Neurosurgical Terms - Chapter 3

Question 1

Carcinoma

Answer 1

Cancer; a malignant growth of epithelial or gland cells.

Question 2

Carotid artery

Answer 2

The large artery on either side of the neck that supplies most of the blood to the brain.

Question 3

Carotid cavernous fistula (CCF)

Answer 3

An abnormal communication between the internal and external portions of the carotid arteries or any of their branches and the cavernous sinus.

Question 4

Carotid sinus

Answer 4

Slight dilatation on the common carotid artery at its bifurcation containing nerve cells sensitive to blood pressure. Stimulation can cause slowing of the heart, vasodilatation, and a fall in blood pressure.

Question 5

Catheter

Answer 5

A small tube used to inject a dye to see the blood vessels, similar to that used for looking at vessels in the heart.

Question 6

Cauda equina (CES)

Answer 6

The bundle of long spinal nerve roots arising from the end of the spinal cord and filling the lower part of the spinal canal (from approximately the thoracolumbar junction down). These long nerves resemble a horse’s tail (cauda equina).

Question 7

Cavernous malformation (cav mal)

Answer 7

A rare type of vascular malformation.

Question 8

Central nervous system (CNS)

Answer 8

The brain and the spinal cord.

Question 9

Cerebellum

Answer 9

The lower part of the brain, which is beneath the posterior portion of the cerebrum and regulates unconscious coordination of movement.

Question 10

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Answer 10

A clear, water-like fluid that circulates around the brain and spinal cord.

Question 11

Cerebrum

Answer 11

The principal portion of the brain, which occupies the major portion of the interior of the skull and controls conscious movement, sensation, and thought. Separated into right and left hemispheres.

Question 12

Cervical spine

Answer 12

The upper spine/neck; the cervical spine is made up of seven vertebrae.

Question 13

Chiari malformation

Answer 13

The downward (caudal) displacement of part of the cerebellum or brainstem below the foramen magnum. May also have/cause hydrocephalus, cord symptoms.

Question 14

Chorea

Answer 14

A disorder, usually of childhood, characterized by irregular, spasmodic involuntary movements of the limbs or facial muscles.

Question 15

Choroid plexus

Answer 15

A vascular structure in the ventricles of the brain that produces cerebrospinal fluid.

Question 16

Coccyx

Answer 16

The small bone at the end of the spinal column, formed by the fusion of four rudimentary vertebrae (commonly called the “tail bone”).

Question 17

Coma

Answer 17

A state of profound unconsciousness from which one cannot be roused.

Question 18

Computerized tomography (CT) scan

Answer 18

A diagnostic imaging technique that rapidly x-rays the body in cross-sections, or slices. A computer pieces together the x-rays to create a three-dimensional map of soft tissue or bone.

Question 19

Concussion

Answer 19

A disruption, usually temporary, of neurological function resulting from a blow or violent shaking.

Question 20

Contrast medium (dye)

Answer 20

Any material (usually opaque to x-rays) employed to delineate or define a structure during a radiologic procedure.

Question 21

Coronal suture

Answer 21

The line of junction of the frontal bones and the parietal bones of the skull.

Question 22

Corpectomy

Answer 22

Removal of the body of a vertebra. The body is the solid bony mass, almost circular in appearance, that forms the front part of each vertebra.

Question 23

Corpus callosum

Answer 23

The fibrous band connecting the hemispheres of the brain.

Question 24

Cortex

Answer 24

The external layer of gray matter covering the hemispheres of the cerebrum and cerebellum.

Question 25

Craniectomy

Answer 25

Surgical removal of a portion of the skull.

Question 26

Craniopharyngioma

Answer 26

A congenital tumor arising from the embryonic duct between the brain and pharynx.

Question 27

Cranioplasty

Answer 27

The operative repair of a defect of the skull.

Question 28

Craniosynostosis

Answer 28

Premature closure of cranial sutures, limiting or distorting the growth of the skull.

Question 29

Craniotomy

Answer 29

Surgical opening of the skull, usually by creating a flap of bone.

Question 30

Cranium

Answer 30

The part of the skull that holds the brain.

Question 31

CT scan (computed tomography scan)

Answer 31

A diagnostic imaging technique in which a computer reads x-rays to create a three-dimensional map of soft tissue or bone.