TERMS for the NERVOUS SYSTEM
A. CNS Central Nervous System
1. brain and spinal cord
2. combining forms are “ encephalo “ and “ cranio “ for brain
3. combining form for spinal cord is “ myelo “
B. Perphieral nervous system
1. cranial and spinal nerves
C. Terms
1. neuron = basic unit of a nerve
2. myelin = covering over some nerves
3. meninges = 3 layers covering brain and spinal cord
a. combining form is “ meningio “’
4. epidural = refers to area above the dura mater, which is the outer meninge
5. CSF = cerebral spinal fluid….clear fluid that cushions the CNS
6. foramen magnum = large opening at base of skull through which the
spinal cord passes.
7. BAR = bright, alert, responsive
8. ADR = “ain’t doing right “
D. Procedures
1. CSF tap = removal of a sample of CSF for analysis
2. myelogram = record of the spinal cord after injection of contrast media
3. EEG = electroencephalogram…..records electrical activity of the brain
E. Pathology Terms
1. amnesia = without memory
2. ataxia = without coordination……”wobbly”
3. cerebellar hypoplasia = lack of development of the cerebellum
a. causes incoordination and no motor ability
4. concussion = shaking of the brain caused by injury
5. contusion = bruise
6. demyelination = destruction or loss of myelin around nerves
7. discospondylitis = inflammation of the intervertebral discs.
8. encephalitis = inflammation of the brain
9. encephalomyelitis = inflammation of the brain and spinal cord
10. encephalopathy = any brain disease or problem
11. epilepsy = recurrent seizures
12. idiopathic = unknown cause
13. hemiplegia = paralysis of one side of the body
14. hydrocephalus = increased CSF around the brain
15. meningitis = inflammation of the meninges
16. myelopathy = disease of the spinal cord
17. neuralgia = nerve pain
18. paralysis = loss of voluntary movement
19. paraplegia = paralysis of the lower (hindlimbs) body
20. poliomyelitis = inflammation of the gray matter of the spinal cord
21. polyneuritis = inflammation of many nerves
22. ptosis = drooping …..such as an upper eyelid
23. seizure = sudden, involuntary contraction of muscles caused by a brain
disturbance.
a. also called a convulsion
24. syncope = fainting, loss of consciousness due to low blood pressure
25. nystagmus = involuntary, rhythmic movement of the eye (s)
26. analgesic = without pain
27. anesthesia = without sensation
a. general anesthesia = loss of sensation and consciousness
28. laminectomy = surgical removal of the lamina of the vertebrae to relieve
pressure on the spinal cord.
29. neurectomy = surgical removal of part of a nerve.