Nervous System Flashcards
Nervous System
Anatomy of Nervous System
The nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves and may be divided into two parts: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system is made up of cranial nerves, which carry impulses between the brain and neck and head, and spinal nerves, which carry messages between the spinal cord and abdomen, limbs and chest.
Nervous System
Function of Nervous System
The nervous system forms a complex communication system allowing for the coordination of body functions and activities. As a whole, the nervous system is designed to detect changes inside and outside the body, to evaluate this sensory information, and send directions to muscle or glands in response. This system also provides for mental activities such as thought, memory and emotions.
Nervous System
brain
contained within the cranium, the center for coordinating body activities
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cerebrum
largest portion of the brain, divided into left and right hemispheres. The cerebrum controls the skeletal muscle, interprets general senses (such as temp., pain, and touch), and contains centers for sight and hearing. Intellect, memory, and emotional reactions also take place in the cerebrum
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ventricles
spaces within the brain that contain fluid called cerebrospinal fluid. The cerebrospinal fluid flows through the subarachnoid space around the brain and spinal cord.
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cerebellum
located under the posterior portion of the cerebrum. Its function is to assist in the coordination of skeletal muscles and to maintain balancee (also called hindbrain)
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brainstem
stemlike portion of the brain that connects with the spinal cord. 10 of the 12 cranial nerves orginate in the brainstem.
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pons
literally means bridge. It connects the cerebrum with the cerebellum and brainstem
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medulla oblongata
located between the pons and spinal cord. It contains the centers that control respiration, heart rate, and the muscles in the blood vessel walls, which assist in determning blood pressure
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midbrain
most superior portion of the brainstem
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cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
clear, odorless fluid contained in the ventricles that flows through the subarachnoid space around the brain and spinal cord. It cushions the brain and spinal cord from shock, transports nutrients and clears metabolic waste.
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spinal cord
passes through the vertebral canal extending from the medulla oblongata to the level of the second lumbar vertebra. The spinal cord conducts nerve impulses to and from the brain and initiates reflex action to sensory information without input from the brain
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meninges
three layers of membrane that cover the brain and spinal cord
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dura mater
tough outer layer of the meninges
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arachnoid
delicate middle layer of the meninges. It is loosely attached to the pia mater by weblike fibers, which allow for the subarachnoid space.
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pia mater
thin inner layer of the meninges
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nerve
cordlike structure made up of fibers that carries impulses from one part of the body to another. There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves and 31 pairs of spinal nerves
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ganglion (pl. ganglia)
group of nerve cell bodies located outside the central nervous system
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glia
specialized cells that support and nourish nervous tissue. Some cells assist in the secretion of cerebrospinal fluid and others assist with phagocytosis. they do not conduct impulses. three types of glia are astroglia, oligodendroglia, and microglia (also called neuroglia)
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neuron
a nerve cell that conducts nerve impulses to carry out the function of the nervous system. Destroyed neurons cannot be replaced
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cerebell/o
cerebellum
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cerebr/o
cerebrum, brain
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dur/o
hard, dura mater
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encephal/o
brain
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gangli/o, ganglion/o
ganglion
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gli/o
glia, gluey substance
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mening/o, meningi/o
meninges
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neur/o
nerve
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radic/o, radicul/o, rhiz/o
nerve root (proximal end of a peripheral nerve, closest to the spinal cord)
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esthesi/o
sensation, sensitivity, feeling
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ment/o, psych/o
mind
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mon/o
one, single
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phas/o
speech
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poli/o
gray matter
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quadr/i
four
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-iatrist
specialist, physician (logist also means specialist)
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-iatry
treatment, specialty
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-ictal
seizure, attack
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-paresis
slight paralysis (-plegia also mean paralysis)
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cerebellitis (ser-e-bel-I-tis)
inflammation of the cerebellum
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cerebral thrombosis (se-RE-bral throm-BO-sis)
pertaining to the cerebrum, abnormal condition of a clot (blood clot in a blood vessel of the brain) (cause of ischemic stroke)
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duritis (du-RI-tis)
inflammation of the dura mater
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encephalitis
inflammation of the brain
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encephalpmalacia (en-sef-a-lo-ma-LA-sha)
softening of the brain
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encephalomyeloradiculitis (en-sef-a-lo-mi-e-lo-ra-dik-u-LI-tis)
inflammation of the brain spinal cord, and nerve roots.
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ganglitis
inflammation of the ganglion
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glioblastoma
tumor composed of developing glial tissue (most common and most malignant tumor of the brain)
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glioma
tumor composed of the glial tissue (used to describe all primary neoplasms of the brain and spinal cord)
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meningioma
tumor of the meninges (benign and slow growing)
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meningitis
inflammation of the meninges
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meningocele (me-NING-go-sel)
protrusion of the meninges and spinal cord (also called myelomeningocele)
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monoeuropathy (mon-o-nu-ROP-a-the)
disease affecting a single nerve
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neuralgia (nu-RAL-ja)
pain in the nerve
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neurasthenia (nu-ras-THE-ne-a)
nerve weakness
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neuritis
inflammation of the nerve
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neuroarthropathy
disease of nerves and joints
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neuroma
tumor made up of nerve cells
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neuropathy
disease of the nerves (peripheral)
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poliomyelitis
inflammation of the gray matter of the spinal cord (commonly called polio and caused by one of 3 viruses)
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polyneuritis
inflammation of many nerves
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polyneuropathy
disease of many nerves
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radiculitis
inflammarion of the nerve roots
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radiculopathy
disease of the nerve root
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rhizomeningomyelitis
inflammation of the nerve root, meninges, and spinal cord
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subdural hematoma
pertaining to below the dura mater, tumor of blood
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alzheimer disease (AD)
disease characterized by early dementia, confusion, loss of recognition of persons, or fimiliar surroundings, restlessness and impaired memory
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amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
progressive muscle atrophy caused by degeneration and scarring of neurons along the lateral columns of the spinal cord that control muscles (also called Lou Gehrig disease)
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Bell palsy
paralysis of muscles on one side of the face, usually a temporary condition. signs include a sagging mouth on the affected side and nonclosure of the eyelid
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cerebral aneurysm
aneurysm in the cerebrum
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cerebral embolism
an embolus lodges in a cerebral artery, causing a sudden blockage of blood supply to the brain tissue.
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cerebral palsy (CP)
condition characterized by lack of muscle control and partial paralysis, caused by a brain defect or lesion present at birth or shortly after
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dementia
cognitive impairment characterized by a loss of intellectual brain function
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epilepsy
condition characterized by recurrent seizures; a general term for abnormal electrical activity in the brain
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hydrocephalus
increase amount of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain, which can cause enlargement of the cranium in infants
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intracerebral hemorrhage
bleeding in the brain as a result of a ruptured blood vessel within the brain. symptoms vary depending on the location of the hemorrhage; hemorrhagic stroke, is frequently associated with high blood pressure
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multiple sclerosis (MS)
degenerative disease characterized by sclerotic patches along the brain and spinal cord. Signs and symptoms are variable and fluctuate over the course of the disease. More common symptoms include fatigue, balance and coordination impairments, numbness, and vision problems
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parkinson disease (PD)
chronic degenerative diseaseof the central nervous system. Signs and symptoms include resting tremors of the hands and feet, rigidity, expressionless face, and shuffling gait. It usually occurs after the age of 50 years
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sciatica
inflammation of the sciatic nerve, causing pain that travels from the thigh through the leg to the foot and toes; can be caused by injury, infection, arthritis, herniated disk, or from prolonged pressure on the nerve from sitting for long periods.
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shingles
viral disease that affects the peripheral nerves and causes blisters on the skin that follow the course of the affected nerves (also called herpes zoster)
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stroke
occurs when there is an interruption of blood supply to a region of the brain, depriving nerve cells in the affected area of oxygen and nutrients. The cells cannot perform and may be damaged or die withing minutes. Ischemic stroke is a result of a blocked blood vessel. Hemorrhagic stroke is a result of bleeding. (also called cerebrovascular accident [CVA] or brain attack)
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subarachnoid hemorrhage
bleeding caused by a ruptured blood vessel just outside the brain that rapidly fills the space between the brain and skull with blood.
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transient ischemic attack (TIA)
sudden deficient supply of blood to the brain lasting a short time. Symptoms are similar to a stroke, but the outcome is complete recovery. TIA’s are often warning signs for eventual occurence of a stroke
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ganglionectomy
excision of a ganglion (also called gangliectomy)
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neurectomy
excision of the nerve
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neurolysis
separating a nerve (from adhesion)
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neuroplasty
surgical repair of a nerve
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neurorrhaphy
suture of a nerve
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neurotomy
incision into a nerve
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radicotomy, rhizotomy
incision into a nerve root
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cerebral angiography
radiographic imaging of the blood vessels in the brain
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CT myelography
process of recording the spinal cord
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electroencephalogram (EEG)
record of the electrical impulses of the brain
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electroencephalograph
instrument used to record the electrical impulses of the brain
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electroencephalography
process of recording the electrical impulses of the brain
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computed tomography of the brain (CT scan)
process that includes the use of a computer to produce a series of brain tissue images at any desired depth. The procedure is painless and particularly useful in diagnosing brain tumors
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magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and spine
a noninvasive technique that produces sectional images of soft tissues of the brain or spine through a strong magnetic field. Unlike CT scan, MRI produces images without use of radiation.
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positron emission tomography of the brain (PET scan)
nuclear medicine imaging technique with a radioactive substance that produces sectional imaging of the brain to examine blood flow and metabolic activity.
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evoked potential studies (EP studies)
a group of diagnostic tests that measure changes and responses in brain waves elicited by visual, auditory, or somatosensory stumuli.
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lumbar puncture (LP)
insertion of a needle into the subarachnoid space usually between the third and fourth lumbar vertebrae. (also called a spinal tap)
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anesthesia
without (loss of) feeling or sensation
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aphasia
condition of without speaking
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cephalalgia
pain in the head (also called cephalgia)
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cerebral
pertaining to the cerebrum
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craniocerebral
pertaining to the cranium and cerebrum
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dysphasia
condition of difficulty speaking
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encephalosclerosis
hardening of the brain
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gliocyte
glial cell
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hemiparesis
slight paralysis of half (right or left side of the body)
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hemiplegia
paralysis of half, stroke is the most common cause
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hyperesthesia
excessive sensitivity
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interictal
occuring between seizures or attacks
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intracerebral
pertaining to within the cerebrum
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mental
pertaining to the mind
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monoparesis
slight paralysis of one limb
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monoplegia
paralysis of one limb
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myelomalacia
softening of the spinal cord
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neuroid
resembling a nerve
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neurologist
physician who studies and treats diseases of the nerves
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neurology
study of nerves
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panplegia
total paralysis (also spelled pamplegia
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paresthesia
abnormal sensation
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postictal
occuring after a seizure or attack
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preictal
occuring before a seizure or attack
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quadriplegia
paralysis of 4 limbs
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subdural
pertaining to below the dura mater
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afferent
conveying toward a center
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ataxia
lack of muscle coordination
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cognitive
pertaining to the mental processes of comprehension, judgement, memory, and reason
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coma
state of profound unconsciousness
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concsussion
injury to the brain caused by major or minor head trauma; symptoms include vertigo, headache, and possible loss o consciousness
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conscious
awake, alert, aware of one’s surroundings
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convulsion
sudden, involuntary contraction of a group of muscles; may be present during seizure
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disorientation
a state of mental confusion as to time, place or identity
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dysarthria
the inability to use speech that is distinct and connected because of a loss of muscle control after damage to the peripheral or central nervous system
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efferent
conveying away from the center
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gait
a manner or style of walking
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incoherent
unable to express one’s thoughts or ideas in an orderly, intelligible manner
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paraplegia
paralysis from the waist down caused by damage to the lower level of the spinal cord
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seizure
sudden surge of abnormal electrical activity in the brain, resulting in involuntary body movements or behaviors
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shunt
tube implanted in the body to redirect the flow of a fluid
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syncope
fainting or sudden loss of consciousness caused by lack of blood supply to the cerebrum
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unconsciousness
state of being unaware of surroundings and incapable of responding to stimuli as a result of injury, shock, illness or drugs
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psychiatrist
a physician who studies and treats disorders of the mind
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psychiatry
specialty of the mind
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psychogenic
originating in the mind
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psychologist
specialist of the mind
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pyschology
study of the mind
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psychopathy
disease of the mind
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psychosis
abnormal condition of the mind
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psychosomatic
pertaining to the mind and body
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anorexia nervosa
an eating disorder characterized by a disturbed perception of body image.
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anxiety disorder
an emotional disorder characterized by feelings of apprehension, tension, or uneasiness arising from anticipation of unreal or imagined danger
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attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
a disorder of learning and behavioral problems characterized by marked inattention, distractability, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity
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autism
features include onset during infancy or childhood, preoccupation with subjective mental activity, inability to interact socially, and impaired communication.
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bipolar disorder
a major psychological disorder typified by a disturbance in mood. the
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bulimia nervosa
an eating disorder characterized by uncontrolled binge eating followed by pruging
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major depression
a mood disturbance characterized by feeling of sadness, despair, discouragement.
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obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
intrusive unwanted thoughts that result in the tendency to perform repetitive acts or rituals
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panic attack
sudden onset of acute anxiety, occurring unpredictably, with feelings of acute apprehension… etc
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phobia
a marked and persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable cued by the presence or anticipation
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pica
compulsive eating of nonnutritive substances such as clay or ice. Often because of iron deficiency. It that is the cause it will disappear in 1 or 2 weeks
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schizophrenia
any one of a large group of psychotic disorders with gross distortions of reality
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somatoform disorders
disorders characterized by physical symptoms for which no known physical cause exists
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AD
Alzheimer disease
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ADHD
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
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ALS
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
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CNS
central nervous system
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CP
cerebral palsy
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CSF
cerebrospinal fluid
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CVA
cerebrovascular accident
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EEG
electroencephalogram
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EP studies
evoked potential studies
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LP
lumbar puncture
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MRI scan
magnetic resonance imaging scan
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MS
multiple sclerosis
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OCD
obsessive-compulsive disorder
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PD
parkinson disease
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PET scan
positron emission tomography scan
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PNS
peripheral nervous system
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PTSD
posttraumatic stress disorder
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TIA
transient ischemic attack
