Most blood tests take only a few minutes. They’re done at some doctor’s offices, and at community labs, diagnostic centers, and hospitals. A doctor, nurse, or phlebotomist (fleh-BOT-eh-mist, someone ...

What Is a VP Shunt? A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is a thin plastic tube that helps drain extra cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain. CSF is the saltwater that surrounds and cushions the brain ...

Breast cancer is a disease that happens when cells in the breast that are not normal grow and spread very fast. The cells group together to form a mass or lump called a tumor. Breast cancer is treated ...

What Is a Tear-Duct Blockage? A tear duct is a small tube that drains tears from the eyes. Tears are made in glands under the eyelids. They wash over the eyes to keep them moist and clean. Then, they ...

We see and hear about hearts everywhere. A long time ago, people even thought that their emotions came from their hearts, maybe because the heart beats faster when a person is scared or excited. Now ...

How Does the Brain Work? And How Does the Nervous System Work? How do you remember the way to your friend's house? Why do your eyes blink without you ever thinking about it? Where do dreams come from?

COVID-19 usually is milder in kids than in adults, though some children have gotten pretty sick from it. Many parents wonder what to do if their child gets sick. Here's what you need to know.

Did you know you have more than 600 muscles in your body? They do everything from pumping blood throughout your body to helping you lift your heavy backpack. You control some of your muscles, while ...

What Does the Heart & Circulatory System Do? If you've ever wondered how your heart works, this movie has the answer. And special thanks to the Fred J. Brotherton Charitable Foundation for supporting ...

Heavy metals are elements that are found in soil, water, and the air we breathe. Plants take up these metals as they grow and can end up in the food we eat. Our bodies need some heavy metals (like ...

Answering kids' questions about sex is a job many parents don’t look forward to. It may feel awkward when it comes to talking about puberty and where babies come from. But don’t avoid these topics.

How much do you know about your muscles? Find out by taking this quiz!