Chapter 8: Nervous System Flashcards
1
Q
Absence seizure
A
A small seizure in which there is a sudden temporary loss of consciousness lasting only a few seconds
2
Q
Acetylcholine
A
A chemical substance in the body tissues that facilitate the transmission of nerve impulses from one nerve to another
3
Q
afferent nerves
A
Transmitters of nerve impulses toward the CNS
Sensory nerves
4
Q
Agnosia
A
Loss of mental ability to understand sensory stimuli even though the sensory organs themselves are functioning
5
Q
A-
A
Without, not
6
Q
Gnos/o
A
To know
7
Q
-ia
A
Condition
8
Q
Agraphia
A
The inability to convert one’s thoughts into writing
9
Q
Graph/o
A
Record
10
Q
Alexia
A
The inability to understand written words
11
Q
-Lexia
A
Reading
12
Q
Analgesia
A
Without sensitivity to pain
13
Q
An-
A
Without, not
14
Q
-Algesia
A
Sensitivity to pain
15
Q
Anesthesia
A
Without feeling or sensation
16
Q
- esthesia
A
Feeling, sensation
17
Q
Anesthetic
A
Pertaining to partially or completely numbing or eliminating sensitivity with or without loss of consciousness
18
Q
Esthet/o
A
Feeling, nervous sensation or sense of perception
19
Q
-ic
A
Pertaining to
20
Q
Aneurysm
A
A localized dilation in the wall of an artery that expands with each pulsation in the artery
21
Q
Aphasia
A
Inability to communicate through speech, writing, or signs because of an injury to or disease in certain areas of the brain
22
Q
-Phasia
A
Speech
23
Q
Apraxia
A
Inability to perform coordinated movement or use objects properly
24
Q
-praxia
A
Perform
25
Arachnoid membrane
The weblike middle layer of the three membranous layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord
26
Astrocyte
A star-shaped neuroglial cell found in the CNS
27
Astr/o
Star-shaped
28
-Cyte
Cell
29
Astrocytoma
A tumor Of the brain or spinal cord composed of astrocytes
30
-Oma
Tumor
31
Cyt/o
Cell
32
Ataxia
Without muscular coordination
33
Tax/o
Order
34
Aura
Sensation an individual experiences prior to the onset of a migraine headache or an epileptic seizure
35
Autonomic nervous system
part of the nervous system that regulates the involuntary vital functions of the body
36
Axon
The part of the nerve cell that transports nerve impulses away from the nerve cell body
37
Blood-brain barrier
A protective characteristics of the capillary walls of the brain that prevents the passage of harmful substances from the bloodstream into the brain tissue or CSF
38
Bradykinesia
Abnormally slow movement
39
Brady-
Slow
40
-Kinesia
Movement
41
Brain stem
The stemlike portion of the brain that connects the cerebral hemisphere with the spinal cord
42
Brudzinski's sign
A positive sign of meningitis
43
Burr hole
A hole drilled into the skull using a form of drill
44
Cauda equina
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
45
Causalgia
A sensation of an acute burning pain along the path of a peripheral nerve, sometimes accompanied by erythema of the skin
46
Caus/o
Burn
47
-Algia
Pain
48
Cell body
The part of the cell that contains the nucleus and the cytoplasm
49
Central nervous System
One of the two main divisions of the nervous system, consisting of the brain and spinal cord
50
Cephalagia
Pain in the head
Headache
51
Cephal/o
Head
52
Cerebellum
The part of the brain responsible for coordinating voluntary muscular movement
Behind the brain stem
53
Cerebral concussion
A brief interruption of brain function, usually with a loss of consciousness lasting a few seconds
54
Cerebr/o
Brain
Cerebrum
55
Cerebral contusion
Small scattered venous hemorrhages in the brain
"Bruise" of the brain tissue
56
Cerebral cortex
The thin outer layer of nervous tissue, known as gray matter, that covers the surface of the cerebrum
57
-Al
Pertaining to
58
Cerebrospinal fluid
The fluid flowing through the the brain and around the spinal cord that protects them from physical blow or impact
59
Spin/o
Spine
60
Cerebrum
The largest and uppermost part of the brain
61
Cervical radiculopathy
Any disease of the spinal nerve roots in the neck
62
Cervic/o
Neck
63
Radical/o
Root
64
-Pathy
Disease
65
Cheyne-stokes respiration
An abnormal pattern of breathing characterized by periods of apnea followed by deep rapid breathing
66
Coma
A deep sleep in which the individual cannot be aroused and does not respond to external stimuli
67
Comatose
Pertains to being in a coma
68
Contracture
A permanent shortening of a muscle causing a joint to remain in an abnormally flexed position
69
Convolution
One of the many elevated folds of the surface of the cerebrum
Gyrus
70
Craniotomy
A surgical incision into the cranium or skull
71
Crani/o
Skull
72
-Tomy
Incision into
73
Deficit
Any deficiency or variation of the normal
74
Dementia
A progressive irreversible mental disorder in which the person has deteriorating memory, judgment, and ability to think
75
Demyelination
Destruction or removal of the myelin sheath that covers a nerve or nerve fiber
76
Dendrite
A projection that extends from the nerve cell body
77
diencephalon
The part of the brain located between the cerebrum and the midbrain
Main structures: thalamus, hypothalamus, and pineal gland
78
diplopia
Double vision
Ambiopia
79
Dipl/o
Double
80
-Opia
Vision
81
Dura mater
The outermost of the three membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord
82
Dyslexia
A condition characterized by an impairment of the ability to read
83
Dysphasia
Difficult speech
84
Efferent nerves
Transmitters of nerve impulses away from the CNS
Motor nerves
85
Embolism
An abnormal condition in which a blood clot (embolus) becomes lodged in a blood vessel, obstructing the flow of blood within the vessel
86
Epidural space
The space immediately outside the dura mater that contains a supporting cushion of fat and other connective tissue
87
Epilepsy
A neurological condition characterized by recurrent episodes of sudden brief attacks of seizures
88
Fissure
A deep groove on the surface of an organ
89
Fontanelle or frontal
A space covered by tough membrane between the bones of an infant's cranium
"Soft spot"
90
Gait
The style of walking
91
Ganglion
A knot like mass of nerve tissue found outside the brain or spinal cord
92
Gray matter
The part of the nervous system consisting of axons that are not covered with myelin sheath
93
gyrus
One of the many elevated folds of the surface of the cerebrum
94
Hemiparesis
Slight or partial paralysis of one half of the body
95
Hemi-
Half
96
-Paresis
Paralysis
97
hemiplegia
Paralysis of one half of the body
98
-Plegia
Paralysis
99
Herpes zoster
An acute infection caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox
Painful vesicular lesions along the path of a spinal nerve
Shingles
100
Hyperesthesia
Excessive sensitivity to sensory stimuli
101
Hyper-
Excessive
102
Hyperkinesis
Excessive muscular movement and physical activity
Hyperactivity
103
Hypochondriasis
A chronic abnormal concern about the health of the body
Extreme anxiety, depression, and an unrealistic interpretation of real or imagined physical symptoms
104
Hypo-
Under, below, beneath, less than normal
105
Chondr/o
Cartilage
106
-iasis
Presence of an abnormal condition
107
Hypothalamus
A part of the brain located below the thalamus that controls many functions
108
Interneurons
Connecting neurons that conduct impulses from afferent nerves to or toward the motor nerves
109
Kernig's sign
A designated 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
110
Kinesiology
The study of muscle movement
111
Lethargy
The state of being sluggish
Stupor
112
Longitudinal fissure
A deep groove in the middle of the cerebrum that divides the cerebrum into the right and left hemisphere
113
Medulla oblongata
One of the largest parts of the brain stem
Most essential part of the brain
114
Meninges
The three layers of protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord
115
Mening/o
Meninges
116
microglia
Small neuroglial cells found in the intestinal tissue of the nervous system that engulf cellular debris, waste products, and pathogens within the nervous tissue
117
Midbrain
The uppermost part of the brain stem
118
Myelin sheath
A protective sheath that covers the axons of many nerves in the body
119
Narcolepsy
Uncontrolled, sudden attacks of sleep
120
Narc/o
Sleep
121
-Lepsy
Seizure, attack
122
Nerve
A cord like bundle of nerve fibers that transmit impulses to and from the brain and spinal cord to other parts of the body
Macroscopic
123
Nerve block
The injection of a local anesthetic along the course of a nerve or nerves to eliminate sensation to the area supplied by the nerves
Conduction anesthesia
124
Neuralgia
Serve, sharp, spasm-like pain that extends along the course of one or more nerves
125
Neur/o
Nerve
126
-Algia
Pain
127
Neuritis
Inflammation of a nerve
128
Neuroglia
The supporting tissue of the nervous system
129
Gli/o
Gluey substance
130
Neurologist
A physician who specializes in treating the disease and disorder of the nervous system
131
Neurology
The study of the nervous system and its disorder
132
Neuron
A nerve cell
133
Neurosurgeon
A physician who specializes in surgery of the nervous system
134
Neurosurgery
Any surgery involving the nervous system
135
Neurotransmitter
A chemical substance within the body that activates or inhabits the transmission of nerve impulses at synapses
136
Nuchal rigidity
Rigidity of the neck
Neck is resistant to flexion
137
Occlusion
Blockage
138
Oligodendrocyte
A type of neuroglial cell found in the intestinal tissue of the nervous system
139
Olig/o
Few, little, scanty
140
Dendr/o
Tree, branches
141
Palliative
Soothing
142
Paraplegia
Paralysis of the lower extremities and trunk
143
Parasympathetic nerves
Nerves of the ANS that regulate essential involuntary body functions
144
Parasympathomimetic
Copying or producing the same effects as those of the parasympathetic nerves
145
Paresthesia
A sensation of numbness or tingling
146
Peripheral nervous system
The part of the nervous system outside the CNS
147
Phagocytosis
The process by which certain cells engulf and destroy microorganisms and cell debris
148
Phag/o
To eat
149
-Osis
Process
Condition
150
pia mater
The innermost of the three membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord
151
Pineal body
A small cone-shaped suture thought to be involved in regulating the body's biological clock and that produce melatonin
Pineal body
152
Plexus
A network of interwoven nerves
153
Pons
The part of the brain located between the medulla oblongata and the midbrain
Acts as a bridge connecting the medulla oblongata and the cerebrum to the upper portions of the brain
154
Quadriplegia
Paralysis at all four extremities and the trunk of the body
155
Radiculotomy
The surgical resection of a spinal nerve root
Rhizotomy
156
Radicul/o
Root
157
-Tomy
Process of cutting
158
Receptor
A sensory nerve ending
159
Sciatica
Inflammation of the sciatic nerve
Pain along the course of the nerve, radiating through the thigh and down the back of the leg
160
Sensory
Pertaining to sensation
161
Sensory nerves
Transmitters of nerve imputes toward the CNS
Afferent nerves
162
Shunt
A tube or passage that diverts or redirects body fluid from one cavity or vessel to another
163
Somatic nervous system
The part of the PNS that provides voluntary control over skeletal muscle contractions
164
Stimulus
Any agent or factor capable of initiating nerve impulses
165
Stupor
A state of lethargy
Person is unresponsive and seems unaware of his or her surroundings
166
Subarachnoid space
The space located just under the arachnoid membrane that contains cerebrospinal fluid
167
Subdural space
The space located just beneath the dura mater that contains serous fluid
168
Sulcus
A depression or shallow groove on the surface of an organ
169
Sympathetic nerves
Nerves of the ANS that regulate essential involuntary body functions
170
Sympathomimetic
Copying or producing the same effects as those of the sympathetic nerves
171
Synapse
The space between the end of one nerve and the beginning of another, through which nerve impulses are transmitted
172
Syncope
Fainting
173
Thalamus
The part of the brain located between the cerebral hemispheres and the midbrain
Receives all sensory stimuli, except smell, and relays them to the cerebral cortex
174
Thrombosis
An abnormal condition in which a clot develops in the blood vessel
175
Thromb/o
Clot
176
-Osis
Condition
177
Tonic-clonic seizure
A seizure characterized by the presence of muscle contractions or tension followed by relaxation
"Jerking" movement of the body
178
Ventricle (brain)
A small hollow within the brain that is tilled with cerebrospinal fluid
179
Whiplash
An injury to the cervical vertebrae and their supporting structures due to a sudden back-and-forth jerking movement of the head and neck
180
White matter
The part of the nervous system consisting of axons covered with myelin sheath
181
Alzheimer's disease
Deterioration of a person's intellectual functioning
182
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Severe weakening and wasting of the involved muscle groups
183
Anencephaly
Absence of the brain and spinal cord at birth
Congenital disease
184
Bell's palsy
Temporary or permanent unilateral weakness or paralysis of the muscles in the face following trauma to the face
185
Brain abscess
Localized accumulation of pus located anywhere in the brain tissue due to an infectious process
186
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Pinching or compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel
187
My/o
Muscle
188
Troph/o
Development
189
Scler/o
Hard
Reuters to clera of the eye
190
Encephal/o
Brain
191
Cerebral concussion
Brief interruption of brain function
192
Cerebral contusion
Small, scattered venous hemorrhage in the brain occurring when the brain strikes the inner skull
193
Cerebral palsy
Collective term used to describe congenital brain damage that is permant but not progressive
Child's lack of control of voluntary movement
194
Cerebrovascular accident (CVA)
Involves death of a specific portion of brain tissue, resulting from a decrease in blood flow (ischemia) to that area of the brain
Stroke
195
Degenerative disk
Deterioration of the intervertebral
196
Encephalitis
Inflammation of the brain largely caused by a virus that enters the CNS when the person experiences a viral disease
197
Epilepsy
Syndrome of recurring episodes of excessive irregular electrical activity of the brain resulting in involuntary muscle movements called seizures
198
Grand mal seizure
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
199
Petit mal seizure
Small seizure in which there is a sudden temporary loss of consciousness lasting only a few seconds
Absence seizure
200
Guillain-barré syndrome
Acute polyneuritis of the PNS in which the myelin sheaths on the axons are destroyed
201
Headache
Cephalalgia
Involves pain anywhere within the cranial cavity
202
Migraine headache
Recurring, pulsating, vascular headache usually developing on one side of the head
203
Cluster headache
Occurs typically two or three hours after falling asleep
Extreme pain around one eye that wakens the person from sleep
204
Tension headache
Occurs from long, endured contraction of the skeletal muscles around the face, scalp, upper back, and neck
205
Epidural hematoma
Collection of blood (hematoma) located above the dura mater and just below the skill
206
Epi-
Upon, over
207
Dur/o
Dura mater
208
Hemat/o
Blood
209
-Oma
Tumor
210
Subdural hematoma
Collection of blood below the dura mater and above the arachnoid layer of the meninges
211
Herniated disk
Rupture or nomination of the disk Center through the disk wall and into the spinal canal
212
Huntington's chorea
Inherited neurological disease characterized by rapid, jerky, involuntary movements and increasing dementia due to the effects of the basal ganglia on the neurons
213
Hydrocephalus
Abnormal increase of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain that cause the ventricles of the brain to dilate
214
Hydro-
Water
215
Intracranial tumor
Occurs in any structural region of the brain
Malignant or benign
Primary or secondary
Named according to the tissue from which they originated
216
Intra-
Within
217
Primary intracranial tumors
Arises from gliomas, malignant glial alls that are supported for nerve tissues, and from tumors that arise from the meninges
218
Metastatic intracranial tumors (secondary)
Occur as a result of metastasis from a primary site
219
Meningitis (acute bacterial)
Serous bacterial infection of the meninges
220
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Degenerative inflammatory disease of the CNS attacking the myelin sheath in the spinal cord and brain
221
Myasthenia gravis
Chronic progressive neuromuscular disorder causing severe skeletal muscle weakness (without atrophy) and fatigue
222
Narcolepsy
Rare syndrome of uncontrolled sudden attacks of sleep
Daytime sleepiness and cataplexy
223
Neuroblastoma
Highly malignant tumor of the sympathetic nervous system
224
Blast/o
Embryonic stage of development
225
Parkinson's disease
Degenerative, slowly progressive deterioration of nerves in the brain stem's motor System
226
Peripheral neuritis
General term indicating inflammation of one or more peripheral nerves, the effects begin dependent on the particular nerve involved
227
Poliomyelitis
An infectious viral disease entering through the respiratory tract and affecting the ability of spinal lord and brain motor neurons to receive stimulation
228
Poli/o
Gray matter, in nervous system
229
Myel/o
Spinal cord
Bone marrow
230
Postpolio syndrome
Progressive weakness occurring at least 30 years after the initial poliomyelitis attack
231
Post-
After, behind
232
Syn-
Together, join
233
-Drome
That which runs together
234
Reye’s syndrome
Acute brain encephalopathy along with fatty infiltration of the internal organs that may follow acute viral infections
235
Shingles
Herpes zoster
Acute viral infection seen mainly in adults who have had chicken pox
Inflammation of the underlying spinal or cranial nerve pathway
236
Skull fracture (depressed)
A broken segment of the skull bone thrust into the brain as a result of a direct force, usually a blunt object, is a skull fracture
237
Spina bifida cystica
Congenital defect in the CNS in which the back of one or more vertebrae is not closed normally and a cyst protrudes through the opening in the back
238
Meningocele
Cyst-like sac covered with skin or a thin membrane protruding through the bony defect in the vertebrae containing meninges
239
-Cele
Swelling or herniation
240
Meningomyelocele
Cyst-like sac covered with skin or a thin membrane protruding through the bony defect in the vertebrae that contains meninges, CSF, and spinal cord segments
241
supina bifida occulta
Congenital defect of the CNS in which the back portion of one or more vertebrae is not closed
242
Spinal cord injuries
Severe injuries to the spinal cord result in impairment of spinal cord function below the level of the injury
243
Paraplegia
Paralysis of the lower extremities
244
Quadriplegia
Follows severe trauma to the spinal card below the fifth and seventh cervical vertebrae
245
Tay-sachs disease
Congenital disorder caused by altered lipid metabolism, resulting from an enzyme deficiency
246
Trigeminal neuralgia
Short periods of severe unilateral pain, which radiates along the fifth cranial nerve
247
Babinski's reflex
Can be tested by stroking the sole of the foot
248
Brain scan
Nuclear counter scanning of cranial content two hours after the intravenous injection of radioisotopes
249
Cerebral angiography
Visualization of the cerebral vascular system via X-ray after the injection of a radiopaque contrast medium into an arterial blood vessels
250
Angi/o
Vessel
251
-graphy
Process of recording
252
Cerebrospinal fluid analysis
CSF obtained from a lumbar puncture is analyzed for the presence of bacteria, blood, or malignant alls as well as for the amount of protein and glucose present
253
CT scan of the brain
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
Computerized axial tomography CAT scan)
254
Chordotomy
Neurosurgical procedure for pain control accomplished through a laminectomy
255
Chord/o
String, cord
256
Cisternal punctures
Involves insertion of a short, beveled spinal needle into the cistema magna to drain CSF Or to obtain a CSF specimen
257
Craniotomy
Surgical procedure that makes an opening into the skull
258
Echoencephalography
Ultrasound used to analyze the intracranial structures of the brain
259
Echo-
Sound
260
Encephal/o
Brain
261
Electroencephalography (EEG)
Measurement of electrical activity produced by the brain and recorded through electrodes placed on the scalp
262
Electromyography
Process of recording the electrical activity of muscle by inserting a small needle into the muscle and delivering a small current that stimulate the muscle
263
Laminectomy
Surgical removal of the bony arches from one or more vertebrae to relieve pressure on the spinal cord
264
Lamin/o
lamina
265
-ectomy
Surgical removal
266
Lumbar puncture
Involves the insertion of a hollow needle and stylet into the subarachnoid space
267
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Noninvasive scanning procedure that provides visualization of fluid, soft tissue, and bony structures without the use off radiation
268
myelography
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
269
Neurectomy
Neurosurgical procedure to relieve pain in a localized or small area by incision of cranial or peripheral nerves
270
Polysomnogram
Steep study test that evaluates physical factors affecting sleep
271
Poly-
Many
272
Somn/o
Sleep
273
-Gram
Record or recording
274
Positron emission tomography (PET)
Produces computerized radiographic images of various body structures when radioactive substances are inhaled or injected
275
Romberg test
Used to evaluate cerebellar functions and balance
276
stereotaxic neurosurgery
Performed on a precise location of an area within the brain that controls specific functions and many involve destruction of brain tissue with various agents
277
Sympathectomy
Surgical procedure used to interrupt a portion of the sympathetic nerve pathway for the purpose of relieving chronic pain
278
tractotomy
Involves a craniotomy
279
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
Form of cutaneous stimulation for pain relief that supplies electrical impulses to the nerve endings of a nerve close to the pain site
