Whole blood consists of 3 types of blood cells, suspended in a liquid called plasma. Blood circulates through the arteries and veins with each of the blood cell types -- red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets -- performing different functions throughout the body.

Kidney and bladder health is a complex and varied area, with many different conditions and their respective treatments. For any medical condition or problem relating to your urinary tract or kidneys, you should consult a doctor for medical advice before trying any home remedies or complementary therapies.

Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is important for the development of healthy red blood cells and proper nervous system function. The main dietary sources of vitamin B12 include meat, dairy and fish. While doctors are often more concerned with low vitamin B12 levels, high levels might also signal a serious medical problem.

Electrical muscle stimulation is a process through which low-level electrical currents are used to stimulate muscles, forcing them to contract.

A fibrous root with a light brown outer skin, ginger root helps relieve a variety of ailments. According to California State University, ginger root soothes headaches, treats ringworm, upset stomach, sprains and bruises, and even helps calm the pain associated with toothache.

Surgery is accompanied by large fluid shifts. Blood can be lost from the operation, and water is lost through urine, evaporation out of the body and respiration. Fluids are given during surgery to counter the loss of fluid during the operation.

Supplemental oxygen -- a life-saving therapy for many diseases and conditions -- poses serious safety risks when used while smoking. Normal air contains 21 percent oxygen, while supplemental oxygen can contain up to 100 percent oxygen.

Cognitive development -- the brain's development -- often is associated with intellectual capacities, but also includes memory and sensory development. Though many parents are interested in the way genetics affects their infants, environment strongly affects a child's cognitive development.

Lepidium meyenii, known widely as maca, is a root vegetable that has been cultivated in the Peruvian Andes since 1600 B.C., at altitudes from 8,000 to 14,500 feet.

Both aspirin and cholesterol-reducing medications such as statins play a part in reducing heart disease. Both reduce atherosclerosis, the main underlying factor in the risk of heart attack and stroke, according to an article published in the 2004 "U.S. Cardiology"

Having dark knees and elbows can be rather embarrassing, especially if you are a woman. It can make you self-conscious about wearing a dress or short sleeves. The primary reason your knees and elbows are dark is because oil glands are not present in these areas, causing them to be drier.

Stomach ulcers are small sores that form in the lining of the stomach. They are often caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Stomach ulcers can also result from frequent or long-term use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, a group of medications that help reduce pain and inflammation.