Medical Terminology For Nervous System

Decoding the Nervous System: A Comprehensive Guide to Medical Terminology

Understanding the complexities of the human nervous system requires navigating a sea of specialized medical terminology. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge to decipher common terms, understand their meanings, and appreciate the intricate workings of this vital system. Whether you're a student, a healthcare professional, or simply curious about the human body, this article will serve as your essential roadmap to the language of neurology. We'll explore key terms related to the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and neurological conditions.

Introduction to Nervous System Terminology: Breaking Down the Basics

The nervous system, the body's complex communication network, is responsible for everything from basic reflexes to higher-level cognitive functions. Medical terminology related to this system often combines Greek and Latin roots, making it challenging for beginners. This article aims to demystify this terminology by breaking down terms into their component parts. We will cover prefixes, suffixes, and root words frequently used in neurology, providing you with the tools to understand new terms you encounter. Understanding these building blocks will empower you to interpret medical records, research papers, and conversations with healthcare professionals more effectively.

Key Prefixes, Suffixes, and Root Words in Neurology

Before diving into specific terms, let's establish a foundation by understanding the common prefixes, suffixes, and root words used in neurology:

Prefixes:

• A-, An-: Without, lacking (e.g., anesthesia - lack of sensation)
• Brady-: Slow (e.g., bradycardia - slow heart rate, although related to the cardiovascular system, it's often relevant in neurological conditions)
• Dys-: Difficult, painful (e.g., dysphagia - difficulty swallowing; often a symptom of neurological disorders)
• Encephalo-: Brain (e.g., encephalitis - inflammation of the brain)
• Epi-: Upon, above (e.g., epilepsy - seizures originating from the brain)
• Hyper-: Excessive, above normal (e.g., hyperreflexia - exaggerated reflexes)
• Hypo-: Under, below normal (e.g., hyporeflexia - diminished reflexes)
• Inter-: Between (e.g., intercostal - between the ribs; relevant in conditions affecting nerves in the intercostal spaces)
• Intra-: Within (e.g., intracranial - within the skull)
• Myelo-: Spinal cord, bone marrow (e.g., myelitis - inflammation of the spinal cord)
• Neuro-: Nerve, nervous system (e.g., neurology - study of the nervous system)
• Para-: Beside, beyond (e.g., paraplegia - paralysis of the lower half of the body)
• Peri-: Around (e.g., perineural - around a nerve)
• Poly-: Many, much (e.g., polyneuropathy - disease affecting many nerves)
• Quadri-: Four (e.g., quadriplegia - paralysis of all four limbs)

Suffixes:

• -algia: Pain (e.g., neuralgia - nerve pain)
• -cele: Hernia, swelling (e.g., meningocele - herniation of the meninges)
• -ectomy: Surgical removal (e.g., craniotomy - surgical opening of the skull)
• -itis: Inflammation (e.g., meningitis - inflammation of the meninges)
• -oma: Tumor (e.g., glioma - tumor of glial cells)
• -pathy: Disease (e.g., neuropathy - disease of the nerves)
• -plegia: Paralysis (e.g., hemiplegia - paralysis of one side of the body)
• -rrhagia: To burst forth (e.g., cerebral hemorrhage - bleeding in the brain)

Root Words:

• Cerebr/o: Brain (e.g., cerebral cortex)
• Cranio: Skull (e.g., cranium)
• Mening/o: Meninges (protective membranes of the brain and spinal cord) (e.g., meningitis)
• Myel/o: Spinal cord, bone marrow (e.g., myelin)
• Neuron/o: Nerve (e.g., neuron)
• Spinal: Spine (e.g., spinal cord)

Specific Medical Terminology Related to the Nervous System

Let's delve into more specific terms, categorized by their anatomical location and function within the nervous system:

Brain:

• Cerebrum: The largest part of the brain, responsible for higher-level functions like thinking, learning, and memory. Terms like cerebral palsy and cerebral hemorrhage refer to conditions affecting this area.
• Cerebellum: Located beneath the cerebrum, it coordinates movement, balance, and posture. Damage to the cerebellum can result in ataxia (loss of coordination).
• Brainstem: Connects the cerebrum and cerebellum to the spinal cord, controlling vital functions like breathing, heart rate, and sleep. Conditions affecting the brainstem can be life-threatening.
• Hypothalamus: A small but crucial area of the brain that regulates body temperature, hunger, thirst, and sleep.
• Thalamus: Acts as a relay station for sensory information.
• Corpus Callosum: A large bundle of nerve fibers connecting the two hemispheres of the brain, enabling communication between them.
• Meninges: The protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord: dura mater (outermost), arachnoid mater (middle), and pia mater (innermost). Inflammation of the meninges is known as meningitis.

Spinal Cord:

• Spinal Cord: The long, cylindrical structure extending from the brainstem, transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Injuries to the spinal cord can cause paralysis, depending on the level of injury (paraplegia, quadriplegia).
• Myelin: A fatty substance that insulates nerve fibers, allowing for faster transmission of nerve impulses. Damage to myelin, as seen in multiple sclerosis, can lead to various neurological symptoms.
• Gray Matter: Contains neuron cell bodies and synapses.
• White Matter: Composed of myelinated nerve fibers.

Nerves & Peripheral Nervous System:

• Cranial Nerves: Twelve pairs of nerves originating from the brainstem, controlling various functions like vision, hearing, taste, and facial movement. Damage to cranial nerves can cause specific deficits, depending on the nerve affected.
• Spinal Nerves: Thirty-one pairs of nerves that emerge from the spinal cord, innervating the rest of the body.
• Peripheral Neuropathy: A general term referring to damage to peripheral nerves, often causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area. Causes can range from diabetes to autoimmune disorders.
• Autonomic Nervous System: Controls involuntary functions like heart rate, digestion, and respiration. It's further subdivided into the sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight response) and the parasympathetic nervous system (rest-and-digest response).

Neurological Conditions:

• Epilepsy: A neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.
• Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident): Disruption of blood flow to the brain, leading to cell death. Symptoms depend on the area of the brain affected. Ischemic stroke is caused by a blockage, while hemorrhagic stroke is caused by bleeding.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS): An autoimmune disease causing damage to myelin, leading to various neurological symptoms.
• Parkinson's Disease: A degenerative disorder affecting movement, characterized by tremors, rigidity, and slowness of movement.
• Alzheimer's Disease: A progressive neurodegenerative disease causing memory loss and cognitive decline.
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): A progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. Often called Lou Gehrig's disease.
• Head Trauma: Injury to the brain caused by external force. Severity can range from mild concussion to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).
• Meningitis: Inflammation of the meninges, often caused by bacterial or viral infection.
• Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain, often caused by viral infection.

Understanding Neurological Examinations and Diagnostic Tests

Understanding common neurological examination procedures and diagnostic tests is crucial for interpreting medical information accurately. These tools help healthcare professionals assess neurological function and diagnose various conditions.

Neurological Examinations:

A neurological examination involves assessing various aspects of neurological function, including:

• Mental Status: Evaluating level of consciousness, orientation, and cognitive abilities.
• Cranial Nerves: Testing the function of each of the twelve cranial nerves.
• Motor System: Assessing muscle strength, tone, coordination, and reflexes.
• Sensory System: Evaluating touch, pain, temperature, and vibration sensation.
• Reflexes: Testing deep tendon reflexes, superficial reflexes, and plantar reflexes.

Diagnostic Tests:

Numerous diagnostic tests are available to investigate neurological conditions:

• Electroencephalography (EEG): Measures brain electrical activity.
• Electromyography (EMG): Assesses muscle and nerve function.
• Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS): Evaluate the speed of nerve impulse transmission.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Provides detailed images of the brain and spinal cord.
• Computed Tomography (CT): Creates cross-sectional images of the brain and spinal cord.
• Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): Collects cerebrospinal fluid for analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the difference between afferent and efferent nerves?

A: Afferent nerves (also called sensory nerves) carry signals from the periphery to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Efferent nerves (also called motor nerves) carry signals from the central nervous system to the periphery (muscles and glands).

Q: What is a neurotransmitter?

A: Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across the synapse (the gap between two nerve cells). Examples include acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Imbalances in neurotransmitters can contribute to various neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Q: What is the difference between a nerve and a neuron?

A: A neuron is a single nerve cell. A nerve is a bundle of many nerve fibers (axons) bound together by connective tissue.

Conclusion: Mastering the Language of Neurology

Navigating the complex world of nervous system terminology can seem daunting at first. However, by understanding the basic prefixes, suffixes, and root words, and by systematically learning key terms, you can significantly improve your comprehension of neurological concepts. This guide provides a solid foundation for further exploration. Remember that ongoing learning and consistent effort are key to mastering this specialized vocabulary and gaining a deeper understanding of the fascinating intricacies of the human nervous system. With dedicated study and practice, you can confidently engage with medical literature, research, and conversations concerning the brain, spinal cord, and the entire network of nerves that control our bodies. The journey of understanding medical terminology is a continuous process, but the rewards of increased knowledge and comprehension are immense.