Neurosurgical Terms - Chapter 3 Flashcards
Carcinoma
Cancer; a malignant growth of epithelial or gland cells.
Carotid artery
The large artery on either side of the neck that supplies most of the blood to the brain.
Carotid cavernous fistula (CCF)
An abnormal communication between the internal and external portions of the carotid arteries or any of their branches and the cavernous sinus.
Carotid sinus
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.
Catheter
A small tube used to inject a dye to see the blood vessels, similar to that used for looking at vessels in the heart.
Cauda equina (CES)
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).
Cavernous malformation (cav mal)
A rare type of vascular malformation.
Central nervous system (CNS)
The brain and the spinal cord.
Cerebellum
The lower part of the brain, which is beneath the posterior portion of the cerebrum and regulates unconscious coordination of movement.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
A clear, water-like fluid that circulates around the brain and spinal cord.
Cerebrum
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.
Cervical spine
The upper spine/neck; the cervical spine is made up of seven vertebrae.
Chiari malformation
The downward (caudal) displacement of part of the cerebellum or brainstem below the foramen magnum. May also have/cause hydrocephalus, cord symptoms.
Chorea
A disorder, usually of childhood, characterized by irregular, spasmodic involuntary movements of the limbs or facial muscles.
Choroid plexus
A vascular structure in the ventricles of the brain that produces cerebrospinal fluid.
Coccyx
The small bone at the end of the spinal column, formed by the fusion of four rudimentary vertebrae (commonly called the “tail bone”).
Coma
A state of profound unconsciousness from which one cannot be roused.
Computerized tomography (CT) scan
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.
Concussion
A disruption, usually temporary, of neurological function resulting from a blow or violent shaking.
Contrast medium (dye)
Any material (usually opaque to x-rays) employed to delineate or define a structure during a radiologic procedure.
Coronal suture
The line of junction of the frontal bones and the parietal bones of the skull.
Corpectomy
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.
Corpus callosum
The fibrous band connecting the hemispheres of the brain.
Cortex
The external layer of gray matter covering the hemispheres of the cerebrum and cerebellum.
Craniectomy
Surgical removal of a portion of the skull.
Craniopharyngioma
A congenital tumor arising from the embryonic duct between the brain and pharynx.
Cranioplasty
The operative repair of a defect of the skull.
Craniosynostosis
Premature closure of cranial sutures, limiting or distorting the growth of the skull.
Craniotomy
Surgical opening of the skull, usually by creating a flap of bone.
Cranium
The part of the skull that holds the brain.
CT scan (computed tomography scan)
A diagnostic imaging technique in which a computer reads x-rays to create a three-dimensional map of soft tissue or bone.
