Human Anatomy and Physiology

The ankle, a major weight-bearing joint, is injured more than any other part of the body. After examining the surface features of the foot and ankle, this program probes the deeper layers, highlighting major bones, muscles, ligaments, blood vessels, and nerves. Special attention is given to the arches and the ankle joint with respect to stability. Common ankle and foot injuries, such as sprains and fractures, are also explained. (17 minutes)

When used with delicacy, the hand is capable of manipulation that goes far beyond what might be expected of its mechanical design. This program demonstrates how the hand functions, spotlighting the opposable nature of the thumb, and how the nerve network and blood vessels deploy. The pathologies of common damage, including carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist fractures, mallet finger," and degenerative dysfunctions, are investigated as well. (15 minutes)"

Although it is a major weight-bearing joint, the knee is surprisingly flexible in all manner of forward, reverse, and lateral motions. This program addresses the intricate mechanics of the knee joint's musculature, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. In addition, traumas to the menisci and the collateral and cruciate ligaments-the most commonly damaged structures-are described. (15 minutes)

A ball-and-socket joint capable of a complex range of motion, the shoulder achieves its mobility through the sacrifice of stability, relying on surrounding muscles and tendons for strength. This program presents the technical specifications of the shoulder: what muscles sheathe it, how it functions, and its range of motion. Conditions such as bursitis, tendonitis, dislocation, and fracture of the clavicle are also discussed. (18 minutes)

Filmed under the watchful eyes of a team of researchers, this program scientifically tracks the physical and psychological changes in seven volunteers—three men and four women, ranging in age from 21 to 34—as they drink with their friends in a bar. Vital information is provided on alcohol’s impact on the body, the worthlessness of inebriation remedies such as cold showers and coffee, the very present danger of alcohol poisoning, and genetic inputs for alcohol addiction. In addition, outstanding 3-D computer graphics illustrate alcohol’s effects on the brain, stomach, heart, liver, and genitals. A police sobriety test is demonstrated. A Discovery Channel Production. (51 minutes)

Although the shoulder, hand, knee, ankle, and foot are well designed and incredibly versatile, they are prone to damage through overuse, trauma, and aging. In this four-part clinical analysis of human anatomy, a male model, a dissected cadaver, and color diagrams are employed to reveal the intricate structures of these marvels of anatomical engineering-and the conditions that can injure them. 4-part series.

What is pain, and what is its purpose? This program explores various aspects of pain, including how the mind perceives the body's warning messages, whether from a stomach-ache or a chronic condition; the body's ability to control or ignore pain; the effects of nerve damage on the body's early-warning system; and pain caused not by the body, but by the mind. (17 minutes)