Academy of Diagnostic & Osteopathic Medicine
OPHTHALMIC
The eyes are complex sensory organs responsible for vision, protected by the bony orbit. Light first passes through the cornea and lens, focusing onto the retina, where photoreceptor cells convert it into signals sent to the brain via the optic nerve. Blood supply to the eye comes primarily from the ophthalmic artery, a branch of the internal carotid artery, while drainage occurs through the ophthalmic veins into the cavernous sinus. Common conditions include cataracts, where the lens becomes cloudy, and glaucoma, where increased pressure damages the optic nerve. Since vision is one of our most essential senses, maintaining eye health is critical to quality of life and perception.
NOSE
The nose is the body's primary organ for smell and respiration, filtering and humidifying the air before it reaches the lungs. It contains the nasal cavity, lined with mucous membranes and tiny hairs called cilia, which trap dust and pathogens. The olfactory receptors, located in the upper nasal cavity, detect smells and send signals to the brain. Blood supply comes from branches of the external and internal carotid arteries, including the sphenopalatine artery, while venous drainage occurs via the facial and ophthalmic veins. Common nasal conditions include sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses), allergic rhinitis (hay fever), and nasal polyps, which can obstruct airflow. Maintaining nasal health is essential for clear breathing, proper oxygenation, and sensory perception.
EARS
The ears are the body's sensory organs for hearing and balance. They are divided into three sections: the outer ear, which collects sound; the middle ear, where the eardrum and tiny bones amplify vibrations; and the inner ear, where the cochlea converts sound into nerve signals and the vestibular system controls balance. Blood supply comes from the external carotid artery, primarily through the auricular and labyrinthine arteries, while venous drainage occurs via the jugular veins. Common conditions include otitis media (middle ear infections), tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and Ménière’s disease, which disrupts balance due to fluid buildup. Protecting your hearing and maintaining ear health is essential for both communication and equilibrium.
TONGUE
The tongue is a muscular organ essential for taste, speech, and digestion. It is covered in papillae, which contain taste buds that detect sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami flavors. The tongue also helps manipulate food for chewing and swallowing. It receives blood supply from the lingual artery (a branch of the external carotid artery), while venous drainage occurs through the lingual veins, emptying into the internal jugular vein. Common conditions affecting the tongue include glossitis (inflammation causing redness and swelling), geographic tongue (patchy areas of lost papillae), and oral thrush (a fungal infection). Maintaining tongue health is vital for nutrition, communication, and overall oral hygiene.
ASPIRIN
Aspirin is more than just a pain reliever—it’s a blood thinner, an anti-inflammatory, and a heart protector. It works by blocking COX enzymes, reducing pain, fever, and inflammation, but its most famous role is preventing blood clots, lowering the risk of heart attacks and strokes. But here’s the trade-off—aspirin irritates the stomach lining, which can lead to ulcers and increase bleeding risk, especially with long-term use. It also affects the liver and blood vessels, influencing circulation and clotting. It’s not just a painkiller—it’s a multi-purpose medication with lasting effects on the body.
ADVIL
Advil is the inflammation fighter—reducing pain, swelling, and fever right at the source. As an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), it blocks COX enzymes, helping with everything from injuries to arthritis. But like aspirin, it can irritate the stomach, stress the kidneys, and raise blood pressure when overused. Long-term use can damage kidney function and increase cardiovascular risks, making moderation essential. It’s powerful, but it needs to be respected.
TYLENOL
Tylenol is the go-to for fever and pain relief—gentle on the stomach, but powerful where it counts. Unlike NSAIDs, it doesn’t fight inflammation. Instead, it works directly in the brain to block pain signals and regulate body temperature, making it safer for those with ulcers or stomach sensitivity. But too much Tylenol puts severe stress on the liver. Overuse can cause liver toxicity, and in extreme cases, liver failure. The brain benefits, but the liver takes the hit. Used responsibly, Tylenol is effective and widely trusted—but it must be handled with care.
ALEVE
Aleve is built for endurance—longer-lasting relief with fewer doses. Another NSAID, it works similarly to Advil but stays active for up to 12 hours, making it ideal for chronic pain conditions like arthritis. But that long-lasting power comes with risks—stomach irritation, kidney stress, and even slight heart risks over time. Just like Advil, prolonged use can impact the stomach, kidneys, blood vessels, and heart. Aleve is effective for long-term pain, but careful monitoring is key.
OPIODS
Opioids are powerful pain relievers, but they don’t just numb pain—they rewire the brain. These drugs, including prescription medications like oxycodone, morphine, and fentanyl, bind to opioid receptors in the brain, blocking pain signals and flooding the system with dopamine, creating intense euphoria. But over time, the brain adapts, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect—leading to dependence, addiction, and withdrawal. Beyond the brain, opioids slow breathing, depress the nervous system, and can cause organ damage, overdose, and even death. While effective for acute pain, long-term use comes with severe risks, including tolerance, respiratory failure, and withdrawal symptoms that make quitting incredibly difficult. Opioids don’t just affect the body—they take over it.