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Chapter 8 The Nervous System
The Nervous System, Dr. T, EU
189
Biology
Undergraduate 4
10/01/2011

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Cards

Term
Absence Seizure
Definition

A small seizure in whih there is a sudden temporar loss of consciousness lasting only a few seconds. 

 

(AB-senz SEE-zyoor)

Term
Acetylcholine
Definition

A chemical sustance in the body tissues that facilitates the transmission of nerve impulses from one nerve to another. It has a stimulant (or excitatory) effect on some parts of the body (such as the skeletal muscles) and a depressant (or inhibitory) effect on other parts of the body (such as the heart muslce); also known as a neurotransmitter


(ah-seh-till-KOH-leen)

Term
Afferent Nerves
Definition

Transmitters of nerve impulses toward teh CNS; also known as sensory nerves

 

(AFF-er-ent nerves)

Term
Agnosia
Definition

Loss of mental ability to understand sensory stimuli even though the sensory organs themselves are functioning properly

 

(ag-NOH-zee-ah)

Term
Agraphia
Definition

The inability to convert one's thoughts into writing. 

 

(ah-GRAFF-ee-ah)

Term
Alexia
Definition

The inability to understand written words

 

(ah-LEK-see-ah)

Term
Analgesia
Definition

Without sensitivity to pain

 

(an-al-JEE-zee-ah)

Term
Anesthesia
Definition

Without feeling or sensation

 

(an-ess-THEE-zee-ah)

Term
Aneurysm
Definition

A localized dilation in the wall of an artery that expands with each pulsation of the artery; usually caused by hypertension or atheroschlerosis. 

 

(AN-yoo-rizm)

Term
Aphasia
Definition

Inabilityt to communicate through speek, writing, or signs because of an injury to or disease in certain areas of the brain. 

 

(ah-FAY-zee-ah)

Term
Apraxia
Definition

Inability to perform coordinated movements or use objects properly; not associated with sensory or motor impairments or paralysis. 

 

(ah-PRAK-see-ah)

Term
Arachnoid Membrane
Definition

The weblike middle layer of the three membranous layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord. 

 

(ah-RAK-noyd MEM-brayn)

Term
Astrocyte
Definition

A star-shaped neuroglial cell found in the CNS

 

(ASS-troh-sight)

Term

Astrocytoma

 

 

Definition

A tumor of the brain or spinal cord composed of astrocytes

 

(ass-troh-sigh-TOH-mah)

Term
Ataxia
Definition

Without muscular coordination

 

(ah-TAK-see-ah)

Term
Aura
Definition

The sensation an individual experiences prior to the onset of a migraine headache or an epileptic seizure. It may be a sensation of light or warmth and may precede the attack by hours or only a few seconds. 

 

(AW-rah)

Term
Axon
Definition

The part of the nerve cell that transports nerve impulses away from the nerve cell body

 

(AK-son)

Term
Bradykinesia
Definition

Abnormally slow movement

 

(brad-ee-kih-NEE-see-ah)

Term
Brain Stem
Definition
The stemlike portion of the brain that connects the cerebral hemisphere with the spinal cord. The brain stem contains the midbrain, the pons, and the medulla oblongata
Term
Brudzinski's Sign
Definition
A positive sign of meningitis, in which there is an involuntary flexion of the arm, hip and kneww when the patient's neck is passively flexed. 
Term
Burr Hole
Definition
A hole drilled into the skull using a form of drill
Term
Cauda Equina
Definition

The lower end of the spinal cord and the roots of the spinal nerves that occupy the spinal canal below the level of the first lumbar vertebra; so named because it resembles a horse's tail. 

 

(KAW-dah ee-KWY-nah_

Term
Causalgia
Definition

A sensation of an acute burning pain along the path of a peripheral nerve, sometimes accompanied by erythema of the skin; due to injury to peripheral nerve fibers. 

 

(kaw-SAL-jee-ah)

Term
Cephalalgia
Definition

Pain in the head; headache

 

(seff-ah-LAL-jee-ah)

Term
Cerebellum
Definition

The part of the brain responsible for coordinating voluntary muscular movement; located behind the brain stem

 

(ser-eh-BELL-um)

Term
Cerebral Concussion
Definition
A brief interruption of brain function, usually with a loss of consciousness lasting for a few seconds. This transient loss of consciousness is usually caused by blunt trauma to the head. 
Term
Cerebral Contusion
Definition

Small scattered venous hemorrhages in teh brain; better described as a "bruise" of the brain tissue occuring when the brain strikes the inner skull. 

 

(seh-REE-bral con-TOO-zhun)

Term
Cerebral Cortex
Definition
The thin outer layer of nerve tissue, known as gray matter, that covers the surface of the cerebrum
Term
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Definition
The fluid flowing through the brain and around the spinal cord that protects them from physical blow or impact. 
Term
Cerebrum
Definition

The largest and uppermost part of the brain. It controls consciousness, memory, sensations, emotions, adn voluntary movements. 

 

(seh-REE-brum)

Term
Cheyne-Stokes respirations
Definition

An abnormal pattern of breaking characterized by periods of apnea followed by deep rapid breaking 

 

(CHAIN-STOHKS re-pir-AY-shunz)

Term
Comatose
Definition

Pertains to being in a coma

 

(COH-mah-tohs)

Term
Contracture
Definition

A permanent shortening of a muscle causing a joint to remain in abnormally flexed position, with resultant physcial deformity. 

 

(kon-TRAK-chur)

Term
Convoluation
Definition

One of the many elevated folds of the surface of the cerebrum; also called a gyrus

 

(kon-voh-LOO-shun)

 

Term
Craniotomy
Definition

A surgical incision into the cranium or skull

 

(kray-nee-OTT-oh-mee)

Term
Deficit
Definition
Any deficiency or variation of the normal, as in a weakness deficit resulting from a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). 
Term
Dementia
Definition

A progressive irreversible mental disorder in which the person has deteriorating memory, judgment, and ability to think. 

 

(dee-MEN-shee-ah)

Term
Demyelination
Definition

Destruction or removal of teh myelin sheath that covers a nerve or nerve fiber

 

(dee-MY-eh-lye-NAY-shun)

Term
Dendrite
Definition

a projection that extends from the nerve cell body. It receives impulses and conducts them on to the cell body. 

 

(DEN-dright)

Term
Diencephalon
Definition

The part of the brain located between teh cerebrum and the midbrain. Its main structures consist of the thalamus, hypothalamus, and pineal gland. 

 

(dye-en-SEFF-ah-lon)

Term
Diplopia
Definition

Double vision; also called ambiopia


(dip-LOH-pee-ah)

Term
Dura Mater
Definition

The outermost of the three membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord. 

 

(DOO-rah MATE-er)

Term
Dyslexia
Definition

A condition characterized by an impairment of the ability to read. Letters and words are often reversed when reading. 

 

(dis-LEK-see-ah)

Term
Dysphasia
Definition

Difficult speech

 

(dis-FAH-zee-ah)

Term
Efferent Nerves
Definition

Transmitters of nerve impulses away from the CNA; also known as motor nerves


(EE-fair-ent nerves)

Term
Embolism
Definition

An abnormal condition in which a blood clot (embolus) becomes lodged in a blood vessle, obstructing the flow of blood within the vessel 

 

(EM-boh-lizm)

Term
Epidural Space
Definition
the space immediatly outside the dura matter that contains a supporting chusion of fat and other connective tissues
Term
Epilepsy
Definition

A neurological condition characterized by recurrent episodes of sudden brief attacks of seizures. The seizure may vary from mild and unnoticeable to full-scale convulsive seizures. 

 

(EP-ih-lep-see)

Term
Fissure
Definition
a deep groove on teh surface of an organ
Term
Gait
Definition
the style of walking
Term
Ganglion
Definition
A knotlike mass of nerve tissue found outside the brain or spinal cord (plural: ganglia)
Term
Gray Matter
Definition
The part of the nervous system consisting of axons that are not covered with myelin sheath, giving a gray appearance
Term
Gyrus
Definition

One of the many elevated folds of the surface of the cerebrum 

(plural: gyri)

 

(JYE-rus)

Term
Hemiparesis
Definition

Slight or partial paralysis of one half of the body

 

(hem-ee-par-EE-sis)

Term
Hemiplegia
Definition

Paralysis of one half of the body

 

(hem-ee-PLEE-jee-ah)

Term
Herpes Zoster
Definition

An acute infection caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, characterized by painful vesicular lesions along the path of a spinal nerve; also called shingles



Term
Hyperesthesia
Definition

Excessive sensitivityto sensory stimuli, such as pain or touch

 

(high-per-ess-THEE-zee-ah)

Term
Hyperkinesis
Definition

Excessive muscular movement and physicla activity; hyperactivity

 

(high-per-kigh-NEE-sis)

Term
Hypothalamus
Definition

A part of the brain located below the thalamus that controls many functions, such as body temperature, sleep, and appetite. 

 

Term
Interneurons
Definition
Connecting neurons that conduct impulses from afferent nerves to or toward motor nerves
Term
Kernig's Sign
Definition

A diagnostic sign for meningitis marked by the person's inability to extend the leg completely when the thigh is flexed upon the abdomen and the person is sitting or lying down. 

 

(KER-nigz sign)

Term
Kinesiology
Definition

the study of muscle movement

 

(kih-nee-see-ALL-oh-jee)

Term
Lethargy
Definition

a state of being sluggish

see stupor


(LETH-ar-jee)

Term
Longitudinal Fissure
Definition
a deep groove in the middle of the cerebrum that divides the cerebrum into the right and left himispheres. 
Term
Medulla Oblongata
Definition
One of the three parts of the brain stem. The medulla oblongata is the most essential part of the brain in that it contains the cardiac, vasomotor, and respiratory centers of the brain
Term
Meninges
Definition

The three layers of protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord

 

(men-IN-jeez)

Term
Microglia
Definition

Small neuroglial cells found in the interstitial tissue of the nervous system that engulf cellular debris, waste products, and pathogens whithin the nerve tissue. 

 

(my-KROG-lee-ah)

Term
Midbrain
Definition
The uppermost part of the brain stem
Term
Myelin Sheath
Definition
A protective sheath that covers the axons of many nerves in the body. It acts as an electrical insulator and helps to speed the conduction of nerve impulses. 
Term
Narcolepsy
Definition

Uncontrolled, sudden attacks of sleep

 

(NAR-coh-lep-see)

Term
Nerve Block
Definition
The injection of a local anesthetic along the course of a nerve or nerves to eliminate sensation to the area supplied by the nerve(s); also called conduction anesthesia
Term
Neuralgia
Definition

Severe, sharp, spasmlike pain that extends along the course of one or more nerves

 

(noo-RAL-jee-ah)

Term
Neuritis
Definition

Inflammation of a nerve

 

(noo-RYE-tis)

Term
Neuroglia
Definition

The supporting tissue of the nervous system

 

(noo-ROG-lee-ah)

Term
Neurologist
Definition

A physician who specializes in treating the diseases and disorders of the nervous system

 

(noo-RAL-oh-jist)

Term
Neurology
Definition
The study of teh nervous system and its disorders
Term
Neuron
Definition
a nerve cell 
Term
Neurosurgeon
Definition
a physician who specializes in surgery of the nervous system
Term
Neurosurgery
Definition
Any surgery involving the nervous system
Term
Neurotransmitter
Definition
A chemical substance within the body that activates or inhibits the transmission of nerve impulses at synapses
Term
Nuchal Rigidity
Definition

Rigidity of the neck. The neck is resistanct to flexion. This condition is seen in patients with meningities. 

 

(NOO-kal rih-JID-ih-tee)

Term
Occlusion
Definition

Blockage

 

(oh-KLOO-zhun)

Term
Oligodendrocyte
Definition

A type of neuroglial cell found in the interstitial tissue of the nervous system. Its dendrite projections coil around the axons of many neurons to form the myelin sheath. 

 

(all-ih-goh-DEN-droh-sight)

Term
Palliative
Definition

soothing

 

(PAL-ee-ah-tiv)

Term
Paraplegia
Definition

Paralysis of the lower extremities and trunk, usually due to spinal cord injuries

 

(pair-ah-PLEE-jee-ah)

Term
Parasympathetic Nerves
Definition

Nerves of the ANS that regulate essential involuntary body functions such as slowing the heart rate, increasing peristalsis of the intestines, increasing glandular secretions, and relaxing sphincters. 

 

Term
Parasympathomimetic
Definition
Copying or producing the same effects as those of the parasympathetic nerves; "to mimic" the parasympathetic nerves
Term
Paresthesia
Definition

A sensation of numbness or tingling

 

(pair-ess-THEE-zee-ah)

Term
Phagocytosis
Definition

The process by which certain cells engulf and destroy microorganisms and cellular debris. 

 

(fag-oh-sigh-TOH-sis)

Term
Pia Mater
Definition

The innermost of the three membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord

 

(PEE-ah MATE-er)

Term
Pineal Body
Definition
A small cone-shaped structure (located in teh diencephalon of the brain) thought to be invovled in regulating the body's biological clock and that produces melatonin; also called the pineal gland 
Term
Plexus
Definition

A network of interwoven nerves

 

(PLEKS-us)

 

Term
Pons
Definition

The part of the brain located between the medulla oblongata and the midbrain. It acts as a bridge to connect the medulla oblongata and the cerebellum to the upper portions of the brain. 

 

(PONZ)

Term
Quadriplegia
Definition

Paralysis of all four extremities and the trunk of the body; caused by injury to the spinal cord at the level of the cervical vertebrae. 

 

(kwod-rih-PLEE-jee-ah)

Term
Radiculotomy
Definition

The surgical resection of a spinal nerve root (a procedure performed to relieve pain); also called a rhizotomy


(rah-dick-you-LOT-oh-mee)

Term
Receptor
Definition
A sensory nerve ending (a nerve ending that receivs impulses and respons to various type of stimulation) 
Term
Rhizotomy
Definition

The surgical resection of a spinal nerve root (a procedure performed to relieve pain); also called a radiculotomy 

 

(rye-ZOT-oh-mere)

Term
Sciatica
Definition

Inflammation of the sciatic nerve; characterized by pain along the course of the nerve, radiating through the thigh and down the back of the leg

 

(sigh-AT-ih-kah)

Term

Sensory

Definition

Pertaining to sensation

 

(SEN-soh-ree)

Term
Shunt
Definition

A tube or passage that diverts or redirects body fluid from one cavity or vessel to another; may be a congenital defect or artificially constructed for the purpose of redirecting fluid, as a shunt used in hydrocephalus



Term
Somatic Nervous System
Definition
The part of the PNS that provides voluntary control over skeletal muscle contractions 
Term
Stimulus
Definition
Any agent or factor capable of initiating a nerve impulse 
Term
Stupor
Definition

a state of lethargy. The person is unresponsive and seems unaware of his or her surroundings 

 

(STOO-per)

Term
Subarachnoid Space
Definition

The space located just under the arachnoid membrane that contains cerebrospinal fluid


(sub-ah-RAK-noyd space) 

Term
Subdural space
Definition

The space located just beneath the dura mater that contains serous fluid

 

(sub-DOO-ral space) 

Term
Sulcus
Definition

A depression or shallow groove on the surface of an organ, as a sulcus that separates any of the convolutinos of the cerebral hemispheres (plural: sulci) 

 

(SULL-kuss)

Term

Sympathetic Nerves

Definition

Nerves of the ANS that regulate essential involuntary body functions such as increasing the heart rate, constricting blood vessels, and raising the blood pressure 

 

(sim-pah-THET-ik)

Term
Sympathomimetic
Definition

Copying or producing the same effects as those of the sympathetic nerves; "to mimic" the sympathetic nerves

 

(sim-pah-thoh-mim-ET-ik)

Term
Synapse
Definition

The space between the end of one nerve and the beginning of another, through which nerve impulses are transmitted 

 

(SIN-aps)

Term
Syncope
Definition

fainting

 

(SIN-koh-pee)

Term
Thalamus
Definition

The part of the brain located between the cerebral hemispheres and the midbrain. The thalamus receives all sensory stimuli, except those of smell, and relays them to the cerebral cortex

 

(THAL-ah-mus)

Term
Thrombosis
Definition

An abnormal condition in which a clot develops in a blood vessel

 

(throm-BOH-sis)

Term
Tonic-clonic seizure
Definition

A seizure characterized by the presence of muscle contraction of tension followed by relaxation, creating a "jerking" movement of the body 

 

 

Term
Ventricle (brain)
Definition
a small hollow within the brain that is filled with cerebrospinal fluid 
Term
Whiplash
Definition
An injury to the cervical vertebrae and their supporting structures due to a sudden back-and-forth jerking movement of the head and neck. Whiplash may occur as a result of an automobile being struck suddenly from the rear. 
Term
White Matter
Definition
The part of the nervous system consisting of axons covered ith myelin sheath, giving a white appearance.
Term
Alzheimer's Disease
Definition

Deterioration of a person's intellectual functioning. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is progressive and extremely debilitating. It begins with minor memory loss and progresses to complete loss of mental, emotional, and physical functioning, frequently occurring in persons over 65 years of age. 

 

(ALTS-high-merz dih-ZEEZ)

Term
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) 
Definition

is a severe weaking and wasting of the invovled muscle groups, usually beginning with the hands and progressing to teh shoulders, upper arms, and legs. It is caused by decreased nerve innervation to the muscle groups. 

 

(ah-my-oh-TROFF-il LAT-er-al skieh-ROH-sis)

Term
Anencephaly
Definition

is an absence of the brain and spinal cord at birth, a congenital disorder

 

(an-en-SEFF-ah-lee)

Term
Bell's Palsy
Definition
is a temporary or permanent unilateral weakness or paralysis of the muscles in teh face following trauma to the face, and unknown infection, or a tumor pressing ont he facial nerve rending it paralyzed
Term
Brain Abscess
Definition
is localized accumulation of pus located anywhere in the brain tissue due to an infectious process 0 either a primary local infection or an infection secondary to another infectious process in the body
Term
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Definition
is a pinching or compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel due to inflammation and sweeling of the tendons, causing intermittent or continuous pain that is greatest at night
Term
Cerebral Concussion
Definition
is a brief interruption of brain function, usually with a loss of consciousness lasting for a few seconds
Term
Cerebral Palsy
Definition
is a collective term used to describe congenital brain damage that is permanent but not progressive. It is characterized by the child's lack of voluntary muscles. 
Term
Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)
Definition
involves death of a specific portion of brain tissue, resulting from a decrease in blood flow (ischemia) to that area of the brain; also called stroke
Term
Degenerative Disk
Definition

is the deterioration of the intervertebral disk, usually due to constant motiona nd wear on the disk

 

 

Term
Encephalities
Definition
is the inflammation of the brain or spinal cord tissue largely cuased by a virus that enters the CNS when the person experiences a viral disease such as measles or mumps or through the bite of a mosquito or tick
Term
Grand Mal Seizure
Definition

is an epileptic seizure characterized by a sudden loss of consciousness and by generalized involuntary muscular contraction, vacillating between rigid body extension and an alternating contracting and relaxing of muscles

 

(grand MALL SEE-zyoor)

Term
Pepit Mal Seizure
Definition

is a small seizure in which tehre is a sudden temporary loss of consciousness lasting only a few seconds; also known as the absence seizure


(pet-EE MALL SEE-zyoor)

Term
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Definition

is acute polyneuritis (inflammation of many nerves) of the PNS in which the myelin sheaths on the axons are destroyed, resulting in decreased nerve impulses, loss of reflex response, and sudden muscle weakness, which usually follows a viral gastrointestinal or respiratory infection

 

(GEE-yon bah-RAY SIN-drom)

Term
Headache (Cephalalgia)
Definition

invovles pain anywhere within the cranial cavity. It may be chronic or acute and may occur as a result of a disease process or be totally benign. The majority of headaches are transient and produce mild pain relieved by a mild analgesic 

 

(seff-ah-LAL-jee-ah)

Term
Migraine Headache
Definition
is a recurring, pulsating, vascular headache usually developing on one side of the head. It is characterized by a slow onset that may be preceded by an aura, during which a sensory distrubance occurs such as confusion or some visual interference
Term
Cluster Headache
Definition
occurs typically two to three hours after falling asleep; described as extreme pain around one eye that awakens the person from sleep 
Term
Tension Headache
Definition
occurs from long, enduring contraction of skeletal muscles around the face, scalp, upper back, and neck 
Term
Hematoma, epidural
Definition

epidural hematoma is a collection of blood located above the dura mater and just below the skull 

 

(hee-mah-TOH-mah, eh-pih-DOO-ral)

Term
Hematoma, Subdural
Definition

Subdural hematoma is a collection of blood below the dura mater and above the arachnoid layer of the meninges 

 

(hee-mah-TOH-mah, sub-doo-ral)

Term
Herniated Disk
Definition
is rupture or herniation of the disk center through the disk wall and into the spinal canal, causing pressure on teh spinal cord or nerve roots 
Term
Huntington's Chorea
Definition
is an inherited neurological disease characterized by rapid, jerk, involuntary movements and increasing dementia due to the effects of teh basal ganglia on the neruons 
Term
Hydrocephalus
Definition

is an abnormal increase of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain that causes the ventricles of the brain to dilate, resulting in an increased head circumference in teh infant with open fontanel(s); a congenital disorder 

 

(high-droh-SEFF-ah-lus)

Term
Intracranial Tumors
Definition
occur in any structural region of the brain .They may be malignant or benigh, classified as primary or secondary, and are named according to the tissue from which they originate.
Term
Primary Intracranial Tumors
Definition
arise from gliomas, malignant glial cells that are a support for nerve tissue, and from tumors that arise from teh meninges. 
Term
Metastatic Intracranial Tumors (Secondary)
Definition
occur as a result of metastatis from a primary site such as the lung or breast. They occur more frequently than primary neoplasms 
Term
Meningitis (Acute Bacterial)
Definition
is a serious bacterial infection of the meninges that can have residual debilitating effects or even a fatal outcome if not diagnosed and treated promptly with appropriate antiboiotic therapy 
Term
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Definition
is a degenerative inflammatory disease of the CNS attacking the myelin sheath in the spinal cord and brain, leaving it sclerosed (hardened) or scarred and interrupting the flow of nerve impulses
Term
Myasthenia Gravis
Definition

is a chronic progressive neuromuscular disorder causing severe skeletal muscle weakness (without atrophy) and fatigue, which occurs at different levels of severity

 

(my-ass-THEE-nee-ah GRAV-iss)

Term
Narcolepsy
Definition
is a rare syndrome of uncrontlled sudden attacks of sleep. The main features are daytime sleepiness and cataplexy 
Term
Neuroblastoma
Definition

is a highly malignant tumor of the sympathetic nervous system

 

(noo-roh-blass-TOH-mah)

Term
Parkinson's Disease
Definition
is a degenerative, slowly progressive deterioration of nerves in the brain stem's motor system characterized by a gradual onset of symptoms such as a stooped postrue with the body flexed forward; a bowed head; a shuffling gait; pill-rolling gestures; an expressionless, masklike facial appearance; muffled speech; and swallowing difficulity 
Term
Peripheral Neuritis
Definition

is a general term indicating inflammation of one or more peripheral nerves, the effects being dependent on the particular nerve invovled 

ex: Trigeminal Neuralgia

Bell's palsy

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 

Term
Poliomyelitis
Definition
is an infectious viral disease entering through the upper respiratory tract and affecting the ability of spinal cord and brain motor neurons to receive stimulation. Muscules affected become paralyzed wtihout the motor nerve stimulation 
Term
Postpolio Syndrome
Definition
is progressive weakness occurring at least 30 years aftern the initial poliomyelitis attack 
Term
Reye's Syndrome
Definition

is an acute brain encephalopathy along with fatty infiltration of the internal organs that may follow acute viral infections; occurs in children between 5 and 11, often with a fatal result. There are confirmed studied linking the onset of Reye's syndrome to aspirin administration during a viral illness. 

 

(RISE SIN-drom)

Term
Shingls (Herpes Zoster)
Definition
is an acute viral infection seen mainly in adults who have had chicken pox, chractered by inflammation of he underlying spinal or cranial nerve pathway (producing painful vesicular eruptions on the skin along these nerve pathways). 
Term
Skull Fracture (Depressed)
Definition
A broken segment of the skull bone trhust into the brain as a result of a direct force, usually a blunt obeject, is a skull fracture. 
Term
Spina Bifida Cystica
Definition

is a congenital defect of the CNS in which the back portion of one or more vertebrase is not closed normally and a cyst protrudes throught eh opening in the back, suually at th elevel of the fifth lumbar or first sacral vertebrae. 

 

(SPY-nah BIFF-ih-day SISS-tih-kah)

Term
Meningocele
Definition

is a cystlike sac covered with skin or a thin membrane protruding through the bony defect in the vertebrae containing meninges and CSF. 

 

(men-IN-goh-seel)

Term
Meningomyelocele
Definition

is a cystlike sac covered wtih skin or a thin membrane protruding through the bony defect in the vertebrae that contains meninges, CSF, and spinal cord segments 

 

(men-in-goh-my-ELL-oh-seel)

Term
Spina Bifida Occulta
Definition
is a congenital defect of the CNS in which the back portion of one or more vertebrae is not closed. A dimpling over the area may occur
Term
Spinal Cord Injuries
Definition

Severe injuries to the spinal cord, such as vertebral dislocation or vertebral fractures, resulting in impairment of spinal cord function below the level of the inury. 

 

ex. Paraplegia

quadriplegia

Term
Paraplegia
Definition

paralysis of the lower extremities

is caued by severe injury to the spianl cord in the thoracic or lumbar region, resulting in loss of sensory and motor control below the level of injury

 

Term
Quadriplegia
Definition

follows severe trauma to the spinal cord between the fifth and seventh cervical vertebrae, generally resulting in loss of motor and sensory funciton below the level of injury 

 

(kwod-rih-PLEE-jee-ah)

Term
Tay-Sachs Disease
Definition
is a congenital disorder caused by altered lipid metabolism, resulting from an enzyme deficiency 
Term
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Definition

short periods of severe unilateral pain, which radiates along the fifth cranial nerve

or Tic Douloureux

 

(try-JEM-ih-nal noo-RAL-jee-ah, 

 

tik DOO-loh-roo)

Term
Babinski's Reflex
Definition

can be tested by stroking the sole of the foot, beginning at midheel and moving upward and lateral to the toes. A positive Babinski's occurs when there is dorsiflexion of the great toe and fanning of the other toes. 

Normal in newborn but not for anyone else 

 

(bah-BIN-skeez REE-fleks)

Term
Brain Scan
Definition
is a nuclear counter scanning of cranial content two hours after an intravenous injectino of radioisotopes 
Term
Cerebral Angiography
Definition

is visualization of the cerebral vascular system via X-ray after the injection of a radiopaque contrast medium into an arterial blood vessel (carotid, femoral, or brachial). 

 

(seh-REE-bral an-jee-OG-rah-fee)

Term
Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis
Definition
CSF obstained from a lumbar puncture is analyzed for the presence of bacteria, blood or malignant cells as well as for the amoun of protein and glucose present. 
Term
CT scan of the brain
Definition
Computed tomography (CT) is the analysis of a three-dimensional view of brain tissue obtained as X-ray beams pass through successive horizontal layers of the brain; also called computerized axial tomography (CAT scan)
Term
Chordotomy
Definition

is a neurosurgical procedure for pain control accomplished through a laminectomy, in which there is surgical interference of pathways within the spinal cord that controls pain. 

 

(kor-DOT-oh-mee)

Term
Cisternal Puncture
Definition
involves insertion of a short, beveled spinal needle into the cisterna magna (a shallow reservoir of CSF between the medulla and the cerebellum) to drain CSF or to obtain a CSF specimen 
Term
Craniotomy
Definition

is a surgical procedure that makes an opening into the skull 

 

(dray-nee-OTT-oh-mee)

Term
Echoencephalography
Definition

Ultrasound used to analyze the intracranial structures of the brain

 

(ek-oh-en-seff-ah-LOG-rah-fee)

Term
Electroencephalography (EEG)
Definition
Measurement of electrical activity produced by the brain and recorded through electrodes placed on the scalp 
Term
Electromyography (EMG)
Definition

is the process of recording the electrical activity of muscle by inserting a small needle into the muscle and delivering a small current that stimulates the muscle 

 

(ee-lek-troh-my-OG-rah-fee)

Term
Laminectomy
Definition

is the surgical removal of the bony arches from one or more of the vertebrae to relieve pressure of the spinal cord

 

(lam-ih-NEK-toh-mee)

Term
Lumbar Puncture
Definition
involves the insertion of a hollow needle and sylet into the subarachnoid space, generally between the third and fourth lumbar vertebrae below the level of the spinal cord under strict aseptic technique 
Term
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Definition
is a noninvasive scanning procedure that provides visualization of fluid, soft tissue, and bony structures without the use of radiation 
Term
Myelography
Definition

is the introduction of contrast medium into the lumbar subarachnoid space through a lumbar puncture to visualize the spinal cord and vertebral canal through X-ray examination

 

(my-eh-LOG-rah-fee)

Term
Neurectomy
Definition

is a neurosurgical procedue to relieve pain in a localized or small area by incision of cranial or peripheral nerves

 

(noo-REK-toh-mee)

Term
Pneumoencephalography
Definition

is used to visualize radiographically one of the ventricles or fluid-occupying spaces in the CNS

 

(noo-moh-en-seff-ah-LOG-rah-fee)

Term
Polysomnogram
Definition
is a sleep study or sleep test that evaluates physical factors affecting sleep. Physical activity and level of sleep are monitored by a technician while the patient sleeps 
Term
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
Definition

scan produces computerized radiographic images of various body structures when radioactive substances are inhaled or injected 

 

(POZ-ih-tron ee-MISH-un toh-MOG-rah-fee)

Term
Romberg Test
Definition
is used to evaluate cerebellar funciton and balance 
Term
Stereotaxic Neurosurgery
Definition

is performed on a precise locaiton of an area within the brain that controls specific function(s) and may involve destruction of brain tissue wit various agents such as heat, cold, and sclerosing or corrosive fluids 

 

(ster-eh-oh-TAK-sik noo-roh-SER-jer-ee)

Term
Sympathectomy
Definition

is a surgical procedure used to interrupt a portin of the sympathetic nerve pathway for the purpose of releaving chronic pain 

 

(sim-pah-THEK-toh-mee)

Term
Tractotomy 
Definition

invovles a craniotomy, through which the anterolateral pathway i the brain stem is surgically divided in an attempt to relieve pain 

 

(trak-TOT-oh-mee)

Term
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) 
Definition

is a form of cutaneous stimulation for pain relief that supplies electrical impulses to the nerve endings of a nerve close to the pain site 

 

(tranz-kyoo-TAY-nee-us

ee-LEK-trih-kl nerve

stim-yoo-LAY-shun) 

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