The Gastrointestinal Tract

digestive system

The gastrointestinal tract, or digestive system is the organ system responsible for consuming and digesting food while absorbing the nutrients, then expelling waste. This consists of all organs between the mouth and anus. It is also essential for immune functioning, and homeostasis in the body. The organs that comprise the tract are the following organs … Read more

Endocrine System – The Body’s Way of Talking

The endocrine system refers to a collection of glands that secrete hormones into the circulatory system to target a distant organ with chemical messages. These tend to be slower processes, such as growth, menstrual cycles, or circadian rhythms, but also refer to procedures for dealing with stress and the environment.

The Lymphatic System

The Lymphatic system works in conjunction with the circulatory system to reroute 3 liters of the ~20 processed each day by the body to replace plasma in the blood. Lympha is the Latin word for ‘water’ and refers to the clear liquid that provides autoimmune defense and assists with digestion. The Lymphatic system works alongside the … Read more

Organs Systems of the Human Body

organ systems

An organ is a collection of tissues joined structurally that have a common function. Functionally related organs cooperate together to form organ systems. Essentially organs work together to serve functions for the overall well-being and recycling of the body’s energy. The functions of organs and organ systems tend to overlap; in these cases, it is … Read more

Jalandhara Bandha | जालन्धर बंध

Bandhas part 3 Jalandhara bandha is a muscular group that interlocks by tucking chin into chest to elongate the back of the neck. This is particularly useful in inversions like headstand and shoulder stand, which can place stress on the neck if it is not fully and properly elongated. This interlock can also include opening … Read more

Uddiyana Bandha | उड्डियान बंध

Ashtanga Yoga Founder Krishnamacharya

Bandhas Part 2/4 Uddiyana Bandha is the second yogic muscular lock that occurs at the bottom of the rib cage. Uddyiana bandha is popularized, but largely misunderstood, I believe. Uddiyana means upward flying and bandha means energy seal, so this interlock moves energy up the spine. This opposed the mula bandha (root) lock descending down … Read more

The Anatomy of the Abdomen (part 4/4: Rectus Abdominis)

rectus_abdominis

The Rectus Abdominis is a paired vertical muscle that runs from the xiphoid process at the bottom of the sternum, across the top of the 5th and 7th ribs and down to the pubic symphysis, pubic crest, and pubic tubercle below the hip-line. The two muscles are separated by the linea alba running down their … Read more

The Anatomy of the Abdomen (part 3/4: Transversus Abdominis)

Transversus_abdominis

Part I Part II The Transversus Abdominis is the deepest layer of the abdominal wall, underneath the internal obliques. It stabilizes the mid-back and pelvic areas. Since it is the deepest layer of abdominal tissue, its function is important is activating the other muscles of the abdomen and stabilizers in the spine during dynamic movement. … Read more

The Anatomy of the Abdomen (part 2/4: Internal Obliques)

internal_oblique_from_http://fitsweb.uchc.edu/student/selectives/Luzietti/hernia_anatomy.htm

The internal oblique is just below, or beneath the surface, of the external oblique. The fibers of the internal oblique run perpendicular to the external oblique; this cross-stitching of the muscles give the oblique a tremendous amount of stability and are extremely useful to the respiratory system in breathing and providing support for the organs … Read more