainstem right below the cerebrum. It refines movement, coordinates muscle activity, and interprets sensory information sent to the brain. This especially becomes active when you play sports.

Hypothalamus is not only part of the brain but also part of the endocrine system. This regulates the pituitary gland, another type of an endocrine system, and homeostasis.

Now, let’s look at the brain stem. The brainstem connects the spinal cord and the cerebrum. As you can see, it is divided into three parts. Midbrain is the center for visual activities such as pupil reflex or blinking. Pons takes part in respiratory system usually in depth, frequency, and intensity of breathing. Last but not least is the medulla oblongata. Medulla oblongata controls involuntary movement, in contrast to the cerebrum. Involuntary movement includes breathing, swallowing, and heartbeat.  

            
Even though detailed information about brain might not be required in your daily life, it is good to know about it since we use them every moment in our life. 

KSY

#160 Nasopharyngeal Cancer (English)

Nasopharyngeal Cancer

Recently, Kim Woo Bin, a famous Korean actor, revealed to the public that he has been struggling against Nasopharyngeal Cancer. Compared to other renowned cancers, this cancer doesn’t seem to attract much attention.

Nasopharyngeal cancer is a type of cancer which is a case where malignant tumor is created in the nasopharyngeal area which is the part one third of the pathway, starting from skull base to the palate.

However, the specific cause of this disease hasn’t been yet introduced. Medical researchers are predicting several grounds. These include genetic factors, Epstein - Barr virus infection, chronic nose inflammation, feculent nasal hygiene, declination in nasopharyngeal ventilation, exposure to polycyclic hydrocarbon, smoking, and alcohol intake.

One treacherous aspect of this disease is that there are no initial symptoms. Usually, it accompanies with inflammation of the middle ear. This results in the hearing difficulties. It also causes frequent nose bleed, nasal stuffiness in one of the nostrils, interruption in food swallowing, swollen face, constant infection and inflammation in paranasal cavity.

So, how can we cure this albeit the unknown cause? Nasopharyngeal cancer is relatively reactive to radiation treatment. Surgery is not considered because the location of the tumor makes the surgery difficult for the doctor to perform. If the cancer is on a progressive state, it has a possibility which radiation treatment may not work. So, it should be treated with radiation treatment and anticancer.

In order to prevent ourselves from getting this disease, we should always be cautious on our sanitation. Also, we should consume fresh fruits and vegetables and refrain from smoking and alcohol.

KSY