Hard, marrow-filled calcium rods of all sizes connect, forming a skeleton. Stretchy striations attach to the skeleton and suddenly the bones become mobile.

Biological parts -- neurons, glands and organs, and liquids of all consistencies -- rest in their assigned places. Some function voluntarily, others involuntarily, but most importantly, they work. If a part doesn't work, usually it can be plastered, sewn, removed, replaced, or adjusted with the correct doses of medication.

This is the way that I, and I believe many other people, have traditionally thought of the human body -- as a functioning, dependable machine. Over the past few years, I have re-evaluated this analogy and no longer think of the body in such a simplistic way.

As young adults or healthy people of any age, seldom do we contemplate the human body and the way that it functions. We take it for granted, often only providing it with the bare necessities. We fill it like a car when it's empty. Occasionally we give it minor maintenance.

Inevitably, however, our body, or someone's close to us, will break down. Without proper treatment, the damages may be irreparable.

We have found the pieces to the puzzles of some diseases. Infectious ones like polio, cholera, typhoid and malaria no longer plague us. Now we face other mysterious diseases that make the body seem even less like a machine. As a result, many medical researchers are baffled.

I cannot even begin to guess when cancer, one of the United States' murderers, first appeared. I know the disease stole my grandfather from me nearly 20 years ago and now the same type of cells have invaded my maternal grandfather's body and are slowly snuffing out his life.

Medical research and data have fluctuated. The information sometimes tells us which leafy vegetables to eat and which nicotine sticks not to smoke, but still provides no cure or definite prevention. I can't recall hearing a researcher or doctor even suggest that a cure for cancer is near.

In 1988, more than 47,000 AIDS cases had been diagnosed. Since the first diagnosis less than 10 years ago, thousands of victims have died.

Nearly two years ago, Congress passed its first major bill, allocating $400 million through 1990 for AIDS education and testing. Much data has been produced, but I don't believe a cure for this disease is near either.

In the last decade, Alzheimer's disease haunted middle-aged and elderly adults. The disease, like a thief, captures the mind and eventually controls the body.

Victims forget names and telephone numbers, but they also do not remember information vital to everyday survival such as how to cook, walk, or even chew their food. Research laboratories around the nation and world are investigating this disease; however, little new data is being produced.

These diseases, and similarly perplexing illnesses, continue to plague persons of all races, economic backgrounds and sexes. Some would say we have the technology and the manpower to combat them.

The world is more advanced than ever technologically. With the help of microcomputer chips we are able to analyze, calculate and predict data rapidly.

This advanced technology, which makes some equipment obsolete in a matter of years, permeates all aspects of our society. These advancements seemingly would be a tremendous help to the medical field. However some view the advancements differently.

One doctor commented about the advanced medical technology in an Oct. 21, 1988 issue of Science News. When referring to the technological advancements, he said, "We are not even sure ourselves how to use them."

Even when we do produce usable modern technology, sometimes medical professionals create more trouble than good.

According to a January 1989 Science News, often researchers report only those results that substantiate their hypotheses, choosing to ignore contradictory evidence. These are termed publication biases. Consequently, incorrect conclusions are drawn and money and time are wasted.

Between 1960 and 1986, nearly 16,000 medical degrees were conferred in the United States. The nation's top medical schools continue to graduate excellent students and people trained in medical research. With increased technology, trained professionals and increased funding, we are more equipped than ever before to combat the diseases.

These illnesses, however will not be cured until professionals utilize available technology and work together to strengthen the human body.