Our taste buds are important, but smell seems to play a bigger role. Most people who complain of loss of the sense of taste are surprised to learn they are actually having problems with their sense of smell.

What happens when your health care provider taps on your knee with a rubber mallet? Your leg kicks forward, seemingly on its own. And in a sense, your leg has a mind of its own -- in your spine.

To reduce scarring, keep the skin area out of the sun. Ultraviolet rays can darken your scar, making it more noticeable.

Many older adults enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or a beer while watching the game on TV. In fact, half of Americans ages 65 and older drink alcohol. Having a drink now and then is fine—as long as you don’t overdo it.

Hormones, which are chemical signals, affect growth, metabolism, blood pressure and even behavior.

Are you going bald? Which conditioner should you use? Here are the answers to these and other questions about your head of hair.

Melatonin is a hormone that regulates your circadian rhythm, or the 24-hour cycle of biological processes called your "internal body clock."

Your stomach's starring role is as an organ essential for digestion. The stomach breaks down all the food you eat.

Vesalius revolutionized the science of anatomy by basing his findings on direct observation of the body itself, rather than on centuries-old received wisdom.

Appendicitis, an infection of the appendix, is the most common reason for a child to need emergency abdominal surgery.

Getting too little vitamin B12 may leave you feeling fuzzy in your thinking and lead to numbness or tingling in your hands and feet.

Even the best-prepared parents may be surprised by a few things that are quite normal in newborns.

Every year, millions of Americans roll up their sleeves to donate blood, helping accident victims, surgical patient and others in need. How much do you know about blood transfusions? Take this multiple-choice test and find out.

Every minute of every day, millions of blood cells trek through about 60,000 miles of blood vessels -- enough to stretch from New York City to San Francisco 23 times -- delivering oxygen and nutrients to every tissue. Your cardiovascular system includes your heart and two basic kinds of blood vessels: arteries and veins.

Did you know you can purchase your own blood pressure monitor and check the reading yourself at home?

For a woman who wants to plan when she becomes pregnant, there are many choices.

A pregnancy ended by miscarriage can be a traumatic loss. Unfortunately, it’s one that many women experience. Knowing how to deal with your feelings and find support can help you cope during this difficult time.

A generation ago, hot flashes, irregular periods, and mood swings would have been labeled menopause or “the change of life.” Today, your doctor is more likely to call this perimenopause, a new term for the transitional years leading up to the end of menstruation.

Many older Americans lead healthy, interesting, and productive lives well into their later years. But that’s not what we usually hear about.

The basics of implant surgery haven't changed much in decades, but the materials dentists use have improved markedly.

Diabetic autonomic neuropathy usually occurs after a person has had diabetes for at least 20 years or has had poor control of blood sugar.

Your memory is built in three basic steps. Before you can remember something, you have to learn it.

The number of people losing their vision is growing, yet experts say much of this vision loss could be prevented.