Medical Terminology: Nervous System Flashcards

Study Notes

Nervous System Medical Terminology

dendr/o: Refers to tree-like branches, often related to the structure of neurons.
gli/o: Denotes neuroglia or supportive tissue in the nervous system; often described as gluey.
narc/o: Indicates a state of sleep or stupor, commonly associated with narcotics.
mening/o: Pertains to the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
-sthenia: A suffix meaning strength, often used in conditions assessing muscular strength.
-praxia: A suffix indicating the ability to perform certain movements or tasks.
-phasia: Relates to speech and language functions; often appears in terms addressing communication disorders.
-opia: A suffix for visual conditions, referring to deviations or abnormalities in vision.
dur/o: Refers to the dura mater, the outermost membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
rhiz/o: Represents the root of a nerve, often used in discussions of nerve function or damage.
phag/o: A term meaning to eat or ingest, often used in medical contexts involving cells that consume or destroy.
radicul/o: Also refers to the root of a nerve; commonly used in terms related to nerve root compression or injury.
plegia: Indicates paralysis, a loss of movement in a part of the body due to nerve damage.
thromb/o: Signifies clot, particularly in reference to blood clots within the vascular system.
caus/o: Means burn, usually in reference to types of pain or injury.
kinesi/o: Pertains to movement, often used in terms concerning body movement and mechanics.
paresis: Refers to partial paralysis, indicating some preserved movement in contrast to complete paralysis.
-drome: A suffix meaning that which runs together, often used in syndromic language.
blast/o: Indicates a stage of development, commonly used in embryology or cellular development contexts.
esthesi/o: Refers to sensation or feeling, especially in relation to nerve function and sensory perception.
cerebr/o: Denotes the brain; used in terms related to cerebral functions and diseases.
encephal/o: Another term for the brain, often employed in discussions of neurological conditions.
thec/o: Refers to a sheath, often pertaining to protective layers around nerves or the spinal cord.
poli/o: Signifies gray matter, an important part of the central nervous system involved in processing information.
myel/o: Relates to the spinal cord or bone marrow, crucial for understanding central nervous system functions.
neur/o: Indicates nerves; foundational for discussing peripheral and central nervous system activities.
ventricul/o: Refers to small hollow cavities in the brain that are filled with cerebrospinal fluid, important for cushioning and protecting the brain.