Med Term: Nervous System Outline PDF

I. Introduction to the Nervous System A. Functions of the Nervous System - Controls body functions, movement, and cognition - Processes sensory information - Regulates internal body conditions B. Divisions of the Nervous System 1. Central Nervous System (CNS) – Composed of the brain and spinal...

I. Introduction to the Nervous System A. Functions of the Nervous System - Controls body functions, movement, and cognition - Processes sensory information - Regulates internal body conditions B. Divisions of the Nervous System 1. Central Nervous System (CNS) – Composed of the brain and spinal cord 2. Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) – Includes cranial and spinal nerves II. Basic Structures of the Nervous System A. Nerve Cells and Components 1. Neurons – The basic cells of the nervous system that allow communication 2. Neur/o, Neur/i – Nerve, nerve tissue 3. Ganglion – A nerve center made up of a cluster of nerve cell bodies 4. Neurotransmitters – Chemical substances that transmit signals across a synapse B. Brain Structures 1. Cerebrum (Cerebr/o) – The largest and uppermost part of the brain 2. Dura Mater – The thick outermost layer of the meninges 3. Meninges (Mening/o) – Membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord 4. Myelin Sheath – A protective covering for neurons C. Spinal Cord and Nerves 1. Spinal Cord – The long, fragile tube-like structure connecting the brain and body 2. Radicul/o – Root, nerve root  III. Disorders of the Nervous System A. Neurodegenerative Disorders 1. Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) – A disorder affecting memory, thought, and language 2. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) – A progressive disease that affects voluntary muscle control 3. Parkinson’s Disease (PD) – A chronic disorder causing tremors, rigidity, and slow movement 4. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – An autoimmune disease causing inflammation and demyelination 5. Dementia – A progressive decline in cognitive abilities B. Cerebrovascular Disorders 1. Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA, Stroke) – Damage to the brain due to blocked or ruptured blood vessels 2. Ischemic Stroke – A stroke caused by a blocked artery 3. Hemorrhagic Stroke (Bleed) – A stroke caused by a ruptured blood vessel 4. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA, Mini-Stroke) – A temporary blockage of blood supply to the brain C. Inflammatory and Infectious Disorders 1. Meningitis – Inflammation of the meninges of the brain and spinal cord 2. Encephalitis – Inflammation of the brain due to infection 3. Myelitis – Inflammation of the spinal cord 4. Tetanus (Lockjaw) – A bacterial infection affecting the nervous system D. Peripheral Nervous System Disorders 1. Peripheral Neuropathy – Damage to the peripheral nerves 2. Sciatica – Pain along the sciatic nerve due to compression 3. Cervical Radiculopathy – Nerve pain in the neck due to pressure on spinal nerves  IV. Neurological Injuries and Conditions A. Head and Brain Injuries 1. Concussion – A violent shaking or jarring of the brain 2. Cerebral Contusion – Bruising of the brain tissue from an injury 3. Cranial Hematoma – A collection of blood in the brain tissues 4. Shaken Baby Syndrome – Brain damage caused by violent shaking of an infant B. Congenital and Developmental Disorders 1. Cerebral Palsy (CP) – A condition causing poor muscle control and neurological issues 2. Hydrocephalus – Excess fluid accumulation in the brain 3. Meningocele – Herniation of the meninges through a defect in the skull or spinal column C. Other Neurological Conditions 1. Tourette Syndrome (TS) – A disorder characterized by involuntary tics and vocalizations 2. Trigeminal Neuralgia – Severe facial pain due to inflammation of the trigeminal nerve V. Symptoms and Sensory Disorders A. Cognitive and Sensory Conditions 1. Amnesia – Memory disturbance affecting recall of past experiences 2. Cognition – The mental process of learning and memory 3. Delirium – A sudden state of confusion and disorientation 4. Hallucination – False sensory perception without external stimuli B. Pain and Sensory Abnormalities 1. Causalgia – Persistent, severe burning pain after nerve injury 2. Hyperesthesia – Increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli 3. Paresthesia – Burning or prickling sensation with no physical cause 4. Tremor – Involuntary, repetitive muscle movement C. Loss of Consciousness and Related Symptoms 1. Coma – A deep state of unconsciousness 2. Lethargy – A state of drowsiness and lack of energy 3. Syncope (Fainting) – A brief loss of consciousness due to low blood flow to the brain 4. Unconscious – A state of being unaware and unresponsive to stimuli VI. Diagnostic Tests and Medical Specialties A. Neurological Diagnostic Tests 1. Electroencephalography (EEG) – Recording electrical activity in the brain 2. Carotid Ultrasonography – Imaging test to check blood flow in the carotid artery 3. Myelography – Imaging of the spinal cord using a contrast dye B. Types of Anesthesia and Pain Management 1. Anesthetic – A medication used to induce anesthesia 2. Epidural Anesthesia – Regional anesthesia injected into the epidural space 3. Anesthetist – A medical professional who administers anesthesia 4. Anesthesiologist – A physician specializing in anesthesia administration C. Neurological Medical Specialties 1. Neurologist – A doctor specializing in nervous system disorders VII. Nervous System Terminology and Word Parts A. Prefixes and Roots Related to the Nervous System 1. Neur/o, Neur/i – Nerve, nerve tissue 2. Cerebr/o – Brain, cerebrum 3. Encephal/o – Brain 4. Mening/o – Meninges 5. Crani/o – Skull B. Sensation and Speech-Related Terms 1. Esthet/o – Feeling, nervous sensation 2. -esthesia – Sensation, feeling 3. -phasia – Speech C. Other Important Terms 1. Concuss/o – Shaken together, violently agitated 2. Contus/o – Bruise VIII. Conclusion A. Importance of Nervous System Health B. Advances in Neurology and Treatment Options C. Preventive Measures for Brain and Nerve Health