NERVOUS SYSTEM GLOSSARY

Anatomical Parts
Term Definition Equivalent Term
Neuron The type of cells that make up
nerves.
Synapses Connections between neurons
Neurotransmitters Substances released to transfer
the electrical impulse from one
neuron to the next one.
Central Nervous System (CNS) The part of the nervous system
that includes the bran, brain
stem, and spinal cord.
Peripheral Nervous System The nerves that branch out
from the spinal cord to the rest
of the body.
Cerebrum The largest part of the CNS,
divided into left and right
hemispheres, controlling a lot of
functions, like vision, hearing,
emotions, thoughts, etc.
Lobes Areas in which the hemispheres
are functionally divided, each of
them with specific functions.
Cerebellum Organ below the back part of
the cerebrum, that coordinates
muscle movement, balance and
positioning of the body
(posture).
Brain stem The part of the CNS that is like
an extension of the spinal cord,
controlling functions like: blood-
pressure, heart rate, breathing,
swallowing, and vomiting, also
digestion.
Meninges A series of membranes that act
as a cover and protection for
the
Cerebrospinal Fluid Fluid that surrounds the CNS, in
the spaces between the two
layers of one of the meninges
(the arachnoid matter; the
middle membrane of the three)
Signs and Symptoms
Term Definition Equivalent Term
Blurry vision lack of sharpness of vision,
incapable of seeing fine detail.

Dizziness The sensation of whirling or

tendency to fall.

Headache a pain located in the head, as

over the eyes, at the temples,
or at the base of the skull.
Neuralgia A sharp and paroxysmal pain
along the course of a nerve.

Numbness Deprived of physical sensation

or the ability to move.
Seizures Physical manifestations that
result from abnormal electrical
discharges in the brain
Slurred speech Poor pronunciation of words,
mumbling, or a change in speed
or rhythm during talking.
Medical term for it is dysarthria.
Tremors Involuntary shaking of the body
or limbs.
Vertigo Sensation that either your or
your environment is moving
(spinning). May be mild or very
severe, making it difficult to
maintain balance.
Weakness Lack of strength

Conditions (Diseases)
Term Definition Equivalent Term
Alzheimer´s disease A progressive disorder that causes
brain cells to die. It may progress to
severe memory loss and impairment
to do everyday task.
Cerebral palsy Movement disorders that appear in
childhood. They may have symptoms
such as stiff and/or weak muscles,
tremors, poor coordination, and
trouble with vision, hearing, speaking
and/or swallowing.
Bell´s palsy Also known as acute peripheral facial
palsy. Unknown cause, and it´s
believed to be related with swelling or
inflammation of the facial nerve,
sometimes maybe as consequence of a
viral infection.
Concussion occurs after impact on head or
whiplash-injury (brain shakes back and
forth). It is considered a mild traumatic
brain injury or TBI.
Dementia Group of conditions that are
characterized by decline in memory, as
well as language, problem solving skills
and ability to do everyday activities.
Epilepsy Brain activity becomes abnormal,
causing seizures or periods of unusual
behavior, sensations or loss of
consciousness
Epileptic Crisis Any seizure that lasts for more than 5
minutes.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome An autoimmune disorder in which the
immune system attacks healthy nerve
cells in Peripheral Nervous System
(PNS).
Parkinson´s disease Neurodegenerative disease that is
characterized by affecting neurons in
an area of the brain called “substantia
nigra”. These neurons produce a
neurotransmitter called dopamine.
Scoliosis Abnormal sideways curvature of the
spine. Depending on severity, the
treatment can go from observation
and therapy to surgery in more severe
cases.
Stroke (CVA) When an artery in the brain either
bursts or is blocked. As a consequence,
that part of the brain does not receive
the required blood, and starts to die.
Meningitis The inflammation of the meninges; the
protective layers around your CNS.
Encephalitis Inflammation of the brain
Procedures
Term
Lumbar puncture (Spinal tap)
Electromyography
Electroencephalogram
Sleep study
Computed tomography (CT)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
(MRI)
Definition Equivalent Term
A procedure used to obtain and analyze
a sample of the cerebrospinal fluid, or
CSF.
A study that evaluates and records
electrical activity of muscles.
Test that measures the brain´s electrical
activity, by using sensor attached to the
patients head and are run by a
computer.
Study that’s is carried out by monitoring
the patient during sleep
A specialized X-ray machine that takes
multiple images of a body area from
different angles and has a computer that
integrates them into “slices” of the body.
Creates images that like the patient is
placed in a strong magnetic field, where
radio pulses affect the resonance of
atoms in the tissues. A computer
analyzes this information and shows
differences in tissue molecular structure,
producing very high resolution and
better differentiation of soft tissue.