Med Surg exam 7 Flashcards
Anterior Chamber
Aqueous- containing space in the eye between the posterior (endothelial) cornea and the anterior iris and pupil
Aqueous humor
Transparent, nutrient- containing fluid that fills the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye
Astigmatism
Refractive error due to an irregularity in the curvature
Agnosia
Loss of ability to recognize objects through a particularly sensory system; may be visual, auditory, or tactile
Ataxia
Inability to coordinate muscle movements, resulting in difficulty walking, talking, and performing self- care activities
Autonomic nervous system
Regulates the involuntary body functions
Axon
Portion of the neuron that conducts impulses away from the cell body
Babinski Reflex (sign)
A reflex action of the toes; in adults is indicative of abnormalities in the motor control pathways leading from the cerebral cortex
Clonus
Abnormal movement marked by alternating contraction and relaxation of a muscle occurring in rapid succession
Delirium
An acute, confused state, that begins with disorientation and if not recognized and treated early it can progress to change level of consciousness, irreversible brain damage and sometimes death
Dendrite
Portion of the neuron that conducts impulses toward the cell body
Flaccidity
Displaying lac of muscle tone, limp, floppy
Parasympathetic nervous system
Division of the autonomic nervous system active primarily during non stressful conditions, controlling mostly visceral functions
Position (postural) sense
Awareness of position of parts of the body without looking at them aka: proprioception
Reflex
An autonomic response to stimuli
Rigidity
Increase in muscle tone at rest characterized by increased resistance to passive stretch
Romberg Test
Test for cerebellum dysfunction that can be done with the patient seated or standing; inability to maintain position for 20 seconds is a positive test
Spasticity
Sustained increase in tension of a muscle when it is passively lengthened or stretched
Sympathetic nervous system
Division of the autonomic nervous system with predominantly excitatory responses aka: fight or flight
Vertigo
Illusion of movement in which the individual or the surroundings are sensed as moving.
Acetylcholine
Major transmitter of the PNS; neurons in many areas of the brain, usually excitatory
Serotonin
Brain stem, hypothalamus, dorsal horn of the spinal cord, inhibitory-helps control mode and sleep inhibits brain pathways
Dopamine
Neurons on the substancia negra and basal ganglia, usually inhibitory, affects behavior (attention & emotions) and fine movement
Norepinephrine (major transmitter of the sympathetic nervous system)
Brain stem, hypothalamus, postganglionic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system, usually excitatory; affects mood and overall activity
