Both the brain and the spinal cord are protected by bone: the brain by the bones of the skull, and the spinal cord by vertebrae, a set of ring-shaped bones. They're both cushioned by layers of ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Earaches are common in kids and can have many causes. Here’s why they happen and what to do when your child complains of ear pain. Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed to ease pain (check the ...

Nemours Children's Health is committed to transforming the health of children by going beyond medicine to improve the health of the world in which every child lives. We founded KidsHealth.org and ...

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 ...

Right ventricle (VEN-trih-kul): one of the four chambers of the heart. The right ventricle pumps blood low in oxygen to the lungs. In the lungs, the blood then gets a "refill" of oxygen.

How Do I Take an Oral Temperature? Taking an oral temperature is easy in an older, cooperative child. Most kids can have their temperature taken this way when they’re about 4–5 years old.

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?

How Does Air Enter the Respiratory System? Air enters the respiratory system through the nose or the mouth. If it goes in the nostrils (also called nares), the air is warmed and humidified. Tiny hairs ...

Girls have lots of questions about the body changes of puberty. When will my breasts grow? What's the "normal" age to get your first period? Watch this video and find out!