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MEDICAL ANIMATION TRANSCRIPT: The cell is the structural and functional unit of the body. Together, cells construct tissues, and tissues combine to form organs. A human cell contains a nucleus and specialized structures called organelles. Inside the nucleus, the cell's DNA orchestrates activities integral to the cell's survival and functions in the body. Organelles suspended in a gel-like solution known as cytosol perform specific functions to assist with the cell's tasks and maintenance. For example, ribosomes synthesize protein, and the endoplasmic reticulum assembles and transports proteins for use by the cell. Mitochondria produce energy for the cell in the form of ATP, powering activities such as movement. The plasma membrane encloses the cell and serves as a site of exchange for nutrients, a point of attachment for molecules and other cells, and a conduit for communication between cells and their surroundings. When multiple cells organize into a group, they form a tissue. There are four basic types of tissues in the body: epithelial, nervous, muscle, and connective. Epithelial tissues cover and line body structures and exhibit specialized shapes and functions. For example, in the small intestinal lining or mucosa, a single layer of cells called enterocytes absorbs nutrients through surface extensions called microvilli. Nervous tissue in the brain, spinal cord, and nerves consists of specialized cells called neurons and neuroglia, the neuron supporting cells. Inside the brain, gray matter contains neuron cell bodies and their extensions known as dendrites and various neuroglia such as astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. White matter contains axons which are long fibers extending away from neuron cell bodies. Axons carry chemical and electrical impulses to body tissues such as muscle. Muscle tissue is classified as smooth, cardiac, or skeletal muscle. For example, skeletal muscle fibers form whole muscles that attach to bones and move the body. Cells called myocytes containing contractile protein fibers comprise muscle. Connective tissues include bone, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and blood. For example, cartilage is comprised of proteoglycan molecules in a gelatinous matrix surrounding a meshwork of collagen fibrils that impart tensile strength and chondrocytes that help maintain the tissue's integrity and flexibility. Two or more tissues that work together for a common purpose form an organ. For example, in the heart, cardiac muscle tissue in the ventricles contracts and pushes blood through the connective tissue valves into vessels lined by vascular epithelial tissue called endothelium. Together, various organs make up organ systems, which work collectively to create an organism. ♪ [music] ♪
"Thank you for the wonderful illustrations. The case resulted in a defense verdict last Friday. I know [our medical expert witness] presented some challenges for you and I appreciate how you were able to work with him."
Robert F. Donnelly
Goodman Allen & Filetti, PLLC
Richmond, VA
"Your firm is great to work with and, most importantly for me, you get the
job done on time and with the utmost professionalism. You should be proud of
all those you employ, from KJ to Ben B. I've been especially pleased over
the years with the work of Brian and Alice, both of whom seem to tolerate my
idiosycratic compulsion to edit, but I've not found a bad apple in the bunch
(and, as you know, I've used your firm a bunch!).
I look forward to our continued professional relationship."
Kenneth J. Allen Kenneth Allen & Associates
Valparaiso, IN
"Our firm was able to settle our case at an all day mediation yesterday and
I am confident that the detail and overall appearance of the medical
illustrations significantly contributed to the settlement. When we require
medical illustrations in the future, I will be sure to contact [MLA]."
Noel Turner, III
Burts, Turner, Rhodes & Thompson
Spartanburg, SC
"For modern audiences, it is absolutely essential to use medical
demonstrative evidence to convey the severity and extent of physical
injuries to a jury. Your company's high quality illustrations of our
client's discectomy surgery, combined with strong expert testimony, allowed
the jury to fully appreciate the significance of our client's injuries.
We are very pleased with a verdict exceeding $297,000.00, far in excess of
the $20,000.00 initially offered by the defendant. The medical demonstrative
evidence provided by Medical Legal Art was an asset we could not have
afforded to have been without."
Medical Legal Art creates medical demonstrative evidence (medical
illustrations, drawings, pictures, graphics, charts, medical animations,
anatomical models, and interactive presentations) for use during legal
proceedings, including research, demand letters, client conferences,
depositions, arbitrations, mediations, settlement conferences, mock jury
trials and for use in the courtroom. We do not provide legal or medical
advice. If you have legal questions, you should find a lawyer with whom you
can discuss your case issues. If you have medical questions, you should seek the advice of a healthcare provider.
