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medical terminology > unit 9 (nervous sytem) - medical vocabulary > Flashcards

unit 9 (nervous sytem) - medical vocabulary Flashcards

1
Q

afferent nerves

A

nerves that only conduct messages from the sensory receptors to the central nervous system

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2
Q

Alzheimer’s disease (AD)

A

a form of dementia (progressive mental deterioration) resulting from atrophy of the frontal and occipital lobes of the brain

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3
Q

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

A

a disease marked by muscular weakness and atrophy with involuntary contractions and excessive reflexes; caused by the degeneration of motor neurons in the spinal cord and in the brain’s medulla and cortex

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4
Q

analgesic

A

a drug that relieves pain; includes nonprescription pain relievers, such as aspirin, and prescription pain relievers, such as hydrocodone

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5
Q

anesthetic

A

a drug that causes a reversible loss of sensation or pain; used to temporarily deaden pain

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6
Q

antianxiety agent

A

a medication used to reduce feelings of anxiety

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7
Q

anticonvulsant

A

a drug that prevents or relieves convulsions

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8
Q

antidepressant

A

a medication used to treat depression

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9
Q

anxiety disorders

A

a group of mental disorders that share the core characteristic of anxiety (excessive worry, nervousness, or uneasiness)

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10
Q

anxiolytic

A

an antianxiety drug

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11
Q

arachnoid mater

A

the middle layer of the meninges, which consists of many thin fibers that connect it to the pia mater

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12
Q

ascending spinal tracts

A

transmit sensory information from organs and glands to the brain

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13
Q

astrocytoma

A

a tumor of the neuroglial tissue

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14
Q

attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

A

a chronic mental disorder in which a person is frequently distracted, is hyperactive, and displays a lack of impulse control

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15
Q

aura

A

a subjective sensation that often occurs before a migraine or seizure

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16
Q

autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

A

a developmental disability characterized by difficulty communicating with others and focusing beyond oneself; inability to maintain eye contact; motor activity that is repetitious; and preoccupation with small objects

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17
Q

autonomic nervous system (ANS)

A

the division of the nervous system that controls the involuntary bodily functions; can be divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems

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18
Q

axon

A

a long, tail-like projection on a neuron, which takes information from the cell body out to the muscles

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19
Q

axon terminals

A

an offshoot of the axon that branches out to connect with individual muscle fibers

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20
Q

Babinski sign

A

a reflex in which the toes curl upward when the plantar surface (sole) of the foot is stimulated; also known as the Babinski reflex

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21
Q

Bell’s palsy

A

a condition characterized by a unilateral (one-sided) paralysis of the nerves that control the facial muscles, causing one side of the face to droop

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22
Q

bipolar disorder

A

a mental disorder characterized by alternating periods of mania (emotional “highs”) and depression (emotional “lows”)

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23
Q

brain

A

the organ of the body contained in the cranium, which controls the functions, movements, sensations, and thoughts

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24
Q

brain stem

A

a structure that is located beneath the diencephalon, connects the cerebrum with the spinal cord, and helps regulate the central nervous system by serving as a conduit for sensory information carried between the cerebrum and cerebellum and the rest of the body

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25
Q

brain tumor

A

any intracranial mass, which may be neoplastic (a new growth), cystic (a sac containing fluid), or inflammatory (an abscess)

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26
Q

bulimia nervosa

A

an eating disorder characterized by binge eating that is followed by induced vomiting, use of laxatives, and/or excessive exercise; often abbreviated to bulimia

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27
Q

carotid endarterectomy

A

the surgical removal of fatty deposits in one or both carotid arteries (arteries that supply blood to the brain); commonly used to prevent a CVA

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28
Q

cell body

A

the main part of the cell, which contains the nucleus

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29
Q

central nervous system (CNS)

A

the collective term for the brain and spinal cord

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30
Q

cerebellum

A

the second largest region of the brain, which controls your body’s sense of balance and equilibrium and coordinates movements of voluntary muscles

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31
Q

cerebral aneurysm

A

an abnormal, localized (limited to one area) dilation of a blood vessel in the cerebrum

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32
Q

cerebral angiography

A

an X-ray of the blood vessels in the brain after a contrast medium (dye) has been injected; used to diagnose a CVA and other injuries and disorders of the brain

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33
Q

cerebral contusion

A

a bruising in the cerebral tissue

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34
Q

cerebral cortex

A

the outer layer of the cerebrum, which contains many folds of curved and depressed areas

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35
Q

cerebral palsy (CP)

A

a disorder that affects movement and muscle tone; caused by a defect in, or trauma to, the brain before birth

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36
Q

cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

A

a clear, watery fluid that envelops and protects the brain and spinal cord

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37
Q

cerebrospinal fluid shunt

A

a surgically implanted device that drains cerebrospinal fluid in a controlled manner from the brain ventricles to the abdomen or heart; commonly used to treat hydrocephalus

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38
Q

cerebrovascular accident (CVA)

A

the death of brain tissue that occurs when an arterial blockage or arterial rupture prevents blood flow to the brain; commonly called stroke

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39
Q

cerebrum

A

the largest brain region, which is the seat of high-level cognitive functions such as language, reasoning, planning, memory, and sensory integration

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40
Q

cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

A

a form of psychotherapy or mental health counseling wherein the goal is to help the client to gain an improved awareness of negative thought processes and to adopt strategies for counteracting negative thinking

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41
Q

coma

A

a state of extended unconsciousness caused by a medical crisis, such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, infection, or illness (diabetes, for example)

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42
Q

concussion

A

a traumatic brain injury (TBI) resulting from a blow to the head or violent shaking of the head and upper body; causes partial or complete loss of brain functions, which can result in memory loss, impaired coordination, balance deficit, and dizziness

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43
Q

convulsion

A

a sudden, abnormal, involuntary contraction (or series of contractions) of the muscles

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44
Q

corpus callosum

A

a bundle of nerve tissue that connects the two hemispheres of the brain

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45
Q

craniectomy

A

the surgical removal of part of the skull to gain access to the brain; most commonly used to treat swelling in the brain

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46
Q

craniotomy

A

an incision into the skull to gain access to the brain

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47
Q

cytoplasm

A

a jelly-like substance that makes up most of the cell body and which protects the nucleus

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48
Q

deep tendon reflexes (DTRs)

A

involuntary muscle contractions that occur when the tendons associated with certain areas of the limbs (for example, the patella, or knee) are percussed with a reflex hammer. DTRs are tested during a standard neurological exam

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49
Q

delirium

A

a state of mental confusion and agitation characterized by disorientation of time and place, usually accompanied by hallucinations (false sensory experiences that are perceived as real) and illusions (misperceptions of environmental stimuli)

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50
Q

dementia

A

a condition of progressive mental deterioration caused by organic brain disease (that is, caused by tissue changes in the brain), which is characterized by memory loss, difficulties with language expression, and inability to perform ordinary daily activities of living

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51
Q

dendrites

A

branches of a neuron that collect stimuli and transport them to the cell body

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52
Q

depression

A

a mood disorder marked by persistent feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and lack of interest in daily activities

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53
Q

descending spinal tracts

A

relay motor commands from the brain to one or more of the peripheral nerves

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54
Q

developmental disorders

A

a group of mental disorders characterized by disruption of normal development during childhood

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55
Q

diencephalon

A

an area of the brain that includes the thalamus, hypothalamus, and pineal gland; also known as the interbrain

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56
Q

diskectomy

A

the surgical removal of a herniated (protruding) vertebral disk

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57
Q

dura mater

A

a thick sac of dense collagen fiber and blood vessels; the outermost layer of the meninges

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58
Q

dyslexia

A

a learning disorder characterized by difficulty in recognizing and comprehending written language; affects reading and spelling abilities as well as self-expression

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59
Q

eating disorders

A

a group of mental disorders characterized by an unhealthy focus on weight and food

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60
Q

effectors

A

muscles or glands in the body that generate a response in the form of motor output

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61
Q

efferent nerves

A

nerves that conduct messages from the central nervous system to the nucleus or glands of the body

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62
Q

electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

A

electrical shock applied to the brain under medical supervision to trigger convulsions

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63
Q

electroencephalogram (EEG)

A

a record of the electrical impulses of the brain; used to diagnose neurological conditions that affect brain function and level of consciousness

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64
Q

electroneurodiagnostic (END) technologist

A

a healthcare worker that uses specialized diagnostic equipment to monitor a patient’s nervous system

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65
Q

epidural hematoma (EDH)

A

a mass of blood that forms between the skull and the dura mater as a result of the brain colliding against the skull, such as from a head injury or a fall

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66
Q

epilepsy

A

a neurological disorder of the central nervous system disorder in which the activity of the neural cells in the brain becomes disrupted, causing seizures, unusual sensations, repeated twitching of the limbs, and, occasionally, loss of consciousness

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67
Q

focal seizure

A

abnormal electrical activity that occurs in one or more parts of one brain hemisphere; also known as a partial seizure

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68
Q

frontal lobes

A

lobes of the brain located in the anterior part of the cerebrum, which controls movement, reasoning, planning, problem solving, speech, and emotions

69
Q

generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

A

an anxiety disorder characterized by excessive worry that is not restricted to specific situations or objects; often associated with physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, chest pain, tremors, sweating, nausea, or headaches

70
Q

grand mal seizure

A

a epileptic seizure characterized by violent muscle contractions and loss of consciousness; also known as a tonic-clonic seizure

71
Q

gray matter

A

unmyelinated nerve tissue that is composed mostly of nerve cell bodies and dendrites

72
Q

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GB syndrome)

A

polyneuritis (inflammation of multiple peripheral nerves) characterized by progressive muscle weakness of the extremities, which may lead to paralysis; usually occurs during or after recovery from an infectious disease

73
Q

gyri

A

convolutions in the brain

74
Q

headache

A

pain that is spread out in one or more parts of the head; unconfined to a particular area of nerve distribution

75
Q

hemiparesis

A

paralysis on one side of the body; also known as hemiplegia

76
Q

hemiplegia

A

paralysis of one side of the body; also known as hemiparesis

77
Q

hemorrhagic stroke

A

a type of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) that occurs when a weakened blood vessel, such as an aneurysm, ruptures and bleeds into the surrounding tissue of the brain

78
Q

hydrocephalus

A

an accumulation of excess cerebrospinal fluid inside the ventricles of the brain, which causes cephalomegaly (enlargement of the head) and which may cause brain damage; commonly seen in young children

79
Q

hypnotic

A

a drug that causes sleep or loss of consciousness

80
Q

hypothalamus

A

a portion of the diencephalon, which regulates functions such as metabolism, heart rate, and blood pressure

81
Q

integration

A

a process during which the central nervous system processes and interprets the information received through the sensory organs

82
Q

intellectual disability (ID)

A

a condition of below-average intelligence resulting in the inability to develop skills necessary for daily living; also known as intellectual development disorder (IDD)

83
Q

involuntary movement

A

movement that is out of a person’s control

84
Q

ischemic stroke

A

a type of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) that occurs when a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain becomes occluded (blocked)

85
Q

laminectomy

A

a procedure in which the vertebral lamina, or the part of the bone that makes up a vertebra in the spine, is surgically removed, allowing access to the spinal cord; commonly used to treat a herniated disk

86
Q

light therapy

A

the use of a specialized light source, which replicated natural sunlight, to treat seasonal affective disorder

87
Q

lumbar puncture (LP)

A

the insertion of a needle between two lumbar vertebrae (in the lower spine) to remove a sample of cerebrospinal fluid for diagnostic evaluation or therapeutic treatment; commonly used to diagnose meningitis; also known as spinal tap

88
Q

medulla oblongata

A

one part of the brain stem, which helps conduct neural impulses from the brain to the spinal cord; regulates breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature

89
Q

meninges

A

three layers of connective tissue that protect the brain and spinal cord

90
Q

meningocele

A

congenital hernia in which the meninges protrude through an opening of the skull or spinal cord

91
Q

midbrain

A

one part of the brain stem, which serves as the passageway for electrical impulses as they travel between the brain and spinal cord

92
Q

migraine

A

a headache that produces intense throbbing and pain in one area of the head and that is typically accompanied by nausea and/or vomiting and hypersensitivity to light and sound

93
Q

mitochondria

A

specialized tissue cells that ingest, digest, and convert nutrients into energy for the cells of the body

94
Q

mood disorders

A

a group of mental disorders marked by depression that may alternate with periods of elation (feelings of happiness)

95
Q

mood stabilizer

A

a drug used to balance brain chemicals that control emotional states and behaviors associated with certain mental disorders

96
Q

motor neurons

A

neurons that receive electrical impulses from the brain and spinal cord and communicate these impulses to other parts of the body

97
Q

multiple sclerosis (MS)

A

a chronic, slow-progressing disease of the central nervous system marked by development of thin, demyelinated (without myelin) glial patches called plaques

98
Q

myasthenia gravis (MG)

A

a disease of the skeletal muscles caused by disruption in neural communication between the muscles and the nerves; marked by severe weakness and fatigue

99
Q

myelin sheath

A

a protective covering that is made up of fats and proteins and which surrounds the axons; provides electrical insulation

100
Q

myelogram

A

a procedure in which an X-ray of the spinal cord is taken after a contrast agent (dye) has been injected into the spine

101
Q

myelomeningocele

A

a form of spina bifida (split spine) marked by protrusion of a portion of the spinal cord and the meninges through the spine

102
Q

narcotic

A

a drug that, in moderate doses, depresses the central nervous system, relieves pain and induces sleep

103
Q

nerve block

A

the injection of a local or regional anesthetic or anesthesia to prevent pain in an area near a nerve

104
Q

nerve condition velocity (NCV)

A

a procedure in which electrodes are placed on the surface of the body over specific nerve areas and a mild electrical impulse is delivered to the areas

105
Q

nerve root

A

the origin point of the nerve

106
Q

neuroglial cells

A

specialized cells that support the vital functions of the nervous systems; commonly known as glial cells

107
Q

neuroleptic agent

A

a medication used to treat psychotic disorders, mainly schizophrenia

108
Q

neurons

A

the fundamental cells of the nervous system; also known as nerve cells

109
Q

neuroplasty

A

the surgical repair of a nerve

110
Q

neurosurgeon

A

a physician who specializes in treating diseases and conditions of the nervous system

111
Q

neurotransmitters

A

chemical messengers that pass neural impulses across the cleft from one neuron to another

112
Q

nucleus

A

the organelle that contains genetic material and controls the cell’s activity

113
Q

obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

A

an anxiety disorder in which irrational thoughts and fears cause one to perform repetitive actions (for example, excessive handwashing due to the fear of becoming contaminated by germs)

114
Q

occipital lobes

A

lobes of the brain located in the posterior part of the cerebrum, which control vision

115
Q

organelles

A

other specialized parts of a cell that perform specific functions for the body

116
Q

panic disorder (PD)

A

a disorder characterized by sudden, recurring attacks of intense anxiety and fear; includes physical symptoms that imitate a heart attack, as well as a general sense of loss of control

117
Q

paralysis

A

the temporary or permanent loss of voluntary movement (motor function)

118
Q

paraplegia

A

a loss of voluntary movement (motor function) in the lower half of the body, including both legs; often as a result of spinal cord injury (SCI) or disease

119
Q

parasympathetic nervous system

A

the branch of the autonomic nervous system that controls the “rest-and-digest” response; counteracts the adrenalized response generated by the sympathetic nervous system during a fight-or-flight experience

120
Q

paresthesia

A

the sensation of numbness, prickling, or tingling, usually in the upper or lower extremities; caused by irritation of, or injury to, sensory nerves or nerve roots

121
Q

parietal lobes

A

lobes of the brain located in the superior part of the cerebrum, which are largely responsible for processing sensory stimuli related to touch, pressure, temperature, and pain

122
Q

Parkinson’s disease (PD)

A

a progressive disorder of the nervous system marked by signs such as tremor, bradykinesia (slow movement), muscular rigidity, and an irregular gait

123
Q

peripheral nervous system (PNS)

A

the collective term for nerves that reach into and extend from the brain and spinal cord

124
Q

petit mal seizure

A

brief, sudden lapses of consciousness, most commonly characterized by vacant starting for 10 to 15 seconds; also known as an absence seizure

125
Q

phobia

A

an exaggerated fear of a specific object or situation that causes anxiety and panic

126
Q

physician anesthesiologist

A

a doctor who administers general anesthesia or an anesthetic to patients before surgery

127
Q

pia mater

A

a thin, delicate tissue membrane that lies directly on the brain and spinal cord; contains a rich supply of blood vessels that nourish the central nervous system

128
Q

pineal gland

A

a small gland that is included in the diencephalon and which secretes melatonin

129
Q

poliomyelitis (polio)

A

inflammation of the gray matter of the spinal cord; caused by a highly contagious virus

130
Q

pons

A

one part of the brain stem, which connects the cerebellum to the rest of the brain

131
Q

positron emission tomography (PET)

A

a procedure that uses nuclear medicine and computerized tomography to generate images of the brain; commonly used to diagnose a CVA, Alzheimer’s disease, and epilepsy; also known as a brain scan

132
Q

post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

A

a condition resulting from an extremely traumatic experience, illness, or injury that triggers persistent thoughts and memories of the experience

133
Q

postpartum psychosis

A

a rare psychiatric condition that develops in 1 to 2 per 1,000 women within the first week after childbirth; characterized by confusion, disorientation, hallucinations, delusions, obsessive thoughts about the infant, paranoia, sleep disturbances, and/or attempts to harm the infant or self

134
Q

psychotherapy

A

a form of treatment for psychiatric disorders that emphasizes verbal and nonverbal communication, in a one-on-one setting or in a group environment, to attain a desired response or action

135
Q

psychotic disorders

A

a group of mental disorders characterized by loss of touch with reality, hallucinations, and delusions; also known as psychoses

136
Q

reflex

A

an involuntary reaction to a stimulus

137
Q

reflex testing

A

a diagnostic test in which a part of the body is percussed (tapped) with a reflex hammer or other diagnostic stimulus to measure the presence and strength of muscular reflexes

138
Q

Reye’s syndrome

A

a rare but serious condition that results in acute encephalopathy (brain malfunction) and hepatomegaly (liver enlargement); typically seen in children under 18 years of age after a viral infection. Signs and symptoms include confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness

139
Q

schizoaffective disorder

A

a chronic disorder in which a person experiences symptoms of both schizophrenia and symptoms of a mood disorder

140
Q

schizophrenia

A

a mental disorder that produces distorted thought processes and emotional perceptions; characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and/or periods of unresponsiveness

141
Q

seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

A

a form of depression that occurs during the fall and winter seasons as a result of less exposure to natural sunlight

142
Q

sedative

A

a drug that produces a soothing or tranquilizing effect

143
Q

seizure

A

a disruption of electrical activity in the brain that produces physical and mental changes, such as convulsions, sensory disturbances, and loss of consciousness

144
Q

sensory input

A

any electrical impulse sent from the sensory organs to the central nervous system

145
Q

sensory neurons

A

neurons that conduct electrical signals from various parts of the body to the brain and spinal cord

146
Q

sensory organs

A

term for the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and skin

147
Q

sensory receptors

A

nerve endings in the sensory organs

148
Q

shingles

A

an eruption of a painful rash, often on the trunk (torso) of the body along a peripheral nerve; caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which also causes chickenpox

149
Q

somatic nervous system (SNS)

A

the division of the nervous system that controls the voluntary, conscious activities of the body

150
Q

spina bifida

A

a congenital defect in which part of the membrane covering the spinal cord protrudes through a gap in the spine; split spine

151
Q

spinal cord

A

a column of neural tissue that extends inferiorly from the medulla oblongata to the second lumbar vertebra

152
Q

stereotactic radiosurgery

A

a form of radiation therapy in which a specially constructed frame is used to focus beams of radiation toward precise areas of the brain; used to treat inoperable tumors

153
Q

stimulant

A

a drug that increases activity in the nervous system

154
Q

stimuli

A

changes in the external and internal environment

155
Q

subdural hematoma (SDH)

A

a mass of blood between the dura mater and the arachnoid mater of the brain; the most common type of traumatic brain injury (TBI)

156
Q

substance-abuse disorders

A

mental disorders resulting from abusive use of substances such as drugs, alcohol, or toxins; characterized by social and personal dysfunction

157
Q

sulci

A

depression in the brain

158
Q

sympathetic nervous system

A

the brain of the autonomic nervous system that controls the body’s “fight-or-flight” response in times of crisis

159
Q

synapse

A

the contact point at which one neuron communicates with another

160
Q

synaptic cleft

A

a microscopic gap between two neurons

161
Q

syncope

A

a temporary loss of consciousness due to inadequate blood flow to the brain; commonly known as fainting

162
Q

temporal lobes

A

lobes of the brain located in the lateral parts of the right and left cerebral hemispheres, which are responsible for your hearing, sense of smell, factual and visual memory, and language processing

163
Q

thalamus

A

the largest portion of the diencephalon, which communicates sensory and motor information between the body and the cerebral cortex

164
Q

transient ischemic attack (TIA)

A

a brief stoppage of blood flow (ischemia) to a part of the brain; precursor to, or warning sign of, a stroke

165
Q

tremor

A

an involuntary, repetitive trembling of the body or limbs

166
Q

unconsciousness

A

a lack of awareness of oneself and the inability to respond to environmental stimuli due to injury, shock, or oxygen deprivation

167
Q

vertebral (spinal) column

A

the series of vertebrae that extend from the cranium to the coccyx, providing support and forming a flexible body case for the spinal cord

168
Q

voluntary movement

A

movement that is under a person’s control

169
Q

white matter

A

myelinated nerve tissue

medical terminology (27 decks)

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