Bma Illustrated Medical Dictionary

depending on the birth weight, rate of

growth, and contentment with feeding.

By 6 months, the baby should be eating

true solids, such as chopped-up meat

and vegetables.

A few babies have an intolerance to

certain foods such as lactose or cow’s

milk protein (see food intolerance; nutri-

tional disorders).

femoral arteryA major blood vessel

that supplies oxygenated blood to the

leg. The femoral artery is formed in the

pelvis from the iliac artery (the terminal

branch of the aorta). It then runs from

the groin, down in front of the thigh,

and passes behind the knee to become

the popliteal artery, which branches

again to supply the lower leg.

femoral epiphysis, slippedDisplace-

ment of the upper epiphysis(growing

end) of the femur (thigh bone). Such

displacement is rare; it usually affects

children between 11 and 13, and occurs

more often in boys and obese children.

The condition may also run in families.

During normal growth, the epiphysis is

separated from the shaft of the bone by

a plate of cartilage. This is an area of

relative weakness, so that a fall or other

injury can cause the epiphysis to slip

out of position. A limp develops, and

that stimulates the hormone’s release is

inhibited; the result is reducedhormone

production (negative feedback). The re-

verse process,(positive feedback) restores

the balance if the level of hormone

becomes too low.

feeding, artificialThe administration

of nutrients other than by mouth, usu-

ally by way of a tube passed through

the nose into the stomach or small

intestine. If long-term artificial feeding

is anticipated, a tube is inserted directly

into the stomach or upper small intes-

tine using endoscopic surgery. If the

gastrointestinal tract is not functioning,

nutrients must be introduced into the

bloodstream. This type of feeding is

known as parenteral nutrition.

Tube feeding may be necessary for

people who have gastrointestinal disor-

ders (for example, conditions resulting

in malabsorption) or disorders affecting

the nervous system or kidneys. Prema-

ture babies often require tube feeding if

their sucking reflexes are undeveloped,

as do critically ill patients due to their

increased nutritional requirements. In-

travenous feeding is usually given when

large areas of the small intestine have

been damaged by disease or have been

surgically removed.

feeding, infantA baby grows more

rapidly in its first year than at any future

time in its life. A good diet is essential

for healthy growth and development.

During the first 4 to 6 months, most

babies’ nutritional requirements are met

by milkalone, whether by breast-feeding

or bottle-feeding. Both human milk and

artificial milk contain carbohydrate,

protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals in

similar proportions. However, human

milk also contains antibodies and white

blood cells that protect the baby

against infection. From 6 weeks, supple-

mentary vitamin D should be given to

breast-fed babies. Formula milk already

contains vitamin supplements.

At 1 year of age, a baby can be safely

fed with full-fat cow’s milk. Vitamin sup-

plements should then be given until the

baby is established on a mixed diet.

Solids, initially in the form of purees

and wheat-free cereals, should be intro-

duced between 4 and 6 months of age,

FEEDING, ARTIFICIAL FEMORAL EPIPHYSIS, SLIPPED

F

Femoral

artery

Aorta

Popliteal

artery

Popliteal

Posterior vein

tibeal artery

Anterior

tibeal artery

Femoral

vein

FEMORAL ARTERY

Common

iliac vein

Iliac

artery