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Terms & Definitions

Quiz yourself by thinking what should be in each of the black spaces below before clicking on it to display the answer.
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Question
Answer
absence seizure   minor form of seizure, consisting of momentary clouding of consciousness & loss of contact with enviroment; petit mal seizure  
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acetylcholine   neurotransmitter chemical released at the ends of nerve cells  
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afferent nerves   carry nervous impulses toward the brain & spinal cord; sensory nerves  
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akinetic   pertaining to loss/absence of voluntary movement  
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Alzheimer disease (AD)   brain disorder marked by progressive, gradual mental deterioration (dementia) along with personality changes & impairment of daily functioning  
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amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS)   degenerative disorder of motor neurons in the spinal cord & brainstem; resulting in total body paralysis  
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analgesia   absence of sensitivity to pain  
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anencephaly   congenital condition of partial/complete absence of brain matter  
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anesthesia   lack of feeling/sensation  
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aneurysm   weakening of an arterial wall, which may lead to hemorrhage & cerebrovascular accident (stroke)  
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aphasia   inability to speak; language function is impaired due to injury to cerebral cortex  
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apraxia   inability to perform purposeful acts/manipulate objects  
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arachnoid membrane   middle layer of meninges that surround the brain & spinal cord  
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astrocyte   glial (neuroglial) cell that transports salts & water from capillaries  
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astrocytoma   brain tumor composed of astrocytes (glial cells); most serious of these tumors is glioblastoma multiforme (Grades III & IV malignant brain tumor)  
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ataxia   without coordination  
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aura   peculiar sensation appearing before more definite symptoms  
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autonomic nervous system   nerves that control involuntary body functions of muscles, glands & internal organs  
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axon   microscopic fiber that carries a nervous impulse along a nerve cell  
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Bell palsy   unilateral paralysis of the face caused by a disorder of the facial nerve  
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blood-brain barrier   blood vessels that let certain sunstances enter brain tissue & keep other substance out  
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bradykinesia   slow movement  
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brainstem   lower portion of the brain that connects the cerebrum with the spinal cord  
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cauda equina   collection of spinal nerves below the end of the spinal cord  
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causalgia   intensely unpleasant burning pain in a limb following damage to nerves  
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cell body   part of the nerve cell (neuron) that contains the nucleus  
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central nervous system   brain & spinal cord  
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cephalgia   head pain; headache  
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cerebellar   pertaining to the cerebellum  
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cerebellopontine   pertaining to the cerebellum & pons  
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cerebellum   part of the brain that coordinates muscle movements & maintains balance  
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cerebral angiography   x-ray record of blood vessels in the brain after intravenous injection of contrast material  
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cerebral concussion   temporary brain dysfunction (brief loss of conciousness) after injury; usually clearing within 24 hours  
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cerebral contusion   bruising of brain tissue as a result of direct trauma to the head; neurologic disorder persists longer than 24 hours  
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cerebral cortex   outer region of the cerebrum  
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cerebral hemorrhage   bursting of an artery in the brain  
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cerebral palsy   partial paralysis of muscular coordination caused by loss of oxygen/blood flow to the cerebrum during pregnancy/in the perinatal period  
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cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)   clear, watery fluid that circulates throughout the brain & spinal cord  
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cerebrospinal fluid analysis   samples of cerebrospinal fluid are examined for blood cells, tumor cells, bacteria & other substances  
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cerebrovascular accident (CVA)   disruption of the normal blood supply to the brain; stroke  
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cerebrum   largest part of the brain; responsible for voluntary muscular activity, vision, speech, taste, hearing, thought & memory, among other functions  
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coma   state of unconsciousness from which a patient cannot be aroused  
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comatose   pertaining to a coma  
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computed tomography (CT)   cross-sectional x-ray imaging of an organ (such as the brain/spinal cord) with/without contrast material  
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cranial nerves   12 pairs of nerves that carry messages to & from the brain  
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dementia   mental decline & deterioration  
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demyelination   desstruction of myelin on axons of nerves (as in multiple sclerosis)  
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dendrite   microscopic branching portion of a nerve cell  
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dopamine   neurotansmitter in the central nervous system; defifient in patients with Parkinson disease  
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doppler/ultrasound studies   sound waves are used to detect blood flow in arteries within the brain & leading to the brain  
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dura mater   thick, outermost layer of the meninges surrounding the brain & spinal cord  
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dyskinesia   impairment of the ability to perform voluntary movements  
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dyslexia   difficulty in reading, writing & learning  
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efferent nerves   carry messages away from brain & spinal cord; motor nerves  
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electroencephalography (EEG)   process of recording the electricity within the brain  
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embolus   blood clot that is carried by the bloodstream from one area of the body to another, where it blocks a blood vessel  
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encephalitis   inflammation of the brain  
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encephalopathy   disease of the brain  
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ependymal cell   neuroglia that line central canal of spinal cord & fluid-filled cavities within brain  
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epidural hematoma   collection of blood located above the dura mater  
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epilepsy   brain disorder marked by recurrent attacks/seizures of abnormal nervous impulses  
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gait   manner of walking  
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ganglion   collection of nerve cell bodies in the peripheral nervous systeml; plural is ganglia  
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glial cell   nerve cells that are supportive & connective in function; does not carry impulses  
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glioblastoma   rapidly growing malignant tumor of the brain  
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glioblastoma multiforme   highly malignant brain tumor composed of glial cells (astrocytes)  
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gyrus   sheet of nerve cells that produces a rounded fold on the surface of the cerebrum  
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hemiparesis   slight paralysis of the right/left half of the body  
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hemiplegia   paralysis of the right/left half of the body  
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herpes zoster (shingles)   viral infection affecting peripheral nerves  
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HIV encephalopathy   disease of the brain (dementia) caused by infection with the HIV virus, which causes AIDS  
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Huntington disease   hereditary disorder affecting the cerebrum; involving abrupt, involuntary, jerking movements & mental deterioration in later stages  
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hydrocephalus   abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles (canals) of the brain  
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hypalgesia/hypalgia/hypoalgesia   A decreased sense of pain.  
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hyperethesia   An abnormal condition of increased sensitivity, particularly a painful reaction to normally painless touch stimuli.  
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hyperkinesis   excessive movement  
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hypothalamus   portion of the brain beneath the thalamus; controls sleep, appetite, body temp, & secretions from pituitary gland  
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ictal event   pertaining to a sudden/accute onset, of convulsion of an epileptic seizure  
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intrathecal   pertaining to within the membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain & spinal cord  
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leptomeningitis   inflammation of the 2 thinner membranes (arachnoid & pia mater) surrounding the brain & spinal cord  
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lumbar puncture (LB)   withdrawl of cerebrospinal fluid from the subarachnoid space between 2 lumbar vertebrae; spinal tap  
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magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)   magnetic & radio waves create an image of an organ on three planes of the body; brain/spinal can be imaged to detect lesions  
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medulla oblongata   lower part of the brain, closest to the spinal cord; controls breathing, heartbeat & size of blood vessels  
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meningeal   pertaining to the meninges  
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meninges   3 membranes surrounding & protecting the brain/spinal cord  
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meningioma   tumor (benign) of meninges  
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meningitis   inflammation of the meninges  
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meningocele   hernia of the meninges through a defect/space between vertebrae; a form of spina bifida cystica  
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microglial cell   phagocytic glial cell that removes waste products from the cental nervous system  
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migraine   severe headache, often unilateral, & sometimes accompanied by nasea & vomitting  
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motor nerves   carry impulses from the brain & spinal cord to muscles  
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multiple sclerosis (MS)   chronic neurologic disorder marked by destruction of the myelin sheath on the neuronal axons in the CNS & replacement by plauques of sclerotic tissue  
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myasthenia gravis (MG)   autoimmune neuromuscular disorder characterized by weakness of voluntary muscles  
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myelin sheath   fatty, white covering over the axon of a nerve cell  
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myelogram   xray record (with contrast) of the spinal cord  
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myelomeningocele   congenital hernia of the spinal cord & meninges through a defect/gap in the vertebral column; often associated with spina bifida  
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myoneural   pertaining to muscle & nerve  
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narcolepsy   sudden seizures of sleep  
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nerve   macroscopic cordlike collection of fibers that carry electrical impulses  
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neuralgia   nerve pain  
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neurasthenia   lack of strength in nerves; feeling of weakness & exhaustion  
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neuroglia   supporting cells (strom) of the nervous system; glial cells  
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neuron   nerve cell  
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neuropathy   disease of nerves; primarily in the peripheral nervous system  
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neurotransmitter   chemical messenger released at the end of a nerve cell  
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occlusion   blockage/obstruction  
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oligodendroglial cell   glial (neuroglial) cell that forms the myelin sheath covering the axon of a neuron  
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palliative   relieving symptoms, but not curative  
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palsy   paralysis  
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paraplegia   paralysis of the lower part of the body & both legs  
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parasympathetic nerves   involuntary, autonomic nerves that regulate normal body functions i.e.heart rate, breathing & muscles of GI tract  
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parenchyma   essential, functioning cells of any organ  
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paresis   slight paralysis  
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paresthesia   abnormal nervous sensation occuring without apparent cause: i.e. tingling, numbness/prickling sensations  
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Parkinson disease   degeneration of nerve cells that produce the naurotransmitter, dopamine, in the the brain; leads to tremors, weakness of muscles, & slowness of movement  
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peripheral nervous system   nerves outside the brain & spinal cord: i.e. cranial, spinal & autonomic nerves  
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pia mater   thin, delicate, innermost membrane of the meninges  
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plexus   network of nerves outside of the central nervous system: i.e. brachial, cervical, lumbosacral plexuses  
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poliomyelitis   inflammation of the gray matter of spinal cord  
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polyneuritis   inflammation involving a number of related neurons  
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pons   part of the brainstem anterior to the cerebellum, between the medulla & rest of brain; connects upper/lower portions of brain  
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positon emission tomography (PET)   computerized radiologic procedure using radioactive glucose/oxygen to image the metabolic activity of cells, such as brain cells  
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quadripelgia   paralysis of all 4 limbs; both arms & legs  
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radiculitis   inflammation of a spinal nerve root  
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radiculopathy   disease of a spinal nerve root  
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receptor   organ that receives nervous stimulation & passes it on to nerves that carry the stimulation to the brain/spinal cord: i.e. skin, ears, eyes & taste buds  
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sciatic nerve   extends from the base of the spine down the thigh, lower leg and foot; sciatica is pain along the course of the nerve  
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sensory nerves   carry messages to the brain & spinal cord from a receptor; afferent nerves  
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shingles   viral illness that affects peripheral nerves, produces blisters & pain on the skin overlying the path peripheral nerves; herpes zoster  
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spina bifida   congenital defect in the lumbar spinal column caused by imperfect union of vertebral parts; sinal cord & meninges may herniate through vertebral gap  
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spinal nerves   each spinal nerve affects a particular area of the skin  
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stereotatic radiosurgery   use of a specialized instrument using 3D cooridantes to locate the operation site  
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stimulus   agent of change (light/cound/touch) that evokes a response  
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stroma   connective & supportive tissue of an organ  
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subdural hematoma   collection of blood in space below the dura mater surrounding brain  
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sulcus   depression/groove in the surface of the cerebral cortex; fissure  
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sympathetic nerves   autonomic nerves that activate responses in times of stress: i.e. heartbeat, respiration & blood pressure are affected  
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synapse   space between nerve cells/between nerve cells & muscle & glandular cells  
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syncopal   pertaining to syncope (fainting)  
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syncope   fainting; temporary loss of conciousness  
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thalamic   pertaining to the thalamus  
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thalamus   main relay center of the brain; located in the central region/diencephalon of the brain  
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thrombosis   abnormal condition of clot formation in a blood vessel  
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tic   involuntary movement of a small group of muscles, as of the face  
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tonic-clonic seizure   a major seizure affecting the brain in epilepsy; grand-mal seizure  
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Tourette syndrome   neurologic disorder characterized by multiple facial and other body tics  
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transient ischemic attack   fleeting episode of ischemia (holding back blood) in the brain  
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trideminal neuralglia   flashes of stab like pain along the course of a branch of the trigeminal nerve (5th cranial nerve); has branches to the eye, upper/lower jaw  
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vagal   pertaining to the vagus nerve  
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vagas nerve   10th cranial nerve with branches to the chest & abdominal organs  
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ventricles of the brain   fluid (cerebrospinal fluid) filled canals in the brain  
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spina bifida occulta   vertebral defect covered with skin & effident only on x-ray/other imaging examination  
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senile plaques   result of degenerating neurons in the cerebral cortex found during microscopic examination; found in AD  
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neurofibrillary tangles   microscopic bundles of fibrils in cytoplasm of a neuron found in the cerebral cortex; found in AD  
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amyloid   protein occuring in neurofibrillary tangles, senile plaques & blood vessels in AD patients  
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postical events   after seizures there may be neurological symptoms such a weakness  
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thymectomy   method of treatment for MG; removal/excision of the thymus  
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dermatome   skin innvervation by spinal cranial nerves  
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gliomas   brain tumor of the glial cells  
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oligodendroglioma   a neoplasm derived from and composed of oligodendroglia  
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ependymoma   a tumor composed of differentiated cells of the ependyma; most are slow growing and benign, but a few are malignant  
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cerebral edema   swelling of the brain caused by the accumulation of fluid in the brain substance  
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arteriovenous malformations   an abnormal connection between the arteries and veins in the brain that usually forms before birth  
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dural sinuses   channels within dura mater containg blood  
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subdural space   area below dural membrane  
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DMDs   disease modifying drugs  
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diplopia   double vision  
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cartoid endarterectomy   removal of artherosclerotic plaque along with the inner lining of the affected cartoid artery  
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transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation   technique using battery powered device to relieve acute/chronic pain  
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transient ischemic attack   temporary interference with the blood supply to the brain  
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tissue plasminogen activator   a clot-dissolving drug used as therapy for strokes  
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gamma knife   high-energy radiation beam, used to treat deep/inaccessible intracranial brain tumors & abnormal blood vessel masses  
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somatic nervous system   parts of peripheral nervous system that are concerned with the transmission of impulses to and from the nonvisceral components of the body, such as the skeletal muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, skin, and eye and ear.  
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another name for the voluntary vervous system is the   somatic nervouse system  
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the cranial nerves carry signals to/from areas in the head & neck, and ____ & ____ cavities   thoracic; abdominal  
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spinal nerves make ____ and ____ possible   sensation; movement  
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the network of intersecting nerves that meet to form a single peripheral nerve, as they exit the spinal cord, is called a(n)   plexus  
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the sympathetic nervous systems prepares the body to act during times of ____   stress  
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fight-or-flight response is a product of the   sympathetic nervous system  
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The parasympathetic nervous system _____ and _____ the body's resources.   conserves; restores  
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Alarms within the body are triggered by strenuous exercise and strong emotions, such as fear and anger, for the   sympathetic nervous system  
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the peripheral nervous system includes 31 pairs of these   spinal nerves  
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this nervous system is composed of spinal and cranial nerves   peripheral  
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another name for glial cells   neuroglia  
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astrocyte, microglial cell, ependymal cells are all examples of   glial cells  
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neurons are the parenchyma of the   nervous system  
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first part of the nerve cell to receive the nervous impulse   dendrites  
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Schwann cells   cells that perform supporting and connecting functions in the peripheral nervous system  
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neurilemma   outermost Schwann cells covering some axons  
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myelinated fiber   when many Schwann cells surround an axon  
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Nodes of Ranvier   indentations between adjecent Schwann cells; areas where axon not covered by myelin  
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this plays a critical role in regeneration of damaged axons   neurilemma  
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the neurilemma is present on many of the peripheral nervous system axons but is not present on the axons of the   central nervous system  
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repair of brain and spinal cord neurons is limited due the lack of _____ being present   neurilemma  
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interneurons   link sensory & motor nerves by transmitting signals between them  
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Impulse conduction begins when the receptors of our sensory neurons detect a   change in the environment  
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Sensing a stimulus sets off complex _____ changes in the neuron   chemical  
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impulse   electrical disturbance that moves like a wave along the length of the cell  
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these chemicals bind to proteins on the membrance of the adjecent neuron, inducing an electrical impulse in that nerve cell   neurotransmitters  
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epinephrine   hormone produced by the adrenal medulla, that helps regulate the sympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system  
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one hormone that has been identified as a neurotransmitter   epinephrine  
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serotonin   a hormone and neurotransmitter found in many tissues; it has many physiologic properties, including inhibiting gastric secretion, stimulates smooth muscles, & produces vasoconstriction.  
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synaptic knob, synaptic cleft & plasma membrane of a postsynaptic neuron   structures making up a synapse  
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synaptic knob   tiny bulge at end of terminal branch, of a presynaptic neuron's axon  
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synaptic cleft   space between the 2 neaurons of a synapse  
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postsynaptic membrane   plasma membrance of the receiving dendrite  
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neurotransmitter molecules are released into synaptic cleft from the   snyaptic knob vesicles  
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a postsynaptic neuron has ____ molecules embedded in it opposite each synaptic knob   protein  
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these serve as receptors that bind the neurotransmitter   proteins on the postsynaptic neuron  
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proteins on the postsynaptic neuron are ____ that bind the neurotransmitter and initiate an ____ in the postsynaptic membrane   receptors; impulse  
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once the impulse has passed the neurotransmitter, activity for that impulse is rapidly   terminated  
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termination of an impulse, after passing, occurs as a result of molecules _____ out of the synaptic cleft   diffusing  
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sometimes the neurotransmitters are _____ due to action of specific _____, making the neurotransmitters inactive compounds   metabolized; enzymes  
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when neurons cannot communicate, metabolize or complete self-repair they   die  
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when neurons die they cause   memory failure, personality changes & other interference in day-to-day tasks  
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reflex arc   the circuit traveled by impulses producing a reflex action  
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sometimes calles a neuron pathway   the route that a nerve impulse travels  
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specialized type of involuntary neuron pathway is called a(n)   reflex arc  
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simple reflex arc   involves only a sensory & motor neuron  
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"two-neuron arc"   simple reflex arc  
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complex reflex arc   involves sensory & motor neurons and interneurons  
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knee-jerk reflex is an example of a(n)   simple reflex arc  
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integration center   consists of one/more synapses in the central nervous system  
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monosynaptic   two-neuron reflex  
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polysynaptic   more than two neurons involoved in the reflex  
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How fast do nerve fibers, innervating the skeletal muscles, conduct impulses?   130 meters/second or 300 MPH  
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these nervous system cells retain their ability to reproduce throughout the course of a person's life   Neuroglia  
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these nervous system cells are vulnerable to abnormalities of cell division, such as cancer   Neuroglia  
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"star cells" refers to their star shaped extensions   astrocytes  
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the largest and most numerous of the neuroglia   astrocytes  
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attach to neurons and cappillaries in brain to them in proximity to one another   astrocytes  
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small central nervous system cells; important when brain tissue becomes damaged   microglia  
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normally staitionary; although they may migrates to damaged areas, enlarge and consume destructive microorgansims & cellular debris   microglia  
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oilogdendrocytes   help to hold nerve fibers together  
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produce myelin to form sheaths surrounding the brain & spinal cord   oligodendrocytes  
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have hair-like processes/cilia that help the CSF to circulate   ependyma  
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spinal cord   long, cylindrical structure that extends from the medulla oblongata to the upper part of the lumbar region, just above the pelvis  
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The spinal cord is contained within the   vertebral canal  
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The canal also contains the three _____ coverings of the spinal cord   meningeal  
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meningeal coverings of spinal cord   CSF, cushion of fatty tissue & blood vessels  
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total number of spinal nerves arising from the spinal cord   31  
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spinal nerves are named for the level of the _______ from which they emerge   vertebral column  
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oval-shaped structure, with two deep grooves—front and back—that cause it to look like the letter H   spinal cord  
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The inner section of the spinal cord consists of   gray matter  
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interneurons & motor neurons are unmyelinated causing them to be   gray  
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a large bundle of myelinated axons, surrounding the core of the spinal cord   white matter  
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nerve tracts   when a large bundle of nerves is divided into smaller bundles  
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In the spinal cord, sensory impulses travel to the brain along   ascending nerve tracts  
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motor impulses are conducted from the brain on   descending tracts  
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two major functions of spinal cord   conduct impulses to & from brain and primary reflex center  
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epilepsy relies on a patient's description of frequency/type of seizures; however this diagnostic procedure may also be performed to help detect abnormal electrical discharges from the brain and to locate the specific area from which they originate   electroencephalography  
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paraparesis   partial paralysis, usually affecting only lower extremities  
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vagotomy   procedure that involves cutting certain branches of the vagus nerve  
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asthenia   term that means weakness/loss of strength  
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dysphagia   a condition in which there is difficulty speaking; an impairment of speech  
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glioma   intracranial tumor arising from the supportive/connective tissue of the brain  
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another term for tonic-clonic seizures is   ictal events  
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rocephalus   in order to relieve pressure, due to build up of CSF in brain, a shunt is placed from ventricle of brain into peritoneal space/right atrium of heart in order to drain CSF from brain  
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hydrocephalus   can occur in adults as result of tumors/infections  
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spina bifida   etiology is unknown; originates in early weeks of pregnancy; diagnosis helped by imaging methods & testing maternal blood for alpha-fetoprotein  
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Alzheimer’s disease   sometimes begins in middle life with slight defects in memory/behavior, but worsens after 70+; no effective treatment yet  
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amyotrophic lateral sclerosis   presents in adulthood w/muscle atrophy in forearms, hands, legs, difficulty swallowing/talking and dyspnea develops; etiology & cure unknown; also known as Lou Gehrig's disease  
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epilepsy   often symptoms of underlying brain pathologic conditions; Greeks thought that victims were laid hold by a mysterious force  
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Huntington disease   typically presents between 35-45; genetic defect in patients located on chromosome 4; testing available but no known cure exists & management is symptomatic  
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multiple sclerosis   chronic disease marked by long periods of stability & worsening; visual & speech disturbances, areas of scarred myelin can be seen on MRI scans of brain; etiology is unknown but probably autoimmune disease of lymphocytes reacting against myelin  
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multiple sclerosis   DMDs can slow progression by preventing immune system from destroying myelin  
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myasthenia gravis   chronic autoimmune disease, where antibodies block ability of acetylcholine to transmit nerve impulses from one nerve to muscle cell; onset usually gradual marked by ptosis of upper eyelid, diplopia, & facial weakness  
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myasthenia gravis   therapy to reverse symptoms include anticholinersease drugs which inhibit the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine; corticosteroids & immunosuppressive drugs also used un treatment; sometimes thymectomy is also a beneficial treatment.  
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Cerebral & Bell palsy   likely caused by viral infection; therapy directed against the virus with antiviral drugs and nerve swelling  
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Parkinson disease   cause is unknown but the pathological process involves loss of neurons in midbrain & inadequate production of dopamine  
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Tourette syndrome   usually begins with a twitching eyelid & muscles of the face; cause is unknown, but is associated with an excess of dopamine or hypersensitivity to dopamine; some success in treating with antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants & mood stabilizers  
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Herpes zoster   reactivation of chickenpox virus, which remained in the body of the patient after the occurrence of chickenpox  
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meningitis   caused by bacteria/viruses; fever, headache, photophobia, stiff neck are all symptoms; lumbar puncture to detect; treated with antibiotics/antivirals  
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brain tumors   may be single or multiple metastic growths; most arise from ling, breast, skin, kidney and gastrointestinal tract spreading to the brain  
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thrombotic CVA   blood clot in arteries leading to brain, resulting in blockage of the vessel; atherosclerosis leads to this common type of stroke; treated with anticoagulant drugs  
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embolic CVA   this type of stroke occurs very suddenly  
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hemorrhagic CVA   this type of stroke can be fatal and found mostly in those of advancing age, atherosclerosis or high blood pressure  
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major risk factors for a stroke   hypertension, diabetes, smoking & heart disease  
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secondary risk factors for a stroke   obesity, substance abuse & elevated cholesterol levels  
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tPA, tissue plasminogen activator   usually started within 3 hours after onset of a stroke  
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CSF analysis   measure water, glucose, sodium, chloride & protein, as well as the # of RBCs & WBCs; can detect tumor cells, bacteria & viruses; used to diagnose infection, tumors or MS  
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cerebral angiography   used to diagnose vascular disease in the brain  
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CT of brain   contrast material may be injected to highlight abnormalities; the contrast leaks through the blood-brain barrier from blood vessels into brain & shows tumors, hemorrhages & blood clots  
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myelography   more invasive & being replaced by MRI & CT scans  
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MRI of the brain   CT compliments this is diagnosing brain/spinal cord lesions; excellent for viewing stokes & tumors, or changes caused by trauma or AD  
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PET scan   provides valuable info about function of brain tissue in patients with AD, stroke, schizophrenia & epilepsy  
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Doppler/ultrasound studies   detect occlusion in blood vessels, like the cartoid artery  
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EEG   demonstrates seizure activity resulting from tumors, other diseases & injury to brain  
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LP   measure pressure of CSF; used to administer contrast material for myelography, intracathecal medicine; sometimes patients experience headaches after  
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stereotactic radiosurgery   uses gamma knife to treat deep intracranial brain tumors & abnormal blood vessel masses without surgical incision  
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cause is unknown, however genetic factors may play role, mutation of chromosome 14 has been linked in familial cases   AD - Alzheimer disease  
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part of the damaging effects are damage to neurons in the brain, disrupting the neurons' roles in communication within the system as well the roles in metabolism & self-repair   AD - Alzheimer disease  
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damages oligodendrocytes preventing production of new myelin   MS multiple sclerosis  
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affects the hippocampus deep within the cerebrum; plaques develop in the hippocampus, interfering with its ability to encode memories; plaques will then also develop in other areas of cerebral cortex, including those used in thinking & making decisions.   AD - Alzheimer disease  
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cerebral aneurysm   stroke; sensation, and voluntary motion caused by rupture or obstruction  
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pyogenic meningitis   caused by bacteria  
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aseptic or viral meningitis   caused by viruses  
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Infecting agents enter the central nervous system through the bloodstream or as a consequence of an upper respiratory infection, causing acute inflammation of the pia mater and arachnoid membrane   meningitis  
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marked by a progressive loss of motor neurons; as the motor neurons become incapable of transmitting impulses, weakness of the skeletal muscles ensues   ALS  
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genetically transmitted degenerative disorder caused by a deficiency in specific neurotransmitters produced in the midbrain   Huntington's disease  
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most well-known symptom being tremor; other signs include a shuffling gait, a mask-like facial expression, muscle weakness and rigidity, slow movement, and a stooped posture   Parkinson's disease  
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Treatment of this disorder seeks to provide symptom relief and includes administration of the drug levodopa, a precursor of dopamine capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier   Parkinson's disease  
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involves paralysis of the seventh cranial nerve—a nerve concerned with facial movement and the sensation of taste   Bell's Palsy  
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Atrophy of the cerebral cortex with narrowing of the gyri and widening of the sulci are among the structural changes associated with   AD - Alzheimer disease  
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group of disorders, all of which involve an abnormal discharge of electrical activity from the nerve cells of the cerebral cortex   epilepsy  
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involve generalized—sometimes violent—involuntary muscle contractions that often alternate with rigidity. They are accompanied by a loss of consciousness, labored breathing, tongue biting, and loss of bowel or bladder control   tonic-clonic seizures  
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petit mal   absence seizures characterized by momentary alterations in consciousness  
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two interferon compounds have been shown to help reduce the number of neurologic attacks and slow the progress of physical disability   MS  
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a violent shaking up or jarring of the brain, with no apparent damage to brain tissue; minor head injury   concussion  
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a type of major head injury—the bruising of brain tissue—caused by movement of the brain inside the skull following blunt trauma   contusion  
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cerebral infarction   Cerebrovascular accident (CVA), also known as stroke  
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the formation of a clot or the accumulation of hardened fatty deposits within a blood vessel—is the most frequent cause of stroke   thrombosis  
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the second most common cause of stroke, involves the movement of a clot from a site outside the brain, through the bloodstream, to the neurovasculature   embolism  
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The third cause of stroke, involves bleeding within the brain from a ruptured cerebral blood vessel   hemorrhage  
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manifestations of stroke depend on the   location and size of the area in the brain that has been affected and the rate of onset of the stroke  
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paralyzes left side, left sided neglect, spatial-perceptual deficits, tends to deny/minimize problems, rapid performance/short attention span, impulsive/safety problems, impaired judgment, impaired time concepts   right brain damage from stroke on right side of brain  
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paralyzed right side, impaired speech/language aphasis, impaired right/left discrimination, slow performance/cautious, impaired speech/language, aware of deficits/depression/anxiety, impaired comprehension related to language/math   left brain damage from stroke on left side of brain  
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a computerized imaging technique that shows the chemical activity of the brain, offers excellent visualization of the extent of tissue damage following a stroke   PET Scan  
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cerebrum   thinking, personality, sensations, movements, memory  
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thalamus   relay station for sensory impulses  
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hypothalamus   body temp, sleep appetite, emotions, control of pituitary gland  
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cerebellum   coordinate voluntary movements & execute then smoothly; balance & posture  
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pons   connection of nerves, to the eyes & face  
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medulla oblongata   nerve fibers cross over, left to right & right to left; contains centers to regulate heart, blood vessels & respiratory system  
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cranial nerve I   Olfactory - smell; sensory nerve to the brain  
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cranial nerve II   Optic - vision; sensory nerve to the brain  
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cranial nerve III   Oculomotor - eye movement; brain to the motor nerve  
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cranial nerve IV   Trochlear - eye movement; brain to the motor nerve  
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cranial nerve V   Trigeminal - forehead & scalp sensations, cheek sensations, chewing; brain to the motor nerve & sensory nerve to the brain  
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cranial nerve VI   Abducens - eye movement; brain to the motor nerve; brain to the motor nerve  
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cranial nerve VII   Facial - face & scalp movement, taste, ear sensations; brain to the motor nerve & sensory nerve to the brain  
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cranial nerve IX   Glossopharyngeal - tongue & throat sensations, throat movement; brain to the motor nerve & sensory nerve to the brain  
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cranial nerve X   Vagus - peristalsis, blood pressure, heart rate, coughing, sneezing; brain to the motor nerve & sensory nerve to the brain  
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cranial nerve XI   Accessory - swallowing, head & shoulder movements; brain to the motor nerve  
🗑
cranial nerve XII   Hypoglossal - speech, swallowing; brain to the motor nerve & sensory nerve to the brain  
🗑
cranial nerve VIII   Vestibulocochlear - hearing, balance; sensory nerve to the brain  
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frontal lobe   language & general sensory functions - left hemisphere  
🗑
parietal lobe   body sensations, visual/spatial perception - left hemisphere  
🗑
occipital lobe   visual images are register, visual associative areas/interpretation of images - left hemisphere  
🗑
Wernickle area   language comprehension - left hemisphere  
🗑
Broca area   language expression - left hemisphere  
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left hemisphere   more concerned with language, mathematical functioning, reasoning & analytical thinking  
🗑
right hemisphere   more concerned with spacial relationships, art, emotions & intuition  
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basal ganglia   inferior to corpus callosum; regulate intentional movements of the body  
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corpus callosum   lies in center of brain; connecting the two hemispheres by a band of nerves at the base of the fissure  
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respiratory center   found in medulla oblongata; controls muscles in response to chemical/other stimuli  
🗑
cardiac center   found in medulla oblongata; slows the heart rate when the heart is beating too rapidly  
🗑
vasomotor center   found in medulla oblongata; affects (constricts/dilates) muscles in walls of blood vessels, influencing blood pressure  
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dorsal root of spinal nerve   afferent - sensory  
🗑
ventral root of spinal nerve   efferent - motor  
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dura mater   1st membrane of meninges; thick, tough membrane which contains channels that contain blood  
🗑
arachnoid membrane   2nd membrane of meninges; surrounds brain/spinal cord  
🗑
subdural space   below dural membrane  
🗑
subarachnoid space   loosely attached to other meninges by fibers, so that there is space for fluid between the fibers & the membrane  
🗑
Pia mater   3rd membrane of meninges; contains delicate connective tissue w/rich supply of blood vessels  
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sulci   depression/grooves in the cerebral cortex  
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deepest sulci are called   fissures  
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divides the cerebrum into right & left halves/hemispheres   fissure  
🗑
largest lobes responsible for voluntary control over most of the skeletal muscles   frontal lobe  
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temporal lobe is found in the cerebrum's   lateral region  
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lobe involved with functions of hearing, taste, small & balance; associated areas for memory & learning   temporal lobe  
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lies behind frontal lobe and above temporal lobe   parietal lobe  
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occupies relatively small, pyramid-shaped areas at posterior of cerebrum   occipital lobe  
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2nd largest part of brain, lying under occipital lobe of cerebrum   cerebellum  
🗑
lies under the cerebrum, is a small portion of brain, containing thalamus & hypothalamus   diencephalon  
🗑
directs impulses to the cerebral cortex   thalamus  
🗑
help to associate sensations with emotion, helping us recognize a sensory experience as pleasant/painful   thalamus  
🗑
lies inferior to thalamus; exerts control over virtually all internal organs   hypothalamus  
🗑
involved in the experience and expressions of many emotions   hypothalamus  
🗑
body's "internal clock" resides in the   hypothalamus  
🗑
medulla oblongata, pons, and midbrain are all part of the   brainstem  
🗑
lowest part of the brain stem, really an upward extension of the spinal cord   medulla oblongata (medulla)  
🗑
"bridge", lies between medulla & midbrain   pons  
🗑
uppermost portion of the brainstem   midbrain  
🗑
reflex centers for certain cranial nerves reflexes   pons & midbrain  
🗑
cushions vital nervous system structures   CSF  
🗑
AD   Alzheimer disease  
🗑
AFP   alpha-fetoprotein  
🗑
ALS   amyotrophic lateral sclerosis  
🗑
AVM   arteriovenous malformation  
🗑
CNS   central nervous system  
🗑
CSF   cerebrospinal fluid  
🗑
CT   computed tomography  
🗑
CVA   cerebrovascular accident  
🗑
EEG   electroencephalography  
🗑
GABA   gamma-aminobutyric acid (neurotransmitter)  
🗑
ICP   intracranial pressure (normal is 5 to 15 mm Hg)  
🗑
LP   lumbar puncture  
🗑
MAC   monitored anesthetic care  
🗑
MG   myasthenia gravis  
🗑
MRA   magnetic resonance angiography  
🗑
MRI   magnetic resonance imaging  
🗑
MS   multiple sclerosis  
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1/2P   hemiparesia  
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PET   positron emission tomography  
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PSRS   proton stereotatic radiosurgery  
🗑
Sz   seizure  
🗑
TBI   traumatic brain injury  
🗑
TENS   transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation  
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TIA   transient ischemic attach  
🗑
tPA   tissue plasminogen activator  
🗑
there are 12 pairs of cranial & 31 pairs of spinal nerves in   the peripheral nervous system  
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the only cranial nerve to leave the head/neck region   vagus nerve  
🗑
after exiting spinal cord, spinal nerves intersect forming a single peripheral network called   a plexus  
🗑
somatic nervous system controls   voluntary activities  
🗑
autonomic nervous system controls   involuntary activities  
🗑
cranial nerves carry signals to/from structures of head/neck and   thoracic & abdominal cavities  
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make sensation & movement possible   spinal nerves  
🗑
spinal nerve designation is based on   the level of vertebrae of the spinal cord i.e. T4  
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prepares body for muscle work an emergnecy may require   sympathetic nervous system  
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sends signals to protect, conserve & restore body's resources   parasympathetic nervous system  
🗑
parasympathetic nervous system counteracts   the sympathetic nervous system  
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nervous system composed of spinal & cranial nerves   peripheral NS  
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nerves are the ___ of the nervous system   parenchymal tissue  
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outer cell membrane of a Schwamm cell is called   neurilemma  
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interneurons   link sensory & motor nerves by transmitting signals between them  
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animpulse travels along the ___ of a neuron   axon  
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do not carry nerve impulses, rather provide structural support & protection   neuroglia  
🗑
wrap around capillaries to form, with capillary wall, the blood-brain barrier   astrocytes  
🗑
astrocytes attach to neurons & capillaries, holding structures in proximity to one another in   the brain  
🗑
microglia   small CNS cells usually stationary, but may migrate to damaged areas  
🗑
produce myelin sheaths that surround the brain & spinal cord   oligodendrocytes  
🗑
involved in production of cerebrospinal fluid   ependyma  
🗑
ependyma have cilia that helps   fluid to circulate  
🗑
sensory nerves are also called   afferent nerves  
🗑
stimulus creates wave of excitability beginning at which part of neuron?   the dendrite  
🗑
AD affects brain neurons, as well as development of plaque in the   hippocampus  
🗑
"internal clock" resides in   the hypothalamus  
🗑
spinal cord is contained within   the vertebral canal  
🗑
unmyelinated cell bodies & dendrites   give gray matter its color  
🗑
protect both spinal cord & brain   meningeal coverings  
🗑
one way to test for cerebral aneurysm is   to examine sample of cerbrospinal fluid  
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fluid accumulation in/around brain; may be congenital/later onset   hydrocephalus  
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infants born with hydrocephalus need to have a ___ surgically inserted to relieve pressure   shunt  
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spina bifida occulta   milder form of disorder, incomplete closure of spinal cavity but no protruction through opening  
🗑
meninges may push through defective closure creating a myelomeningocele   spina bifida cystica  
🗑
spina bifida cystica may result in other neurological deficits, & associated with   hydrocephalus  
🗑
in more severe forms surgery may be necessary to remove herniated tissue   spina bifida  
🗑
diagnosis of meningitis is usually confirmed by   CSF analysis through a lumbar puncture  
🗑
fluid withdrawn by inserting needle into spinal cavity   lumbar puncture  
🗑
treament of meningitis includes   antibiotic medications  
🗑
shingles affects   the peripheral nerves  
🗑
in shingles the painful eruptions follow the path of   spinal/cranial nerves  
🗑
antiviral medication, antipruritics & pain medications are treatments for   shingles  
🗑
radiculitis   disorder which nerve root of spinal nerve becomes inflammed  
🗑
often a result of radiculitis   polyneuritis & loss of function of that nerve  
🗑
polyneuritis   inflammation involving a number of related neurons  
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inflammatory disorders result from   infections, chronic diseases (diabetes, gout, arthritis, SLE), or vitamin deficiencies  
🗑
primary tumors of brain   arise from within the brain tissue  
🗑
secondary tumors of brain   result of cencerous cells spreading from other sites in the body  
🗑
most primary brain tumors form from   the meninges or neurglia  
🗑
most malignant & rapidly growing form of gliona is   glioblastoma multiforme  
🗑
glioblastoma multiforme is composed of   immature neuroglia  
🗑
used to detect both brain tumors & ischemic/hemorrahagic strokes   CT &/or MRI  
🗑
MRI is especially useful in detection of   small tumors  
🗑
cerebral cortex atrophy, gyri narrowing & sulci widening   structural changes associated with AD  
🗑
medications designed to prevent breakdown of neurotransmitters may provide   AD symptom relief  
🗑
involve abnormal discharge of electrical activity from nerve cells of cerebral cortex   epilepsy  
🗑
used to diagnose seizure disorders   electroencephalography  
🗑


   

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