Laparoscopy: Origins and Applications

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side view
Figure 1 a - Side view. The yellow-colored area seen in the side view of the abdominal cavity shows that the viscera is attached posteriorly and that the anterior surface is clear of any connections. The yellow area allows safe placement of instruments for diagnostic purposes. 1 2

Laparoscopic examination of the human abdominal cavity represents a dramatic advance of modern medicine. It is a routine diagnostic procedure used by physicians around the world. How did laparoscopy develop and why is it so valuable? This article will explore both the advancement and practical applications of this remarkable surgical tool.

Laparoscopy is the viewing of intra-abdominal organs via a small abdominal incision utilizing a special viewing scope. This is typically done under an anesthetic. The use of small cameras provides extensive visualization of the abdominal organs, which can also be observed by the assistant staff on television screens. Additional instruments can be placed using similar small incisions to allow various surgical procedures to be accomplished. Surgical procedures that once required a major abdominal incision in the past can now be done laparoscopically via tiny incisions. Laparoscopy has also allowed us to peer into the amazingly coordinated, interconnected, and interdependent anatomy of the abdominal organs. This highly complicated but well-organized and well-functioning system reflects the mind of its creator.

Review of ”The Origin of Human Language Capacity: In Whose image?” by John W. Oller and John L. Omdahl

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Is human language capacity clear evidence of special creation?
Figure 1. Is human language capacity clear evidence of special creation?

... we see a series of conclusions that the authors bring together for their thesis. We see the incredible richness and complexity of human language systems that is innate in us and unique relative to anything in the animal kingdom. The authors also conclude that this capacity for language bridges that logical gulf that separates mind from matter—a gulf that cannot be crossed without the intervention of a truly transcendent intelligence. They thus answer their final question, “In Whose image?”—it is in the image of God.

The Impressive Pancreas

Routine conversations among individuals often include health issues such as weight loss, smoking, alcohol, and blood pressure to name a few. Seldom do we discuss the function or importance of the human pancreas. Most individuals are familiar with organs such as heart, lung, kidneys, brain, etc., but the pancreas is a mystery to many. Disorders of the pancreas can give rise to well-known conditions such as diabetes mellitus, malnutrition, severe inflammation of the abdomen, and life-threatening malignancies. For example, failure of the pancreas to secrete sufficient insulin into the blood stream causes diabetes mellitus.

Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas

Creation and Information

With the advent of the Information Age, scientists have learned how to measure information quantitatively in units called bits. In principle, the quantitative information content of any object or event, be it artificial or natural in origin, can be determined. Objects that contain information in the form of languages or codes (such as DNA) are most amenable to information measurement. Recently, intelligent design theorist William Dembski has proposed a method for detecting a type of information called complex specified information or CSI. 1

William Dembski, color

The Amazing Parathyroid Gland: Small but Mighty!

Most individuals are familiar with the major organs of the human body such as the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. However, fewer people are knowledgeable about the smaller organs such as the pituitary gland, the adrenal glands, the lymph nodes, or the parathyroid glands, even though their functions are still vital for life. This article examines the tiny parathyroid glands and their physiologic role and importance to our bodies.

Neck anatomy