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LaFleur Chapter 15
The Nervous System
170
Medical
Undergraduate 1
04/06/2006

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Term
brain
Definition
major portion of the central nervous system
Term
cerebrum
Definition
largest portion of the brain, divided into left and right hemispheres, the cerebrum controls the skeletal muscles, interprets general senses (such as temperature, pain, and touch), and contains centers for sight and hearing. Intellect, memory, and emotional reactions also take place in the cerebrum.
Term
ventricles
Definition
space within the brain that contains a fluid called cerebrospinal fluid. The cerebrospinal fluid flows through the subarachnoid space around the brain and spinal cord.
Term
cerebellum
Definition
located under the posterior portion of the cerebrum. Its function is to assist in the coordination of skeletal muscles and to maintain balance. Also called hindbrain.
Term
brainstem
Definition
stemlike portion of the brain that connects with the spinal cord. Ten of the 12 cranial nerves originate in the brainstem.
Term
pons
Definition
literally means bridge. It connects the cerebrum with the cerebellum and brainstem.
Term
medulla oblongata
Definition
located between the pons and spinal cord. It contains centers that control respiration, heart rate, and the muscles in the blood vessel walls, which assist in determining blood pressure.
Term
midbrain
Definition
most superior portion of the brainstem
Term
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
Definition
clear, colorless fluid contained in the ventricles that flows through the subarachnoid space around the brain and spinal cord. It cushions the brain and spinal cord from shock, transports nutrients, and clears metabolic waste.
Term
spinal cord
Definition
passes through the vertebral canal extending from the medualla oblongata to the level of the second lumbar vertebra. The spinal cord conducts nerve impulses to and from the brain and initiates reflex action to sensory information without input from the brain.
Term
meninges
Definition
three layers of membrane that cover the brain and spinal cord
Term
dura mater
Definition
tough outer layer of the meninges
Term
arachnoid
Definition
delicate middle layer of the meninges. The arachnoid membrane is loosely attached to the pia mater by weblike fibers, which allow for the subarachnoid space.
Term
pia mater
Definition
thin inner layer of the meninges
Term
nerve
Definition
cordlike structure that carries impulses from one part of the body to another. There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves and 31 pairs of spinal nerves.
Term
ganglion
Definition
group of nerve cell bodies located outside the central nervous system
Term
cerebell/o
Definition
cerebellum
Term
cerebr/o
Definition
cerebrum, brain
Term
dur/o
Definition
hard, dura mater
Term
encephal/o
Definition
brain
Term
gangli/o
ganglion/o
Definition
ganglion
Term
mening/i
mening/o
Definition
meninges
Term
myel/o
Definition
spinal cord
Term
neur/o
Definition
nerve
Term
radic/o
radicul/o
rhiz/o
Definition
nerve root (proximal end of a peripheral nerve, closest to the spinal cord)
Term
esthesi/o
Definition
sensation, sensitivity, feeling
Term
ment/o
phren/o
psych/o
Definition
mind
Term
mon/o
Definition
one
Term
phas/o
Definition
speech
Term
poli/o
Definition
gray matter
Term
quadr/i
Definition
four
Term
tetra-
Definition
four
Term
-iatrist
Definition
specialist, physician
Term
-iatry
Definition
treatment, specialty
Term
-ictal
Definition
seizure, attack
Term
-paresis
Definition
slight paralysis
Term
cerebellitis
Definition
inflammation of the cerebellum
Term
cerebral thrombosis
Definition
abnormal condition of a clot, pertaining to the cerebrum (blood clot in a blood vessel of the brain)
Term
duritis
Definition
inflammation of the dura mater
Term
encephalitis
Definition
inflammation of the brain
Term
encephalomalacia
Definition
softening of the brain
Term
encephalomyeloradiculitis
Definition
inflammation of the brain, spinal cord, and nerve roots
Term
gangliitis
Definition
inflammation of the ganglion
Term
meningitis
Definition
inflammmation of the meninges
Term
meningocele
Definition
protrusion of the meninges (through a defect in the skull or vertebral column)
Term
meningomyelocele
Definition
protrusion of the meninges and spinal cord (through the vertebral column)
Term
neuralgia
Definition
pain in a nerve
Term
neurasthenia
Definition
nerve weakness (nervous exhaustion, fatigue, and weakness)
Term
neuritis
Definition
inflammation of a nerve
Term
neuroarthropathy
Definition
disease of nerves and joints
Term
neuroblast
Definition
developing nerve cell
Term
neuroma
Definition
tumor made up of nerve (cells)
Term
poliomyelitis
Definition
inflammation of the gray matter of the spinal cord (this infectious disease, commonly referred to as polio, is caused by one of three polio viruses)
Term
polyneuritis
Definition
inflammation of many nerves
Term
radiculitis
Definition
inflammation of the nerve roots
Term
rhizomeningomyelitis
Definition
inflammation of the nerve root, meninges, and spinal cord
Term
subdural hematoma
Definition
blood tumor, pertaining to below the dura mater (hematoma, literally translated, means blood tumor; however, a hematoma is a blood mass or collection of blood)
Term
Alzheimer disease (AD)
Definition
disease characterized by early senility, confusion, loss of recognition of persons or familiar surroundings, restlessness, and impaired memory
Term
amyotrophic lateral disease
Definition
progressive muscle atrophy caused by hardening of nerve tissue on the lateral columns of the spinal cord
Term
Bell palsy
Definition
paralysis of muscles on one side of the face, usually a temporary condition. Symptoms include a sagging mouth on the affected side and nonclosure of the eyelid
Term
cerebral aneurysm
Definition
aneurysm in the cerebrum
Term
cerebral palsy (CP)
Definition
condition characterized by lack of muscle control and partial paralysis, caused by a brain defect or lesion present at birth or shortly after
Term
cerebrovascular accident (CVA)
Definition
interruption of blood supply to the brain caused by a cerebral thrombosis, cerebral embolus, or cerebral hemorrhage. The patient may experience mild to severe paralysis. Also called stroke or brain attack.
Term
epilepsy
Definition
disorder in which the main symptom is recurring seizures
Term
hydrocephalus
Definition
increased amount of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain, which can cause enlargement of the cranium
Term
multiple sclerosis (MS)
Definition
degenerative disease characterized by sclerotic patches along the brain and spinal cord
Term
neurosis
Definition
emotional disorder that involves an ineffective way of coping with anxiety or inner conflict
Term
Parkinson disease (PD)
Definition
chronic degenerative disease of the central nervous system. Symtoms include resting tremors of the hands and feet, rigidity, expressionless face, and shuffling gait. It usually occurs after the afe of 50 years
Term
psychosis
Definition
major mental disorder characterized by extreme derangement, often with delusionsand hallucinations
Term
Reye syndrome
Definition
disease of the brain and other organs such as the liver. Affects children and adolescents. The cause is unknown, but, but it typically follows a viral infection.
Term
sciatica
Definition
inflammation of the sciatic nerve, causing pain that travels from the thigh through the leg to the foot and toes. Can be caused by injury, infection, arthritis, herniated disk, or from prolonged pressure on the nerve from sitting for long periods
Term
shingles
Definition
viral disease that affects the peripheral nerves and causes blisters on the skin that follow the course of the affected nerves. Also called herpes zoster
Term
transient ischemic attack (TIA)
Definition
sudden deficient supply of blood to the brain lasting a short time. The symptoms may be similar to those of CVA, but with TIA the symptoms are temporary and the usual outcome is complete recovery
Term
ganglionectomy
Definition
excision of a ganglion (also called gangliectomy)
Term
neurectomy
Definition
excision of a nerve
Term
neurolysis
Definition
separating a nerve (from adhesions)
Term
neuroplasty
Definition
surgical repair of a nerve
Term
neurorrhaphy
Definition
suture of a nerve
Term
neurotomy
Definition
incision into a nerve
Term
radicotomy
rhizotomy
Definition
incision into a nerve root
Term
cerebral angiography
Definition
x-ray imaging of the blood vessels in the brain (after an injection of contrast medium)
Term
CT myelography
Definition
process of recording (scan) the spinal cord (after an injection of a contrast agent into the subarachnoid space. Size, shape, and position of the spinal cord and nerve roots are demonstrated)
Term
echoencephalography (EchoEG)
Definition
process of recording the brain (structures) by sound (also called ultrasonography of the brain)
Term
electroencephalogram (EEG)
Definition
record of the electrical impulses of the brain
Term
electroencephalograph
Definition
instrument used to record the electrical impulses of the brain
Term
electroencephalography
Definition
process of recording the electrical impulses of the brain
Term
computed tomography of the brain (CT scan)
Definition
process that includes the use of a computer to produce a series of images of the tissues of the brain ar any desired depth. The procedure in noninvasive, painless, and particularly useful in diagnosing brain tumors
Term
magnetic resonance imaging of the brain (MRI scan)
Definition
a noninvasive technique that produces cross-sectional and sagittal images of soft tissues of the brain my magnetic waves. Unlike CT scan, MRI produces images without use of radiation. It is used to visualize tumors, edema, multiple sclerosis, and herniated disks
Term
positron emission tomography of the brain (PET scan)
Definition
an imaging technique with a radioactive substance that permits viewing a slice of the brain to examine blood flow and metabolic activity. Images are projected on a viewing screen
Term
Evoked potential studies (EP studies)
Definition
a group of diagnostic tests that measure changes and responses in brain waves elicited by visual, auditory, or somatosensory stimuli. Visual evoked response (VER) is a response to visual stimuli. Auditory evoked response (AER) is a response to auditory stimuli
Term
lumbar puncture (LP)
Definition
insertion of a needle into the subarachnoid space between the third and fourth lumbar vertebra. It is performed for many reasons, including the removal of cerebrospinal fluid for diagnostic purposes
Term
anesthesia
Definition
without (loss of) feeling or sensation
Term
aphasia
Definition
condition of without speaking (loss or impairment of the ability to speak)
Term
cephalalgia
Definition
pain in the head (headache) (also called cephalgia)
Term
cerebral
Definition
pertaining to the cerebrum
Term
craniocerebral
Definition
pertaining to the cranium and cerebrum
Term
dysphasia
Definition
condition of difficulty speaking
Term
encephalosclerosis
Definition
hardening of the brain
Term
hemiparesis
Definition
slight paralysis of half (right or left side of the body)
Term
hemiplegia
Definition
paralysis of half (right or left side of the body); (cerebrovascular accident is the most common cause of hemiplegia)
Term
hyperesthesia
Definition
excessive sensitivity (to stimuli)
Term
interictal
Definition
(occuring) between seizures or attacks
Term
intracerebral
Definition
pertaining to within the cerebrum
Term
monoparesis
Definition
slight paralysis of one (limb)
Term
monoplegia
Definition
paralysis of one (limb)
Term
myelomalacia
Definition
softening of the spinal cord
Term
neuroid
Definition
resembling a nerve
Term
neurologist
Definition
physician who studies and treats diseases of the nerves (nervous system)
Term
neurology
Definition
study of nerves (branch of medicine dealing with diseases of the nervous system)
Term
panplegia
Definition
total paralysis (also spelled pamplegia)
Term
phrenic
Definition
pertaining to the mind
Term
phrenopathy
Definition
disease of the mind
Term
postictal
Definition
(occuring) after a seizure or attack
Term
preictal
Definition
(occuring) before a seizure or attack
Term
psychiatrist
Definition
a physician who studies and treats disorders of the mind
Term
psychiatry
Definition
specialty of the mind (branch of medicine that deals with the treatment of mental disorders)
Term
psychogenic
Definition
originating in the mind
Term
psychologist
Definition
specialist of the mind
Term
psychology
Definition
study of the mind (a profession that involves dealing with the mind and mental processes in relation to human behavior)
Term
psychopathy
Definition
(any) disease of the mind
Term
psychosomatic
Definition
pertaining to the mind and body (interrelations of)
Term
quadriplegia
Definition
paralysis of four (limbs)
Term
subdural
Definition
pertaining to below the dura mater
Term
tetraplegia
Definition
paralysis of four (limbs) (synonymous with quadriplegia)
Term
afferent
Definition
conveying toward a center (for example, afferent nerves carry impulses to the central nervous system)
Term
ataxia
Definition
lack of muscle coordination
Term
cognitive
Definition
pertaining to the mental processes of comprehension, judgment, memory, and reason
Term
coma
Definition
state of profound unconsciousness
Term
concussion
Definition
jarring or shaking that results in an injury. Brain concussions are caused by slight or severe head injury; symptoms include vertigo and loss of consciousness
Term
conscious
Definition
awake, alert, aware of one's surroundings
Term
convulsion
Definition
sudden, involuntary contraction of a group of muscles (synonymous with seizure)
Term
dementia
Definition
loss of cognitive abilities
Term
disorientation
Definition
a state of mental confusion as to time, place, or identity
Term
efferent
Definition
conveying away from the center (for example, efferent nerves carry information away from the central nervous system)
Term
gait
Definition
a manner or style of walking
Term
incoherent
Definition
unable to express one's thoughts or ideas in an orderly, intelligible manner
Term
paraplegia
Definition
paralysis from the waist down caused by damage to the lower level of the spinal cord
Term
seizure
Definition
sudden attack with an involuntary series of contractions (synonymous with convulsion)
Term
shunt
Definition
tube implanted in the body to redirect the flow of a fluid
Term
synscope
Definition
fainting or sudden loss of consciousness caused by lack of blood supply to the cerebrum
Term
unconsciousness
Definition
state of being unaware of surroundings and incapable of responding to stimuli as a result of injury, shock, or illness
Term
anorexia nervosa
Definition
an eating disorder characterized by failure to maintain body weight, intensive fear of gaining weight, pronounced desire for thinness, and, in females, amenorrhea
Term
anxiety disorder
Definition
an emotional disorder characterized by feelings of apprehension, tension, or uneasiness arising typically from the anticipation of unreal or imagined danger
Term
attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Definition
a disorder of learning and behavioral problems characterized by marked inattention, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity
Term
bipolar disorder
Definition
a major psychological disorder typified by a disturbance in mood. The disorder is manifested by manic and depressive episodes that may alternate or may occur simultaneously
Term
bulimia nervosa
Definition
an eating disorder characterized by uncontrolled binge eating followed by purging (induced vomiting)
Term
major depression
Definition
a mood disturbance characterized by feelings of sadness, despair, and discouragement. Depression ranges from normal feelings of sadness (resulting from and proportional to personal loss or tragedy), through dysthyjia (depressive neurosis), to major depression
Term
obsessive-compulsive disorder
Definition
a disorder characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts that result in the tendency to perform repetitive acts or rituals (compulsions), usually as a means of releasing tension or relieving anxiety
Term
panic attack
Definition
an episode of acute anxiety, occuring unpredictably, with feelings of acute apprehension, dyspnea, dizziness, sweating, and chest pain
Term
phobia
Definition
an anxiety disorder marked by obbsesive irrational and intense fear of a specific object, activity, or physical situation
Term
pica
Definition
compulsive eating of nonnutritive substances such as clay or ice. This condition is often a result of an iron deficiency; with iron therapy pica disappears in 1 to 2 weeks
Term
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Definition
a disorder characterized by an acute emotional response to a traumatic event or severe emotional stress such as an airplane crash, repeated physical or emotional trauma, or military combat. Symptoms include anxiety, sleep disturbance, difficulty concentrating, and depression
Term
schizophrenia
Definition
any one of a large group of psychotic disorders characterized by gross distortions or reality, disturbance of language and communication, withdrawal from social interaction, and the disorganization and fragmentation of thought, perception, and emotional reaction.
Term
somatoform disorders
Definition
physical symptoms for which no known physical cause exists
Term
AD
Definition
Alzheimer's disease
Term
ADHD
Definition
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Term
ALS
Definition
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Term
CP
Definition
cerebral palsy
Term
CSF
Definition
cerebrospinal fluid
Term
CVA
Definition
cerebrovascular accident
Term
EchoEG
Definition
electroencephalography
Term
EEG
Definition
electroencephalogram
Term
EP studies
Definition
evoked potential studies
Term
LP
Definition
lumbar puncture
Term
MRI scan
Definition
magnetic resonance imaging scan
Term
OCD
Definition
obsessive-compulsive disorder
Term
PD
Definition
Parkinson's disease
Term
PET scan
Definition
positron emission tomography scan
Term
PTSD
Definition
posttraumatic stress disorder
Term
TIA
Definition
transient ischemic attack
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