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Diabetes

There are two main types: diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus. Both are associated with the production of more urine than usual. They were given their names originally because in days gone by the testing of urine was carried out by taste, and in the case of diabetes mellitus the urine had a sweetish taste (mellitus means honey-like) while in the case of diabetes insipidus the urine had only a watery taste. Click on these links for more information about these two types of diabetes: diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus.


Diaphragm

The thin, dome-shaped muscle that lies between the thorax (above) and the abdomen (below). It is composed largely of skeletal muscle, with a central tendinous region, and is attached peripherally within the lower margin of the rib cage and to the upper lumbar vertebrae in the midline at the back. The diaphragm receives its nerve supply from the two phrenic nerves which arise inthe neck from spinal cord levels C3, C4, and C5. The diaphragm is an important muscle of respiration, contracting and flattening during inspiration, and relaxing and rising during expiration.


Differentiation

The process by which cells in the body become different from each other during development, taking on specialized rôles. Thus, the cells in the early embryo are relatively undifferentiated and similar to each other, whereas the cells in different tissues of the adult have different structures and functions.


Digestion

The process by which ingested food and liquids are broken down and absorbed into the body for use by the cells, and unwanted materials passed out as faeces.

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