Xanthoma

xanthoma A fatty deposit that forms a benign (noncancerous) LESION beneath the SKIN, though also may occur in other tissues. Xanthomas develop in people who have chronic, untreated HYPERLIPIDEMIA (elevated BLOOD cholesterol and triglycerides levels). In their most common form, xanthomas appear as yellowish blebs beneath the skin, typically rounded or oblong, that protrude as nodules or papules. Xanthomas that form on the eyelids, a common presentation, are xanthelas-mas. Most xanthomas do not cause symptoms though may be cosmetically undesirable. Eruptive xanthomas may occur in clusters, typically occur-

ring on the shoulders and inner surfaces of the arms, and often itch.

The most significant feature of xanthoma is the underlying lipid disorder, which signals increased risk for CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE (CAD) and HEART ATTACK. Many people who develop xanthomas have familial lipid disorders that result in unusually elevated levels of triglycerides and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) or low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). These elevations are markers for serious CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE (CVD) and require prompt medical treatment. Lowering the blood lipid levels helps prevent further xanthomas from developing, though has no effect on existing xanthomas.

A xanthoma may create functional interference depending on its location. Xanthelasmas on or near the eyelids can interfere with proper vision, for example, and xanthomas on the hands may cause irritation and PAIN during tasks that require manual dexterity. Many people choose to have xanthomas removed for cosmetic purposes. Several options are available for removing xan-thomas, including cryotherapy (freezing), electrodesiccation (cauterizing), excision (cutting out), and LASER SURGERY. The site usually heals without scarring, although xanthomas tend to recur.

See also CHOLESTEROL BLOOD LEVELS; DIABETES; MEDICATIONS TO TREAT CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE; NODULE; PANCREATITIS; PAPULE; PRURITUS; RISK FACTORS FOR CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE; TRIGLYCERIDE BLOOD LEVELS; XANTHELASMA.

The NERVOUS SYSTEM directs the functions, voluntary and involuntary, of the body through an intricate network of specialized cells (neurons) that convey information in the form of electrochemical messages. Practitioners who diagnose and treat conditions of the nervous system are neurologists, neurosurgeons, and neuropsychiatrists. This section, "The Nervous System," presents a discussion of the structure of the BRAIN and nerves, an overview of neurologic functions in health and the disorders that occur as a result of physiologic (organic) dysfunction of the brain and nerves, and entries about the health conditions that can affect neurologic function.

Conditions involving the nervous system often directly involve other body systems as well. Entries for neuromuscular disorders and neuropsychiatric disorders in which the origins or symptoms are primarily neurologic appear in this section, "The Nervous System." Entries for neuromuscular disorders in which the origins or symptoms are primarily muscular appear in the section "The Musculoskeletal System." The section "Psychiatric Conditions and Psychological Issues" contains entries about disturbances of mood, emotion, personality, and mental health and illness.

Structures of the Nervous System

second cranial nerve pair:

optic second cranial nerve pair:

oculomoter fourth cranial nerve pair:

trochlear fifth cranial nerve pair:

trigeminal sixth cranial nerve pair:

abducens seventh cranial nerve pair:

facial eighth cranial nerve pair:

vestibulocochlear ninth cranial nerve pair:

glossopharyngeal tenth cranial nerve pair:

MENINGES

dura mater arachnoid mater pia mater

BRAIN

cerebral cortex (cerebrum)

ventricles

amygdala

hippocampus

thalamus

HYPOTHALAMUS

corpus callosum

cerebellum

brainstem

pons

medulla oblongata

CRANIAL NERVES first cranial NERVE pair: olfactory vagus

eleventh cranial nerve pair:

accessory twelfth cranial nerve pair:

hypoglossal

SPINAL CORD SPINAL NERVES

cervical (8 pairs, C1-C8) thoracic (12 pairs, T1-T12) lumbar (5 pairs, L1-L5) sacral (5 pairs, S1-S5) coccygeal (1 pair, CO1)

PERIPHERAL NERVES

trunk phrenic intercostal

iliohypogastric

ilioinguinal arm

brachial

radial

musculocutaneous

medial ulnar leg

femoral

sciatic

common peroneal

superficial peroneal

deep peroneal

tibial

Functions of the Nervous System

The nervous system regulates and directs the functions of the body, processing billions of biochemical messages-bits of information traveling between the brain and the body-every minute. It is the earliest system to develop in the EMBRYO. The cells that will become the nervous system begin to separate and distinguish themselves about 14 days after CONCEPTION. During the following 7 days, the neural tube, the rudiment of the central nervous system, takes shape. By seven weeks of gestation, the neural tube has evolved into the SPINAL CORD and the brain. And by birth, the nervous system is anatomically complete.

The nervous system: organization and structure

Organized into a number of structural and funcThe Nervous System

Brachial plexus Intercostal nerves

Femoral nerve

Sciatic nerve

Brain Spinal cord

Brachial nerve

Medial nerve Radial nerve

Ulnar nerve

Saphenous nerve

Tibia! nerve

Edgy Xanthomas: Papules may indicate root lipid problem (Postgraduate Medicine)

The 44-year-old man with hypertension as well as type 2 diabetes presented towards the emergency department along with unrelenting, substernal chest pain associated with 6 hours’ peikena

Edgy Xanthoma (Postgraduate Medicine)

Abstract: The 46-year-old white woman with long-lasting uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and kind IV hyperlipidemia presented with the 3-week history of the

Xanthoma: Webster’s Schedule History, 1892 – 3 years ago

Webster’s bibliographic as well as event-based timelines are comprehensive within scope, covering almost all topics, geographic locations and individuals. They are doing