The Medical Information Resource Center by Online PhD Programs

This is a guide by Online PhD Programs

The basis for all medical study and knowledge is anatomy and histology. While the need to study anatomy is obvious, histology is not. Anatomy can be visualized with the naked eye. It can be assessed, poked, and prodded. Reactions to external influences can be seen. Histology involves investigating the human body on the cellular level. Explanations as to why the tissue or the organ is behaving as it does can be found with microscopic histological review of the cells. It is often vital for diagnosis and treatment.

EMBRYOLOGY REPRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENTAL ANATOMY

Human Embryology Animations - Interactive web tool that demonstrates how the body systems are formed in utero.
Ontology of Human Developmental Anatomy - Anatomical development of the human body in order.

ANATOMY STUDY GUIDES

Interactive Anatomy Tool #1 – Organizes the body systems into separate entities for specific study.
Interactive Anatomy Tool #2 – Includes in-depth histology as well as an overview of the entire body system.
Anatomical Quizzes with Images – Study guide that uses actual images of body parts for review.

ANATOMY TUTORIALS BY BODY PART

Basic Human Anatomy – This tutorial from Dartmouth Medical School is an intense guide through the body, piece by piece.
Dissection Tutorial – Includes lab guide, tutorial, associated muscles, cross sections, and practical uses.

HISTOLOGY PRACTICE EXAMS & STUDY GUIDES

Histology Study Guide – Website devoted to imaged tissue samples with complete descriptions.
Practice Exams – Includes four practice exams, muscle quizzes and a practical lab.

TISSUE PRESERVATION

Tissue Fixation – Shows how to properly set tissue samples on slides to prevent decay.
Embedding and Sectioning Tissue – Proper mediums for fixating tissue as well as how to section the tissue.

HISTOLOGY TECHNIQUES & PROCEDURES

Tissue Processing Techniques – Proper technique demonstrated via photographs.
Histology Tutorials – Special Stains and Procedures – Tutorial with reference to procedure, techniques, stains, and microscopy.

Brain & Neurology Center

The brain and central nervous system are the control centers for everything that goes on in the body, whether it is a voluntary or involuntary function. These are complex structures that are still not fully understood. Research has shown where things occur, like the visual sense is managed in the occipital lobe. How messages travel throughout the vast neural network of axons, dendrites, and synapses has also been extensively investigated. Even after all of this, we still have little understanding about the why. For instance, it is known that seizures are a disturbance or short circuit in electrical activity of the brain. However, no one really knows why they happen or even how to predict when one will occur, even in a brain that has a known history of having seizures. There is still so much more to study to fully understand the brain’s capacity.

ALL ABOUT THE BRAIN

Anatomy of the Brain – Basic anatomy of the brain with the function of each part detailed.
Glossary of Brain Anatomy Terms – Site created by Alzheimer’s Disease Research. It contains a glossary of common terms associated with the brain.

CEREBELLUM

Cerebellum – Includes cerebellar peduncles, the fibers that connect the brainstem and the cerebellum, the zones, and the circuitry.
Cerebellar Functions and Slides – Slide show of the cerebellum which shows the location from alternate views, function, and disorders of the cerebellum.

CRANIAL NERVE

Introduction to Cranial Nerves – Animation of the brain showing where all of the cranial nerves are located.
Advanced Cranial Nerves – Detailed information about every cranial nerve, with pictures.

NEUROANATOMY

Neuroanatomical Slides – Slides that delineate the separate and distinctive sections of the brain.
Neuroanatomy Atlas – Shows the different views of the brain and cortex.

SPINE & SPINAL CORD

Spine Anatomy – Basic overview of the spine and anatomic structure.
Spinal Cord/Brainstem Interactive Atlas – Plate index that challenges the user to name the parts interactively.

NEURAL PROCESSES

Neural Process for Vision – Paper describing the neural processes necessary for vision.
Sensory Learning – Neural processes involved with sensory learning in the human.

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

General Information – Basic information about the central nervous system from the top down.
Visual Perspective of the Central Nervous System – 3-D images of the entire CNS.

BRAIN ANEURYSMS

Brain Aneurysm Information – Identifies brain aneurysms and the causes for them.
Aneurysm Treatment – Standard treatment options with video.

STROKE, HEADACHES & MIGRAINE

Cerebrovascular Accident – Also known as a stroke, this is a Q&A sheet targeted for those who know very little about strokes.
Headaches – Site from New York University that defines all known headache types.
Migraine Headaches – Migraine headache symptoms and treatment options.

Cardiology & Pulmonary Center

The brain and central nervous system are the control centers of the body. The pulmonary, cardiovascular, and circulatory systems keep the rest of the body oxygenated and functioning. The cells of the human body need oxygen to survive. The cardiovascular system pumps the oxygenated blood out to every inch of the body and then pumps the deoxygenated blood to the pulmonary system to replenish that oxygen. Being able to identify and treat problems with the circulatory system is imperative for the survival of the body.

HEART & CARDIOVASCULAR DEVELOPMENTS AND FUNCTIONS

Cardiovascular System – How the human cardiovascular system works.
Development of the Heart – How the heart matures and develops as an embryo.

CARDIOLOGY SOUNDS AND IMAGES

Cardiac Sounds – Enables the user to differentiate between common ausculatory sounds of the heart.
Images of the Cardiovascular System – Sections of the heart.

RESPIRATORY PHYSIOLOGY & FUNCTION

Respiratory System – Human respiration with videos and pictorials.
Function of the Respiratory System – Site devoted to function of the respiratory system as well as common ailments.

BLOOD FLOW CHARTS

Blood Flow – Diagram of how the blood circulates throughout the body.
Interactive Circulatory Pattern – Useful information about how the circulatory system works along with an animation.
Circulatory System – Circulation of blood through the heart and lungs.

VALVE DIAGRAMS

Valve Physiology – Schematic diagram of the four valves of the heart.
Heart Valves – American Heart Association definitions of the heart valves and disorders associated with them.

Clinical - Primary Care Center

The physical assessment can lead the examiner to clues about what is going on inside the body, so it is essential that it be performed correctly. For instance, if a person’s lips are blue, oxygenation might be a problem. Or perhaps there are hypoactive bowel sounds that can also be indicative of a serious disorder. Terminology is an aspect of the medical education that has importance. Conveying information to another medical professional can instantly relay the underlying urgency or lack of urgency of a suspected condition.

PHYSICAL EXAMS INFORMATION

Physical Exam Study Guide – Proper technique for performing a physical examination, complete with necessary equipment and general considerations.
Complete Physical Assessment – Includes cranial nerves exam.

MEDICAL DICTIONARIES & GLOSSARIES

Online Medical Dictionary – Medical dictionary from Harvard from A-Z.
Medical Glossary – Free online site that breaks down the glossary in sections, such as Anatomy, Organisms, etc.

USA HOSPITAL LISTINGS

United States Hospital Listing – Lists the hospitals for each state in alphabetical order.
100 Top Hospitals – Information on the top healthcare systems, national hospitals and cardiovascular hospitals.

NURSING RESOURCES

Online Nursing Resources – General and specific resources for the nurse.
American Nurses Association – Includes topics such as professional nursing practice, ethics, policy, and government affairs.

Pathology & Virology Center

As with anatomy and histology, pathology is a cornerstone of medical practice. Pathology incorporates histology by using bone, tissue, and bodily fluids to determine the presence of disease or infection. Accurate diagnosis of cancerous cells, for instance are made by the pathologist under a microscope. Finding out the reason for death is also part of the responsibilities of the pathologist. Still others work with the police and coroner to solve mysterious death. Virology, immunology, bacteriology, and parasitology are all pieces of the puzzle when trying to ascertain the causes of disease.

TRAVEL WARNINGS & IMMUNIZATIONS

Travelers’ Health – Centers for Disease Control destination guide that travel information related to the destination.
Travel Vaccines – Discusses the necessary vaccines for traveling to other countries.

BACTERIOLOGY STUDIES

Online Bacteriology – Online tool to the different areas of bacteriology.
Advances in Bacteriology – Medical bacteriology, metabolism, and general bacteriology advances.

DISEASE GLOSSARY

Infectious Disease Glossary – Alphabetized listing of all words related to infectious disease.
Virology Glossary – Virology directory that includes definitions of HIV/AIDS terms.

IMMUNOLOGY RESOURCES

Immunology Resources – Immunology database resource guide to access both reference and experimental data.
General Immunology – General information about how immunology in the human body works.

ALL ABOUT PARASITES

Parasites – Fact sheet on parasites and common illnesses related to parasites.
Human Parasites – Slides of 10 parasites that cause disease in humans.

PATHOLOGY TUTORIALS

Pathology Images and Tutorials – Loaded with slides of all types and tutorials that help the user identify these slides. Includes examinations as well.
Human Pathology Images – This is a digital image gallery. Slides contain diseased cells.

LIST OF VIRUSES

Index of Viruses – Intensive listing of all the known viruses.
Index of Viruses II – Index identifying the taxonomy and classification of all of the known viruses.

Radiology Center

Over the years, radiologic diagnostic techniques have come a long way. Originally, there were just x-rays which give an inside glance at the bones of the body. Now, we have ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRI studies that can help the radiologist “see” any abnormalities in the human body. Learning how to use these tools to diagnose conditions and even treat them has been one of the most important skills a medical professional can have. Knowing what to look for and how to find abnormalities can mean the difference between life and death.

WHAT IS RADIOLOGY

Radiology Defined – Broad overview of radiological science and careers.
Diagnostic Radiology – Shows various radiological procedures.

PERIODIC TABLES

History of the Periodic Table – Historical website regarding how the periodic table came to be.
Periodic Table – Very interesting visual of the periodic table.

ULTRASOUND RESOURCES

Ultrasound Practice Resources – Covers a multitude of ultrasonography issues and concerns as well as further information.
Carotid Doppler Ultrasound – Doppler ultrasound of the carotid arteries is discussed on this website.

RADIOLOGY ANATOMY

Radiology Anatomy Tutorial – Anatomical slides depicted in radiological studies.
Gross Anatomy and Radiology – Radiology images from multiple angles.

MAGNETIC RESONANCE

MRI Basics – Excellent online book for the novice and expert alike.
MRI Slides – Topics include surface coil sensitivity, angles and contrast, spin echo, K-space and image quality.

Online PHD Programs

The Medical Information Resource Center

Interested in Online Doctoral Programs?