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Medical Terminology Chapter 10
Med Term Ch 10 - Nervous System
365
Medical
Undergraduate 1
10/30/2013

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Term
-al
Definition
pertaining to
Term
-algia
Definition
pain
Term
-algia
Definition
pain
Term
-cele
Definition
hernia
Term
-esthesia
Definition
sensation, feeling
Term
-esthesia
Definition
sensation or feeling
Term
-graphy
Definition
process of producing a picture or record
Term
-ia
Definition
abnormal condition
Term
-ia
Definition
condition
Term
-iatrist
Definition
specialist
Term
-ion
Definition
condition or state of
Term
-ist
Definition
specialist
Term
-lepsy
Definition
seizure
Term
-oma
Definition
tumor
Term
-osis
Definition
abnormal condition
Term
-ous
Definition
pertaining to
Term
-pathy
Definition
disease
Term
-phasia
Definition
speech
Term
-tic
Definition
pertaining to
Term
-tropic
Definition
having an affinity for
Term
-us
Definition
singular noun ending
Term
ACE - SAM neurons
Definition
Afferent - sensory neurons
Connecting - associative neurons
Efferent - motor neurons
Term
Afferent neurons
Definition
toward/sensory
- emerge from sensory organs and the skin to carry impulses to the brain and spinal cord
Term
Connecting neurons
Definition
associative
- link different afferent and efferent neurons
Term
Efferent neurons
Definition
away from/motor neurons
- carry impulses away from the brain and spinal cord and toward the muscles and glands
Term
Gait
Definition
manner of walking
Term
Guillain-Barré syndrome
Definition
infectious polyneuritis
-inflammation of the myelin sheath of peripheral nerves, characterized by rapidly worsening muscle weakness that can lead to temporary paralysis
Term
Huntington's disease
Definition
genetic disorder that is classified as aneurodegenerative disease
Term
Parkinson's disease
Definition
chronic, degenerative central nervous disorder characterized by fine muscle tremors, rigidity, and a slow or shuffling gait
Term
Reye's syndrome
Definition
potentially serious or deadly disorder in children characterized by vomiting and confusion
-sometimes follows a viral illness in which the child was treated with aspirin
Term
a-
Definition
without
Term
absense seizure
Definition
petit mal seizure
-brief disturbance in brain function in which there is a loss of awareness often described as a staring episode
Term
acetylcholine
Definition
released at some synapses in the spinal cord and at neuromuscular junctions
- influences muscle action
Term
acr/o
Definition
top
Term
acrophobia
Definition
excessive fear of heights
Term
agor/a
Definition
marketplace
Term
agoraphobia
Definition
excessive fear of environments where the person fears a panic attack might occur
Term
alcoholism
Definition
chronic alcohol dependence with specific signs and symptoms upon withdrawal
Term
altered levels of consciousness
Definition
ALOC-decrease in consciousness due to injury, disease or substances such as medication, drugs or alcohol
Term
alzheimer's disease
Definition
group of disorders involving the parts of the brain that control thought, memory and language
-leading cause of dementia and is marked by progressive deterioration that affects both the memory and reasoning capabililties of an individual
Term
amnesia
Definition
memory disturbance characterized by a total or partial inability to recall past experiences
-can be caused by a brain injury, illness or a psychological disturbance
Term
amobarbital
Definition
barbiturate used as a sedative and hypnotic
Term
amyotophic lateral sclerosis
Definition
Lou Gehrig's disease
-rapidly progressive neurological disease that attacks the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles
-patients become progressively weaker until they are completely paralyzed and die
Term
an-
Definition
without
Term
anesthesia
Definition
absense of normal sensation, especially sensitivity to pain, that is induced by the administration of an anesthetic agent
Term
anesthesiologist
Definition
physician who specializes in administering anesthetic agents before and during surgery
Term
anesthetic
Definition
medication used to induce anesthesia
Term
anesthetist
Definition
medical professional who specializes in administering anesthesia, but is not a physician (ex: nurse anesthetist)
Term
aneurysm
Definition
localized, weak, balloon-like enlargement of an artery wall
-less common than ischemic strokes and is often fatal
Term
anticonvulsant
Definition
administered to prevent seizures such as those associated with epilepsy
Term
antidepressant
Definition
administered to prevent or relieve depression
Term
antipsychotic
Definition
neuroleptic-administered to treat symptoms of severe disorders of thinking and mood that are associated with neurological and psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia, mania and delusional disorders
Term
antisocial personality disorder
Definition
pattern for disregard for and violation of the rights of others
Term
anxiety disorders
Definition
mental conditions characterized by excessive, irrational dread of everyday situation or fear that is out of proportion to the real danger in a situation
Term
anxolytic drug
Definition
antianxiety drug-tranquilizer
-administered to temporarily relieve anxiety and to reduce tension
Term
apathy
Definition
indifference and a reduced level of activity
Term
aphasia
Definition
often caused by brain damage associated with a stroke
-loss of ability to speak, write and orcomprehend the written or spoken word
Term
arachnoid
Definition
having to do with spiders
Term
arachnoid membrane
Definition
resembles a spiderweb, second layer of the meninges
- located between dura mater and the pia mater
- loosely attached to the other meninges to allow space for fluid to flow between the layers
Term
arteri/o
Definition
artery
Term
arteriovenous malformation
Definition
AVM-one of the causes of hemorrhagic strokes-abnormal connection between the arteries and veins in the brain and is usually congenital and can rupture suddenly at any age
Term
ascending nerve tracts
Definition
carry nerve impulses toward the brain
Term
asperger's syndrome
Definition
subgroup of autism disorder spectrum
-usually normal-above average intelligence but impaired in social interaction and nonverbal communication
Term
attention deficit disorder
Definition
ADD is sometimes used if hyperactivity is not present
Term
attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Definition
ADHD-characterized by a short attention span and impulsive behavior that is inappropriate for the child's developmental age
Term
autism
Definition
subgroup of autistic spectrum disorders
-significant developemental delays, including speech and language
Term
autistic spectrum disorders
Definition
describes a group of conditions in which a young child has difficulty developing normal social relationships and communication skills-
Term
autonomic nerve fibers
Definition
carry instructions to the organs and glands from the autonomic nervous system
Term
autonomic nervous system
Definition
organized into two divisions
-sympathetic nerves and parasympathetic nerves
Term
axon
Definition
process that conducts impulses away from the nerve cell
- can be more than 3 feet long
- many, but not all, protected by a myelin sheath (white fatty tissue covering)
Term
barbiturates
Definition
class of drugs whose major action is a calming or depressed effect on the central nervous system
Term
behavioral therapy
Definition
focuses on changing behavior by identifying problem behaviors, replacing them with appropriate behaviors and using rewards or other consequences to mak the changes
Term
bell's palsy
Definition
temporary paralysis of the seventh cranial nerve that causes paralysis only of the affected side of the face
-symptoms include the inability to close the eye, pain, tearing, drooling, hypersensitivity to sound in the affected ear and impairment of taste
Term
benign brain tumor
Definition
does not invade the brain tissue; however, because this growth is surrounded by rigid bone, as the tumor enlarges, it can damage the brain tissue by placing pressure against the tissues and by increasing the intracranial pressure
Term
bipolar disorder
Definition
condition characterized by cycles of severe mood changes shifting from highs (manic) and severe lows (depression) that affect a person's attitude, energy and ability to function
Term
borderline personality disorder
Definition
characterized by impulsive actions, often with the potential for self-harm as well as mood instability and chaotic relationships
Term
brain tumor
Definition
abnormal growth located inside the skull
Term
brain waves
Definition
billions of neurons carrying nerve impulses throughout the body via an electrochemical process creating patterns of neuron electrical activity in the brain
Term
brainstem
Definition
stalk-like portion of the brain that connects the cerebral hemispheres with the spinal cord
-made up of three parts - midbrain, pons and medulla oblongata
Term
carotid ultrasonography
Definition
ultrasound study of the carotid artery
Term
catatonic behavior
Definition
marked by alack of responsiveness, stupor, and a tendency to remain in a fixed posture
Term
caus
Definition
burning
Term
caus/o
Definition
burning, burn
Term
causalgia
Definition
persistent, severe burning pain that usually follows an injury to a sensory nerve
Term
central nervous system
Definition
CNS - brain and spinal cord
receives and processes information and regulates all bodily activity
Term
cephal
Definition
head
Term
cephal
Definition
head
Term
cephalalgia
Definition
headache-pain in the head
Term
cerebellum
Definition
below the cerebrum
Term
cerebellum
Definition
second-largest part of the brain
-located at the back of the head below the posterior portion of the cerebrum
Term
cerebr
Definition
brain
Term
cerebr/o
Definition
cerebrum, brain
Term
cerebr/o
encephal/o
Definition
Brain
Term
cerebral
Definition
pertaining to the cerebrum
Term
cerebral contusion
Definition
the bruising of the brain tissue as the result of a head injury that causes the brain to bounce against the rigid bone of the skull
Term
cerebral cortex
Definition
made up of gray matter, outer layer of the cerebrum and is made up of elevated folds and deep fissures
Term
cerebral hemispheres
Definition
cerebrum divided into two hemispheres - connected at the lower midpoint by the corpus callosum
Term
cerebral lobes
Definition
cerebral hemisphere is subdivided into pairs of cerebral lobes
Term
cerebral palsy
Definition
condition characterized by poor muscle control, spasticity, speech defects and other neurologic deficiencies due to damage that affects the cerebrum
Term
cerebrospinal fluid
Definition
spinal fluid - produced by special capillaries within the four ventricles located in the middle region of the cerebrum
- clear, colorless and water fluid that flows throughout the brain and around the spinal cord
FUNCTIONS:
- cool and cushion these organs from shock or injury
- nourish the brain and spinal cord by transporting nutrients and chemical messengers to these tissues
Term
cerebrum
Definition
largest and uppermost portion of the brain
-responsible for all thought, judgement, memory and emotions
-controls and integrates motory and sensory functions
Term
cervical nerves
Definition
C1-C8
Term
cervical radiculopathy
Definition
nerve pain caused by pressure on the spinal nerve roots in the neck region
Term
claustro
Definition
barrier
Term
claustrophobia
Definition
abnormal fear of being in small or enclosed spaces
Term
cluster headaches
Definition
intensely painful headaches that affect one side of the head and may be associated with tearing of the eyes and nasal congestion
-affects primarily men
Term
cognition
Definition
describes mental activities associated with thinking, learning, and memory
Term
cognitive therapy
Definition
focuses on changing cognitions or thoughts that are affecting a person's emotions and actions-identified and challenged through logic
Term
coma
Definition
profound state of unconsciousness marked by the absence of spontaneous eye movements, no response to painful stimuli and lack of speech
Term
comatose
Definition
person who is in a coma
Term
compulsions
Definition
repeatedly feeling compelled to do things, like wash or pray
Term
concuss
Definition
shaken together
Term
concuss/o
Definition
shaken together, violently agitated
Term
concussion
Definition
violent shaking up or jarring of the brain
Term
congenital
Definition
present at birth
Term
conscious
Definition
state of being awake, alert, aware and responding appropriately
Term
contrecoup
Definition
counterblow-injury that occurs beneath the skull opposite the area of impact
Term
contus/o
Definition
bruise
Term
conversion disorder
Definition
characterized by serious temporary or ongoing changes in function, such as paralysis or blindness that are triggered by psychological factors rather than by any physical cause
Term
coup
Definition
describes an injury occurring within the skull near the point of impact
Term
crani
Definition
cranium
Term
cranial hematoma
Definition
collection of blood trapped in the tissues of the brain
-named for their location
Term
cranial nerves
Definition
12 pair orignate from the undersurface of the brain
-two nerves of a pair are identical in function an structure and each nerve of a pair serves half of the body
Term
deep brain stimulation
Definition
DBS - neurosurgical procedure used in the treatment of dystonia, tremors and Parkinson's disease- device to stimulate the brain with mild electrical signals is implanted in the brain and is connected to a stimulator implanted near the collar bone
Term
delirious
Definition
individual suffering from delirium
Term
delirium
Definition
acute condition of confusion, disorientation, disordered thinking and memory, agitation and hallucinations
Term
delirium tremens
Definition
disorder involving sudden and severe mental changes or seizures caused by abruptly stopping the use of alcohol
Term
delusion
Definition
false personal belief that is maintained despite obvious proof or evidence to the contrary
Term
dementia
Definition
slowly progressive decline in mental abilities, including memory, thinking, judgement, that is often accompanied by personality changes
Term
demyelination
Definition
loss of patches of the protective myelin sheath
Term
dendrites
Definition
root-like processes that receive impulses and conduct them to the cell body
Term
depression
Definition
common mood disorder characterized by lethargy and sadness as well as loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities
Term
descending nerve tracts
Definition
carry nerve impulses away from the brain
Term
dissociative disorders
Definition
occur when normal thought is separated from consciousness
Term
dissociative identiy disorder
Definition
formerly known as multiple personality disorder
-characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personalities
Term
dopamine
Definition
released within the brain
- involved in mood and thought disorders and in abnormal movement disorders such as Parkinsin's
Term
drug abuse
Definition
excessive use of illegal or recreational drugs or the misuse of prescription drugs
Term
drug overdose
Definition
accidental or intentional use of illegal drugs or prescription medicines in an amount higher than what is safe or normal
Term
dura
Definition
hard
Term
dura mater
Definition
thick, tough, outermost membrane of the meninges
Term
dys-
Definition
bad
Term
dyslexia
Definition
developmental reading disorder-learning disability characterized by substandard reading achievement due to the inability of the brain to process symbols
Term
dysthymia
Definition
dysthymic disorder
-low-grade chronic depression with symptoms that are milder than those of severe depression but are present on a majority of days for 2 or more years
Term
dystonia
Definition
impairment of voluntary muscle movements
Term
ech/o
Definition
sound
Term
echoencephalography
Definition
use of ultrasound imaging to create a detailed visual image of the brain for diagnostic purposes
Term
eempathy
Definition
the ability to understand another person's mental and emotional state without becoming involved
Term
electroconvulsive therapy ECT
Definition
electroshock therapy
-procedure in which small amounts of electric current are passed through the brain, deliverately triggering a brief seizure in order to reverse symptoms of certain mental illness
Term
electroencephalography
Definition
process of recording the electrical activity of the brain through the use of electrodes attached to the scalp
Term
embolic stroke
Definition
ischemic stroke that occurs when a blood clot or other debris forms in a blood vessel somewhere other than the brain and travels through the bloodstream to lodge in the narrower brain arteries
Term
encephal
Definition
brain
Term
encephal/o
Definition
brain
Term
encephal/o
Definition
brain
Term
encephal/o
Definition
brain
Term
encephalitis
Definition
inflammation of the brain - can be caused by a viral infection such as rabies
Term
encephalocele
Definition
craniocele
- congenital herniation of brain tissue through a gap in the skull
Term
endorphins
Definition
naturally occuring substances that are produced by the brain to help relieve pain
Term
epidural anesthesia
Definition
regional anesthesia produced by injecting medication into the epidural space of the lumbar or sacral region of the spine
Term
epidural hematoma
Definition
above the dura mater
Term
epidural space
Definition
inner surface of the vertebral column
- located between the walls of the vertebral column and the dura mater of the meninges
- contains fat and supportive connective tissues to cusion the dura mater
Term
epilepsy
Definition
seizure disorder
-chronic neurological condition characterized by recurrent episodes of seizures of varying severity
Term
esthesi
Definition
feeling
Term
esthet
Definition
feeling
Term
esthet/o
Definition
feeling, nervous sensation, sense of perception
Term
exacerbations
Definition
episodes of worsening symptoms that are also referred to as flares
Term
factitious
Definition
artificial, self-induced, or not naturally occurring
Term
factitious disorder
Definition
individual acts as if he or she has a physical or mental illness when he or she is not really sick
Term
factitious disorder by proxy
Definition
form of child abuse
Term
fissure
Definition
normally occuring deep groove
Term
frontal lobe
Definition
controls skilled motor functions, memory, behavior
Term
functional MRI
Definition
detects changes in blood flow in the brain when the patient is asked to perform a specific task
Term
gamma knife surgery
Definition
type of radiation treatment for brain tumors performed without a knife or an incision
Term
gamma radiation
Definition
nuclear medicine
-characterized by high energy and a short wavelength
Term
ganglion
Definition
nerve center made up of a cluster of nerve cell bodies outside the central nervous system

also describes a benign, tumor-like cyst
Term
general anesthesia
Definition
total loss of body sensation and consciousness induced by anesthetic agents administered primarily by inhalation or intravenous injection
Term
generalized anxiety disorder GAD
Definition
characterized by chronic, excessive worrying
-symptoms include muscle tension, sleep disturbance, irritability, trouble concentrating and restlessness
Term
glial cells
Definition
provide support and protection for neurons - four main functions
- surround neurons and hold them in place
- supply nutrients and oxygen to neurons
- insulate one neuron from another
- destroy and remove dead neurons
Term
gray matter
Definition
portion of nerve fibers NOT surrounded by myelin
Term
gyri
Definition
(sing gyrus) elevated folds of grey matter in cerebral cortex
Term
hallucination
Definition
sensory perception experienced in the absence of external stimulation
Term
hemorrhagic stroke
Definition
bleed-occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaksorwhen an aneurysm within the brain ruptures
Term
herniation
Definition
protrusion of a structure from its normal position
Term
homeostasis
Definition
process of maintaining theconstantinternal environment of the body
Term
hydr/o
Definition
water
Term
hydrocephalus
Definition
condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the ventricles of the brain
Term
hynotherapy
Definition
use of hypnosis to produce an altered state of focused attention in which the patient may be more willing tobelieve and act on suggestions
Term
hyperactivity
Definition
restlesness or a continuing excess of movement
Term
hyperesthesia
Definition
condition of abnormal and excessive sensitivity to touch, pain, or other sensory stimuli
Term
hypnotic
Definition
depresses the CNS and usually produces sleep
Term
hypochondriasis
Definition
characterized by fearing that one has a serious ilness despite appropriate medical evaluation and reassurance
Term
hypothalamus
Definition
located below the thalamus. 7 functions;
- regulates and integrates the autonomic nervous system, including controlling heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate and digestive tract activity
- regulates emotional responses, including fear and pleasure
-regulates body temperature
-regulates food intake by controlling hunger sensations
-regulates water balance by controlling thirst sensations
-regulates sleep-wakefulness cycles
-regulates the pituitary gland and endocrine system activity
Term
impulse
Definition
wave of excitation transmitted through nerve fibers and neurons
Term
impulse control disorders
Definition
group of psychiatric disorders characterized by a failure to resist an impulse despite potential negative consequences
Term
in-
Definition
without
Term
innervation
Definition
supply of nerves to a specific body part
Term
insomnia
Definition
prolonged or abnormal inability to sleep
-usually a symptom of another problem such as depression, pain, excessive caffeine
Term
intra-
Definition
within
Term
intracranial pressure
Definition
amount of pressure inside the skull
Term
ischemic
Definition
pertaining to the disruption of blood supply
Term
ischemic stroke
Definition
most common type of stroke in older people
-occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked by the narrowing or blockage of a carotid artery
Term
kleptoania
Definition
disorder characterized by repeatedly stealing objects neither for personal usenor for their monetery value
Term
learning disabilities
Definition
disorders found in children of normal intelligence who have difficulties in learning specific skills such as processing language or grasping math concepts
Term
left cerebral hemisphere
Definition
controls the majority of functions on the right side of the body
Term
lethargic
Definition
person who is at this level of consciousness
Term
lethargy
Definition
lowered level of consciousness marked by listlessness, drowsiness and apathy
Term
levels of consciousness
Definition
LOC-measurement of response to arousal and stimulus
Term
light therapy
Definition
exposure to daylight or to specific wavelengths of light in order to counteract seasonal affective disorder
Term
lobectomy
Definition
surgical removal of a portion of the brain to treat brain cancer or seizure disorders that cannot be controlled with meds
Term
local anesthesia
Definition
causes loss of sensation in a limited area by injecting an anesthetic solution near that area
Term
lumbar nerves
Definition
L1-L5
Term
lumbar plexus
Definition
made up of first four lumbar nerves and serves the lower back
Term
lumbar puncture
Definition
spinal tap
-process of obtaining a sample of cerebrospinal fluid by inserting a needle into the subarachnoid space of lumbar region to withdraw fluid
Term
lumbar radiculopathy
Definition
nerve pain in the lower back caused by muscle spasms or by nerve root irritation fromthe compression of vertebral disks such as a herniated disk
Term
malignant brain tumor
Definition
destroys brain tissue
Term
malingering
Definition
characterized by the intentional creation of false or grossly exaggerated physical or psychological symptoms
Term
manic behavior
Definition
includes an abnormally elevated mood state, including inappropriate elation, increased irritibility, severe insomnia, poor judgement and inappropriate social behavior
Term
mater
Definition
mother
Term
medulla oblongata
Definition
located at the lowest part of the brainstem
-connected to the spinal cord
-controls basic survival functions including the muscles that make possible respiration, heart rate, blood pressure as well as reflexes for coughing, sneezing, swallowing and vomiting
Term
mening/o
Definition
membranes, meninges
Term
mening/o
Definition
meninges
Term
meninges
Definition
system of membranes with three layers of connective tissue that encloses the brain and spinal cord (sing. meninx)
Term
meningioma
Definition
common, slow-growing and usually benign tumorof the meninges
Term
meningitis
Definition
infections meningitis-inflammation of the meninges of the brain and spinal cord
-can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection elsewhere in the body-characterized by intense headache and flu-like symptoms
Term
meningocele
Definition
congenital herniation of the meninges through a defect in the skull or spinal column
Term
mental retardation/intellectual disability
Definition
diagnosis of significant below-average intellectual and adaptive functioning present from birth or early infancy
Term
midbrain and pons
Definition
provide conduction pathways to and from the higher and lower centers in the brain
-control reflexes for movements of the eyes and head in response to visual and autiroy stimuli
Term
migraine headache
Definition
may be preceded by a warning aura, characterized by throbbing pain on one side of the head
Term
mild cognitive impairment
Definition
memory disorder, usually associated with recently acquired information, may be an eary predictor of Alzheirmer's disease
Term
mononeuropathy
Definition
damage to a singular peripheral nerve
- carpal tunnel syndrome
Term
mood-stabilizing drugs
Definition
lithium-used to treat mood instability and bipolar disorder
Term
multiple sclerosis
Definition
progressive autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation that causes demyelination of the myelin sheath. Scars the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves and disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses
-leaves patient with varying degrees of pain plus physical and cognitive problems
Term
myel/o
Definition
spinal cord
Term
myel/o
Definition
spinal cord, bone marrow
Term
myelin sheath
Definition
protective covering made up of glial cells

- forms the white matter of the brain and covers some parts of the spinal cord and the axon of most peripheral nerves
Term
myelinated
Definition
having a myelin sheath
Term
myelitis
Definition
inflammation of the spinal cord
Term
myelography
Definition
radiographic study of the spinal cord after the injection of a contrast medium through a lumbar puncture
Term
myelosis
Definition
tumor of the spinal cord
Term
narc/o
Definition
stupor
Term
narcissistic personality disorder
Definition
pattern of extreme preoccupation with the self and complete lack of empathy for others
Term
narcolepsy
Definition
sleep disorder consisting of sudden and uncontrollable brief episodes of falling asleep during the day
Term
nerve
Definition
one or more bundles of neurons that connect the brain and the spinal cord with other parts of the body
Term
neur
Definition
nerve
Term
neur/i
neur/o
Definition
nerves
Term
neur/i
neur/o
Definition
nerve, nerve tissue
Term
neur/o
Definition
nerve
Term
neurectomy
Definition
surgical division or dissection of a nerve
Term
neuritis
Definition
inflammation of a nerve accompanied by pain and sometimes loss of function
Term
neurodegenerative disease
Definition
umbrella term for disorders in which there is a progressive loss of structure or functions of the neurons
Term
neurologist
Definition
physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the nervous system
Term
neurons
Definition
basic cells of the nervouse system that allow different parts of the body to communicate with each other

- three types of neurons - described by their function
- ACE - SAM
Term
neuropathy
Definition
any disease or damage to a nerve
Term
neuroplasty
Definition
surgical repair of a nerve or nerves
Term
neurorrhaphy
Definition
surgically suturing together the ends of a severed nerve
Term
neurosurgeon
Definition
physician who specializes in surgery of the nervous system
Term
neurotransmitters
Definition
chemical substances that make it possible for messages to cross from the synapse of a neuron to the target receptor
- 200-300 known neurotransmitter with a specialized function
Term
norepinephrine
Definition
affects alertness and arousal, increasing blood pressure and heart rate, and releasing stores of glucose in response to stress
- hormone released by adrenal gland as part of body's fight-or-flight response
Term
obsession
Definition
repetitive, intrusive, distressing thoughts or impulses
Term
obsessive-compulsive disorder OCD
Definition
characterized by recurrent obsessions and or compulsions
Term
occipital lobe
Definition
controls eyesight
Term
palsy
Definition
paralysis of a body part that is often accompanied by loss of feeling and uncontrolled body movements such as shaking
Term
panic attack
Definition
unexpected, sudden experience of fear in the absence of danger, accompanied by physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, chest tightness, dizziness, sweating, nausea, feelings of unreality, choking or a combination
Term
panic disorder
Definition
characterized by a fear of panic attacks
Term
par-
Definition
abnormal
Term
parasympathetic nerves
Definition
return the body to normal after a response to stress
-also maintains normal body functions during ordinary circumstances that are not emotionally or physically stressful
Term
paresthesia
Definition
burning or prickling sensation usually felt in hands, arms, legs or feet but can also occur in other parts of the body
Term
parietal lobe
Definition
receives and interprets nerve impulses from sensory receptors in the tongue, skin and muscles
Term
peripheral nerves
Definition
31 pairs grouped together and named based on the region of the body they innervate
-nerves are referred to by number
Term
peripheral nervous system
Definition
PNS -

- 12 pairs of cranial nerves extending from the brain

- 31 pairs of peripheral spinal nerves extending outward from the spinal cord

- transmits nerve signals to and from the central nervous system
Term
peripheral nervous system
Definition
pertaining to body parts that are away from the center of the body
Term
peripheral neuropathy
Definition
disorder of the peripheral nerves that carry information to and from the brain and spinal cord
Term
persistent vegetative state
Definition
type of coma in which the patient exhibits alternating sleep and wake cycles; however, due to severe damage to certain areas of the brain, the person is uncioncious even when appearing to be awake
Term
personality disorder
Definition
chronic pattern of inner expreience and behavior that causes serious problems with relationships and work
Term
phenobarbital
Definition
barbiturate used as a sedative as an anticonvulsant
Term
phobia
Definition
abnormal fear
Term
phobia
Definition
persistent irrational fear of a specific thing or situation, strong enought to cause significant distress, to interfere with functioning and to lead to the avoidance of the thing or situation that causes this reaction
Term
pia
Definition
tender or delicate
Term
pia mater
Definition
third layer of the meninges
- located nearest to the brain and spinal cord
- consists of delicate connective tissue that contains a rich supply of blood vessels
Term
plexus
Definition
network of intersecting spinal nerves

also describes a network of intersecting blood or lymphatic vessels
Term
poli/o
Definition
gray matter
Term
poliomyelitis
Definition
polio
-highly contagious viral infection of the brainstem and spinal cord that sometimes leads to paralysis
Term
polyneuropathy
Definition
multiple peripheral nerves are damaged
-diabetes is common cause
Term
post
Definition
after
Term
post-polio syndrome
Definition
recurrence later in life of some polio symptoms in individuals who have had childhood poliomyelitis and have recovered from it
Term
post-traumatic stress disorder
Definition
PTSD - may develop after an event involving actual or threatened death or injury to the individual or someone else, during which the person felt intense fear, helplessness or horror
Term
process
Definition
structure that extends out from the cell body
Term
psych
Definition
mind
Term
psych/o
Definition
mind
Term
psych/o
Definition
mind
Term
psychiatrist
Definition
physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating chemical dependencies, emotional problems and mental illness
Term
psychoanalysis
Definition
based on the idea that mental disorders have underlying causes stemming from childhood and can only be overcome by gaining insight into one's feelings and patterns of behavior
Term
psychologist
Definition
evaluates and treats emotional problems and mental illness
-doctoral degree but is not a medical doctor
Term
psychotic disorder
Definition
chracterized by the loss of contact with reality and deterioration of normal social functioning
Term
psychotropic drug
Definition
acts primarily on the CNS where it produces temporary changes affecting the mind, emotions, and behavior
Term
pyromania
Definition
disorder characterized by repeated deliberate fire setting
Term
radicul
Definition
root or nerve root
Term
radicul/o
Definition
root or nerve root
Term
radicul/o
Definition
nerve root
Term
radiculitis
Definition
pinched nerves
-inflammation of the root of a spinal nerve that causes pain and numbness radiating down the affected limb
Term
receptors
Definition
sites in the sensory organs (eyes, ears, skin, nose, and taste buds)

sends the stimulus through the sensory neurons to the brain for interpretation
Term
recreational drug
Definition
one normally used for personal pleasure or satisfaction rather than medical purposes
Term
reflexes
Definition
automatic, involuntary response to some change, either inside or outside the body

- changes in the heart rate, breathing, blood pressure

- coughing and sneezing

- responses to painful stimuli
Term
regional anesthesia
Definition
temporary interruption of nerve conduction produced by injecting an anesthetic solution near the nerves to be blocked
Term
remission
Definition
time during which the symptoms ease, but the disease has not been cured
Term
restless legs syndrome
Definition
neurological disorder characterized by uncomfortable feelings in the legs producing a strong urge to move them
Term
right cerebral hemisphere
Definition
controls the functions on the left side of the body
Term
sacral nerves
Definition
S1-S5
Term
schizophrenia
Definition
psychotic disorder usually characterized by withdrawal from reality, illogical patterns of thinking, delusions and hallucinations and accompanied in varying degrees by other emotional, behavior or intellectual disturbances
Term
sciatica
Definition
inflammation of the sciatic nerve that results in pain, burning and tingling along the course of the affected sciatic nerve through the thigh, leg and foot
Term
seasonal affective disorder
Definition
seasonal bout of depression associated with decrease in hours of daylight during winter months
Term
sedative
Definition
depresses the CNS to produce calm and diminished responsiveness without producing sleep
Term
seizure
Definition
sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain that affects how a person feels or acts for a short time
Term
senile dementia
Definition
dementia of the aged
Term
sensory nerve fibers
Definition
receive external stimuli, suchas how something feels,and transmits thisinformation to the brain where itis interpreted
Term
serotonin
Definition
released in the brain, has roles in sleep, hunger, and pleasure recognition. Also sometimes linked to mood disorders
Term
shaken baby syndrome
Definition
describes the results of a child being violently shaken by someone
-causes brain injury, blindness, fractures, seizures, paralysis and death
Term
sleep deprivation
Definition
sufficient lack of restorative sleep over a cumulative period so as to cause physical or psychiatric symptomsand affect routine performance or tasks
Term
social phobia
Definition
social anxiety disorder-excessive fear of social situations where the person fears negative evaluation by others and embarrassing himself in front of others
Term
somatic nerve fibers
Definition
motor nerve fibers
-conveys information that controls the body's voluntary muscular movements
Term
somatoform disorder
Definition
characterized by physical complaints or concerns about one's body that are out of proportion to any physical findings or disease
Term
somn
Definition
sleep
Term
somnambulism
Definition
sleepwalking
- noctambulism
- condition of walking or performing some other activity without awakening
Term
son/o
Definition
sound
Term
spasticity
Definition
condition in which certain muscles are continuously contracted
Term
spinal anesthesia
Definition
regional anesthesia produced by injecting medication into the subarachnoid space
Term
spinal cord
Definition
long, fragile tube-like structure that begins at the end of the brainstem and continues down almost to the bottom of the spinal column
Term
stimulant
Definition
increases activity in certain areas of the brain to increase concentration and wakefulness
Term
stimulus
Definition
anything that activates a nerve and causes an impulse
Term
stroke
Definition
cerebrovascular accident-damage to the brain that occurs when the blood flow to the brain is disrupted because a blood vessel is either blocked or has ruptured
-third leading cause of death and primary cause of long-term disability
Term
stupor
Definition
unresponsive state from which a person can be aroused only briefly despite vigorous, repeated attempts
Term
subarachnoid space
Definition
located below the arachnoid membrane and above the pia mater
- contains cerebrospinal fluid
Term
subdural hematoma
Definition
below the dura mater
Term
subdural space
Definition
located between the dura mater and the arachnoid membrane
Term
substance abuse
Definition
addictive use of tobacco, alcohol, medications, or illegal drugs
Term
sulci
Definition
fissures of the cerebral cortex
Term
sympathetic nerves
Definition
prepare the body for emergencies and stress by increasing the breathing rate, heart rate and blood flow to muscles
-fight or flight response
Term
synapse
Definition
space between two neurons or between a neuron and a receptor organ
- single neuron can have a few or several hundred synapses
Term
syncope
Definition
faining-brief loss of consciousness caused by the decreased flow of blood to the brain
Term
temporal lobe
Definition
controls the senses of hearing and smell and the ability to create, store and access new information
Term
terminal end fibers
Definition
branching fibers at the end of the axon that lead the nervous impulse from the axon to the synapse
Term
tetanus
Definition
lockjaw-an acute and potentially fatal infection of the central nervous system caused by a toxin produced by the tetanus bacteria
-can be prevented by immunization
-typically aquired through a deep puncture wound
Term
thalamotomy
Definition
surgical incision into the thalamus
Term
thalamus
Definition
located below the cerebrum
-produces sensations by relaying impulses to and from the cerebrum and the sense organs of the body
Term
thoracic nerves
Definition
T1-T12
Term
thrombotic stroke
Definition
ischemic stroke that occurs when a blood clot forms in a carotid artery and blocks it
Term
thym
Definition
mind
Term
tonic-clonic seizure
Definition
grand mal seizure
-involves the entire body
-tonic phase - body becomes rigid
-clonic phase -uncontrolled jerking
Term
topical anesthesia
Definition
numbs only the tissue surface and is applied as a liquid, ointment or spray
Term
tourette syndrome
Definition
complex neurological disorder characterized by involuntary tics, grunts, and compulsive utterances that sometimes incude obscenities
Term
tract
Definition
bundle or group of nerve fibers located within the brain or spinal cord
Term
transient
Definition
passing quickly
Term
transient ischemic attack
Definition
TIA-sometimes referred to as a mini-stroke-temporary interruption in blood supply to the brain
-often a warning sign that the individual is at risk for a more serious and debilitating stroke
Term
trauma
Definition
injury
Term
traumatic brain injury
Definition
blow to the head or a penetrating head injury that damages the brain
Term
trichotillomania
Definition
disorder characterized by repeated pulling out of one's own hair
Term
trigeminal neuralgia
Definition
characterized by severe lightning-like pain due to an inflammation of the fifth cranial nerve
-sudden, intense, brief attacks of sharp pain affect the cheek, lips and gums only on one side of the face innervated by the affected nerve
Term
tropic
Definition
having an affinity for
Term
ultra-
Definition
beyond
Term
unconscious
Definition
state of being unaware and unable to respond to any stimuli, including pain
Term
unmyelinated
Definition
lacking a myelin sheath
Term
vascular dementia
Definition
form of dementia caused by a stroke or other restriction of the flow of blood to the brain
-accounts for 10-20% of all cases of dementia
Term
ven
Definition
vein
Term
warning aura
Definition
visual disturbance perceived by the patient preceding a migraine headache or epileptic seizure
Term
white matter
Definition
portion of nerve fibers surrounded by myelin
Term
withdrawal
Definition
psychological or physical syndrome caused by the abrupt cessation of the use of alcohol or a drug in an addicted individual
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