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Nervous System
Neurology, medical terminology
Term | Definition |
---|---|
antiepileptic | drug capable of preventing or stopping seizures |
convulsion | alternate name for seizure |
EEG | record of the electrical activity of the brain |
epilepsy | chronic brain disorder due to excessive electrical activity |
ictal | pertaining to, or caused by, stroke or seizure |
motor | pertaining to nerves that cause movement or secretion |
neurology | medical specialty of disorders of the nervous system |
neurologist | one who specializes in diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the nervous system |
seizure | event due to excessive electrical activity in the brain |
tonic | in a state of muscular contraction |
afferent | conducting impulses inward toward the spinal cord or brain |
efferent | conducting impulses outward away from the brain or spinal cord |
ganglion | collection of nerve cell bodies outside the CNS |
nerve | a cord of fibers in connective tissue that conduct impluses |
neuron | technical term for a nerve cell; cell body with dendrites and axons |
plexus | a weblike network of joined nerves |
visceral | pertaining to the internal organs |
axon | single process of a nerve cell carrying impulses away from cell body |
dendrite | branched extensions of a nerve cell that receive nervous stimuli |
dopamine | neurotransmitter; plays a role in memory, pleasure, behavior, learning |
endorphin | natural substance in the brain for pain relief |
myelin | fatty sheath that covers the axon of the nerve |
neurotransmitter | chemical agent that relays messages from one nerve cell to the next |
serotonin | neurotransmitter; involved in mood, anxiety and sleep |
synapse | junction between two nerve cells |
astrocyte | star-shaped cell in the nervous system |
blood-brain barrier | selective mechanism that protects the brain from toxins and infections |
neuroglia | connective tissue holding nervous tissue together |
oligodendrocyte | connective tissue cell of the CNS that forms a myelin sheath |
white matter | regions of brain and spinal cord occupied by bundles of axons |
brainstem | region of the brain responsible for vital functions like cardiovascular and respiratory mechanisms |
cerebellum | most posterior area of the brain; responsible for balance and coordinated movement |
cerebrum | major portion of the brain; divided into two hemispheres |
corpus collosum | bridge of nerve fibers connecting two hemispheres |
frontal lobe | anterior portion of the brain; memory, intellect, behavior, emotion |
occipital lobe | posterior portion of the brain; visual images, sight |
parietal lobe | receives and interprets sensory information- pain, pressure, touch, temperature |
temporal lobe | interpretation of sensory input, sounds, speech |
decussate | crossover; like the arms of an "X" |
cauda equina | bundle of spinal nerves in the vertebral canal below the ending of the spinal cord |
cervical | pertaining to the neck region |
dermatome | the area of skin supplied by a single spinal nerve |
intervertebral | the space between two vertebrae |
meninges | three-layered covering of the brain and spinal cord |
dementia | chronic, progressive, irreversible loss of the mind's cognitive and intellectual functions |
aneurysm | dilation of an artery or cardiac chamber |
hemiparesis | weakness of one side of the body |
hemiplegia | paralysis of one side of the body |
ataxia | inability to coordinate muscle activity, leading to jerky movements |
quadriplegia | paralysis of all four limbs |
spasm | sudden, involuntary movement of a muscle group |
epilepsy | chronic brain disorder due to excessive neuronal discharge |
postictal | occurring after a seizure |
cephalalgia | pertaining to pain in the head |
prion | small infectious protein particle |
syncope | temporary loss of consciousness; fainting |
concussion | mild head injury |
insomnia | inability to sleep |
Bell's palsy | paresis or paralysis of one side of the face |
meningitis | inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord |
subdural | located in the space between the dura mater and arachnoid membrane |
demyelination | process of losing the myelin sheath of a nerve fiber |
paresthesia | abnormal sensation; for example tingling, burning, prickling |
electroencephalogram | record of the electrical activity of the brain |