SB2f: Brain And Spinal Cord Problems Keywords

Question 1

Blood-brain barrier

Answer 1

Barrier that stops substances diffusing out of capillaries and into the brain. The barrier is mainly due to the cells of the capillary walls fitting together tightly.

Question 2

Chemotherapy

Answer 2

The use of drugs to kill cancer cells.

Question 3

CT scan

Answer 3

A scan in which multiple X-rays are taken of part of the body and put together by a computer. CT stands for computed tomography.

Question 4

Gamma ray

Answer 4

A high-frequency electromagnetic wave emitted from the nucleus of a radioactive atom. Gamma rays have the highest frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum.

Question 5

PET scan

Answer 5

A scan in which a radioactive marker is used to pinpoint certain areas in the body, such as very active cells. PET stands for positron emission tomography.

Question 6

Quadriplegia

Answer 6

A condition in which both arms and both legs are paralysed.

Question 7

Radioactive

Answer 7

A substance is radioactive if it emits ionising particles, or radiation.

Question 8

Radiotherapy

Answer 8

The use of ionising radiation to treat diseases, such as to kill cancer cells.

Question 9

Tumour

Answer 9

A lump formed of rapidly dividing cells.