Nervous System Flashcards
absence seizure
a small seizure in which there is a sudden or temporary loss of consciousness lasting only a few seconds
acetylcholine
a chemical substance in the body tissues that facilitates the transmission of nerve impulses from one nerve to another. It has a stimulant effect on some parts of the body and a depressant effect on other parts of the body; also known as a neurotransmitter.
afferent nerves
transmitters of nerve impulses toward the CNS; also known as sensory nerves
agnosia
loss of mental ability to understand sensory stimuli (such as sound, sight, touch) even though the sensory organs themselves are functioning properly
agraphia
the inability to convert one’s thoughts into writing
alexia
the inability to understand written words
analgesia
without sensitivity to pain
anesthesia
without feeling or sensation
aneurysm
a localized dilatation in the wall of an artery that expands with each pulsation of the artery; usually caused by hypertension or artherosclerosis
aphasia
inability to communicate through speech, writing or signs because of an injury or disease in certain areas of the brain.
apraxia
inability to perform coordinated movements or use objects properly; not associated with sensory or motor impairment or paralysis
arachnoid membrane
the weblike middle layer of the three membranous layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
astrocyte
a star-shaped neuroglial cell found in the the CNS
astrocytoma
a tumor of the brain or spinal cord composed of astrocytes
ataxia
without muscular coordination
aura
the sensation an individual experiences prior to the onset of 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
autonomic nervous system
the part f the nervous system that regulates the involuntary vital functions of the body, such as the activities involving the heart muscle, smooth muscles, and the glands. Has two divisions: the SNS and the PNS.
axon
the part of the nerve cell that transports nerve impulses away from the nerve cell body
blood-brain barrier
a protective characteristic of the capillary walls o the brain that prevents the passage of harmful substances from the bloodstream into the brain tissue of CSF.
bradykinesia
Abnormally slow movement
brain stem
the stemlike portion of the brain that connects the cerebral hemisphere with the spinal cord. It contains the midbrain, the pons, and the medulla oblongata.
Brudzinski’s sign
a positive sign of meningitis, in which there is an involuntary flexion of the arm, hip and knee when the patient’s neck is passively flexed
burr hole
a hole drilled into the skull using a form of drill
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; so named because it resembles a horse’s tail