Medical Terminology Chapter 15 – Flashcards
Unlock all answers in this set
Unlock answersquestion
brain
answer
contained within the cranium, the center for coordinating body activities and comprises the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem; the brainstem contains the pons, medulla oblongata, and midbrain
question
cerebrum
answer
largest portion of the brain, divided into left and right hemispheres; controls the skeletal muscles, interprets general senses (like temperature, pain, and touch), and contains centers for sight and hearing; intellect, memory, and emotional reactions also take place here
question
ventricles
answer
spaces within the brain that contain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which flows through the subarachnoid space around the brain and spinal cord
question
cerebellum
answer
located under the posterior portion of the cerebrum, assists in the coordination of skeletal muscles to maintain balance (also called hindbrain)
question
brainstem
answer
stemlike portion of the brain that connects with the spinal cord; contains centers that control respiration and heart rate; three structures that comprise it are pons, medulla oblongata, and midbrain
question
pons
answer
literally means bridge; connects the cerebrum with the cerebellum and brainstem
question
medulla oblongata
answer
located between the pons and spinal cord; contains centers that control respiration, heart rate, and the muscles in the blood vessel walls, which assist in determining blood pressure
question
midbrain
answer
most superior portion of the brainstem
question
cerebrospinal fluid
answer
CSF; clear, colorless luid contained in the ventricles that flows through the subarachnoid space around the brain and spinal cord; cushions the brain and spinal cord from shock, transports nutrients, and clears metabolic waste
question
spinal cord
answer
passes through the vertebral canal extending from the medulla oblongata to the level of the second lumbar vertebra; spinal cord conducts nerve impulses to and from the brain and initiates reflex action to sensory information without input from the brain
question
meninges
answer
three layers of membrane that cover the brain and spinal cord
question
dura mater
answer
tough outer layer of the meninges
question
arachnoid
answer
delicate middle layer of the meninges; the arachnoid membrane is loosely attached to the pia mater by weblike fibers, which allow for the subarachnoid space
question
pia mater
answer
thin inner layer of the meninges
question
nerve
answer
cordlike structure made up of fibers that carries impulses from one part of the body to another; 12 pairs of cranial nerves and 31 pairs of spinal nerves
question
ganglion
answer
group of nerve cell bodies located outside the central nervous system
question
glia
answer
specialized cells that support and nourish nervous tissue; some cells assist in the secretion of cerebrospinal fluid and others assist with phagocytosis; do not conduct impulses; three tpes (astroglia, oligodendroglia, and microglia)
question
neuron
answer
nerve cell that conducts nerve impulses to carry out the function of the nervous system; destroyed neurons cannot be replaced
question
cerebell/o
answer
combining form meaning cerebellum
question
cerebr/o
answer
combining form meaning cerebrum, brain
question
dur/o
answer
combining form meaning hard, dura mater
question
encephal/o
answer
combining form meaning brain
question
gangli/o, ganglion/o
answer
combining forms meaning ganglion
question
gli/o
answer
combining form meaning glia, gluey substance
question
mening/o, meningi/o
answer
combining forms meaning meninges
question
myel/o
answer
combining form meaning spinal cord
question
neur/o
answer
combining form meaning nerve
question
radic/o, radicul/o, rhiz/o
answer
combining forms meaning nerve root (proximal end of a peripheral nerve, closest to the spinal cord)
question
esthesi/o
answer
combining form meaning sensation, sensitivity, feeling
question
ment/o, psych/o
answer
combining form meaning mind
question
mon/o
answer
combining form meaning one, single
question
phas/o
answer
combining form meaning speech
question
poli/o
answer
combining form meaning gray matter
question
quadr/i
answer
combining form meaning four
question
-iatrist
answer
suffix meaning specialist, physician
question
-iatry
answer
suffix meaning treatment, specialty
question
-ictal
answer
suffix meaning seizure, attack
question
-paresis
answer
suffix meaning slight paralysis
question
duritis
answer
inflammation of the dura mater
question
encephalitis
answer
inflammation of the brain
question
encephalomalacia
answer
softening of the brain
question
encephalomeloradiculitis
answer
inflammation of the brain, spinal cord, and nerve roots
question
gangliitis
answer
inflammation of a ganglion
question
glioblastoma
answer
tumor composed of developing glial tissue (the most malignant and most common primary tumor of the brain)
question
glioma
answer
tumor composed of the glial tissue (glioma is used to describe all primary neoplasms of the brain and spinal cord)
question
meningioma
answer
tumor of the meninges (benign and slow growing)
question
meningitis
answer
inflammation of the meninges
question
meningocele
answer
protrusion of the meninges (through a defect in the skull or vertebral arch)
question
meningomyelocele
answer
protrusion of the meninges and spinal cord (through a neural arch defect in the vertebral column); also called myelomeningocele
question
mononeuropathy
answer
disease affecting a single nerve (such as carpal tunnel syndrome)
question
neuralgia
answer
pain in a nerve
question
neuritis
answer
inflammation of a nerve
question
neuroarthropathy
answer
disease of nerves and joints
question
neuroma
answer
tumor made up of nerve cells
question
neuropathy
answer
disease of the nerves (peripheral)
question
poliomyelitis
answer
inflammation of the gray matter of the spinal cord (caused by one of three viruses)
question
polyneuritis
answer
inflammation of many nerves
question
polyneuropathy
answer
disease of many nerves (most often occurs as a side effect of diabetes mellitus, but may also occur as a result of drug therapy, critical illness such as sepsis, or carcinoma; exhibiting symptoms of weakness, distal sensory loss, and burning)
question
radiculitis
answer
inflammation of the nerve roots
question
radiculopathy
answer
disease of the nerve roots
question
rhizomeningomyelitis
answer
inflammation of the nerve root, meninges, and spinal cord
question
subdural hematoma
answer
pertaining to below the dura mater, tumor of blood (a collection of blood resulting from a broken blood vessel)
question
alzheimer disease
answer
AD; disease characterized by early dementia, confusion, loss of recognition of persons or unfamiliar surroundings, restlessness, and impaired memory
question
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
answer
ALS; progressive muscle atrophy caused by degeneration and scarring of neurons along the lateral columns of the spinal cord that control muscles; also called Lou Gehrig disease
question
bell palsy
answer
paralysis of muscles on one side of the face caused by inflammation or compression of the facial nerve-cranial nerve VII; signs include a sagging mouth on the affected side and nonclosure of the eyelid; paralysis is usually temporary
question
cerebral aneurysm
answer
aneurysm in the cerebrum
question
cerebral embolism
answer
an embolus (usually a blood clot or a piece of atherosclerotic plaque arising from a distant site) lodges in a cerebral artery, causing sudden blockage of blood supply to the brain tissue; atrial fibrillation is a common cause of cerebral embolism, which can lead to ischemic stroke
question
cerebral palsy
answer
CP; condition characterized by lack of muscle control and partial paralysis, caused by a brain defect or lesion present at birth or shortly after
question
dementia
answer
cognitive impairment characterized by loss of intellectual brain function; patients have difficulty in various ways, including difficulty in performing complex tasks, reasoning, learning and retaining new information, orientation, word finding, and behavior; has several causes and is not considered part of normal aging
question
epilepsy
answer
condition characterized by recurrent seizures; a general term given to a group of neurologic disorders, all characterized by abnormal electrical activity in the brain
question
hydrocephalus
answer
congenital or acquired disorder caused by obstructed circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, resulting in dilated cerebral ventricles and impaired brain function; for infants, hydrocephalus can cause enlargement of the cranium
question
intracerebral hemorrhage
answer
bleeding into the brain as a result of a ruptured blood vessel within the brain; symptoms vary depending on the location of the hemorrhage; acute symptoms include dyspnea, dysphagia, aphasia, diminished level of consciousness, and hemiparesis; symptoms often develop suddenly; cause of hemorrhagic stroke and frequently associated with high blood pressure
question
multiple sclerosis
answer
MS; chronic degenerative disease characterized by sclerotic patches along the brain and spinal cord; signs and symptoms fluctuate over the course of the disease; more common symptoms include fatigue, balance, and coordination impairments, numbness, and vision problems
question
parkinson disease
answer
PD; chronic degenerative disease of the CNS; signs and symptoms include resting tremors of the hands and feet, rigidity, expressionless face, and shuffling gait; usually occurs after age 50
question
sciatica
answer
inflammation of the sciatic nerve, causing pain that travels from the thigh through the leg to the foot and toes; can be caused by injury, infection, arthritis, herniated disk, or from prolonged pressure on the nerve from sitting for long periods
question
shingles
answer
viral disease that affects the peripheral nerves and causes blisters on the skin that follow the course of the affected nerves; also called herpes zoster
question
stroke
answer
occurs when there is an interruption of blood supply to a region of the brain, depriving nerve cells in the affected area of oxygen and nutrients; the cells cannot perform and may be damaged or die within minutes; parts of the body controlled by the involved cells experience dysfunction; speech, movement, memory, and other CNS functions may be affected in varying degrees; also called cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or brain attack
question
ischemic stroke
answer
stroke as a result of a blocked blood vessel
question
hemorrhagic stroke
answer
stroke as a result of bleeding
question
subarachnoid hemorrhage
answer
SAH; bleeding caused by a ruptured blood vessel just outside the brain (usually a ruptured cerebral aneurysm) that rapidly fills the space between the piamater and arachnoid layers of the meninges (subarachnoid space) with blood; patient may experience an intense, sudden headache accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and neck pain
question
transient ischemic attack
answer
TIA; sudden deficient supply of blood to the brain lasting a short time; symptoms may be similar to those of stroke, but with TIA the symptoms are temporary and the usual outcome is complete recovery; TIAs are often warning signs for eventual occurrence of a stroke
question
Alzheimer disease
answer
the most common type of dementia, making up 60-80% of all cases; the disease, the cause of which is unknown, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by diffuse brain atrophy and the presence of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles within the brain cortex; women are affected more than men, and the disease usually occurs after the age of 60; the disease is slowly progressive and usually results in a profound dementia in 5-10 years
question
vascular or multiple infarct dementia
answer
affects approximately 10-20% of patients with dementia; secondary to cerebrovascular disease and usually occurs in older patients
question
central nervous system infection dementia
answer
may be caused by herpes simplex encephalitis or may be seen in patients with AIDS
question
lewy body dementia
answer
usually a rapidly progressive form of dementia seen with Parkinson syndrome
question
parkinson disease
answer
may develop in patients with advanced disease
question
wernicke-korsakoff syndrome
answer
a form of dementia found with chronic alcoholism
question
normal pressure hydrocephalus
answer
may cause dementia in elderly individuals and can be treated with a ventricular peritoneal shunt
question
ganglionectomy
answer
excision of a ganglion; also called gangliectomy
question
neurectomy
answer
excision of a nerve
question
neurolysis
answer
dissolution of a nerve (for pain management)
question
neurorrhaphy
answer
suturing of a nerve
question
neurotomy
answer
incision into a nerve
question
radicotomy, rhizotomy
answer
incision into a nerve root
question
cerebral angiography
answer
process of recording (scan) of the blood vessels of the cerebrum after an injection of contrast medium
question
CT myelography
answer
process of recording (scan) the spinal cord (after an injection of a contrast agent into the subarachnoid space by lumbar puncture; size, shape, and position of the spinal cord and nerve roots are demonstrated)
question
electroencephalogram
answer
EEG; record of electrical activity of the brain
question
electroencephalograph
answer
instrument used to record electrical activity of the brain
question
electroencephalography
answer
process of recording the electrical activity of the brain
question
computed tomography of the brain
answer
computerized radiographic process producing a series of sectional images (slices) of brain tissue; useful in diagnosing brain tumors
question
magnetic resonance imaging of the brain or spine
answer
high-strength computer-controlled magnetic fields producing a series of sectional images (slices) of the soft tissues of the brain or spine; used to visualize tumors, edema, MS, and herniated disks
question
positron emission tomography scan of the brain
answer
nuclear medicine procedure combining CT and radioactive chemicals producing sectional images of the brain to examine blood flow and metabolic activity
question
evoked potential studies
answer
group of diagnostic tests that measure changes and responses in brain waves elicited by visual, auditory, or somatosensory stimuli; visual evoked response (VER) is a response to visual stimuli; auditory evoked response (AER) is a response to auditory stimuli
question
lumbar puncture
answer
LP; diagnostic procedure performed by insertion of a needle into the subarachnoid space usually between the third and fourth lumbar vertebrae; performed for many reasons, including the removal of cerebrospinal fluid (also called a spinal tap)
question
panplegia
answer
total paralysis
question
paresthesia
answer
abnormal sensation such as burning, prickling, or tingling sensation, often in the extremities; may be caused by nerve damage or peripheral neuropathy
question
postictal
answer
occurring after a seizure or attack
question
preictal
answer
occurring before a seizure or attack
question
quadriplegia
answer
paralysis of four (limbs)
question
subdural
answer
pertaining to below the dura mater
question
afferent
answer
conveying toward a center (for example, afferent nerves carry impulses to the central nervous system)
question
ataxia
answer
lack of muscle coordination
question
cognitive
answer
pertaining to the mental processes of comprehension, judgment, memory, and reason
question
coma
answer
state of profound unconsciousness
question
concussion
answer
injury to the brain caused by minor or major head trauma; symptoms include vertigo, headache, and possible loss of consequence
question
conscious
answer
awake, alert, aware of one's surroundings
question
convulsion
answer
sudden, involuntary contraction of a group of muscles; may be present during a seizure
question
disorientation
answer
a state of mental confusion as to time, place, or identity
question
mild cognitive impairment
answer
MCI; the presence of significant memory difficulty wen adjusted for age-related norms; the patient usually has little difficulty performing activities of daily living; may be an early manifestation of Alzheimer disease or other forms of dementia
question
age-associated memory impairment
answer
when memory function tends to decline with aging when compared with young adults; not necessarily a forerunner of dementia
question
delirium
answer
potentially reversible acute disturbance of consciousness with impairment of cognition; a number of conditions can cause this by interfering with brain metabolism; drugs, alcohol, systemic infections, head trauma, hypoglycemia, and electrolyte disturbances are common examples
question
pseudodementia
answer
a disorder resembling dementia but is not caused by a brain disease; can be found in mental illness, such as major depression, and can be reversible with treatment
question
dysarthria
answer
the inability to use speech that is distinct and connected because of a loss of muscle control after damage to the peripheral or central nervous system
question
efferent
answer
conveying away from the center (like nerves carrying information away from the CNS)
question
gait
answer
a manner or style of walking
question
incoherent
answer
unable to express one's thoughts or ideas in an orderly, intelligible manner
question
paraplegia
answer
paralysis from the waist down caused by damage to the lower level of the spinal cord
question
seizure
answer
sudden, abnormal surge of electrical activity in the brain, resulting in involuntary body movements or behaviors
question
shunt
answer
tube implanted in the body to redirect the flow of a fluid
question
syncope
answer
fainting or sudden loss of consciousness caused by lack of blood supply to the cerebrum
question
unconsciousness
answer
state of being unaware of surroundings and incapable of responding to stimuli as a result of injury, shock, illness, or drugs
question
psychiatrist
answer
physician who studies and treats disorders of the mind
question
psychiatry
answer
specialist of the mind (branch of medicine that deals with treatment of mental disorders)
question
psychogenic
answer
originating in the mind
question
psychologist
answer
specialist of the mind
question
psychology
answer
study of the mind (a profession that involves dealing with the mind and mental processes in relation to human behavior)
question
psychopathy
answer
any disease of the mind
question
psychosis
answer
abnormal condition of the mind (major mental disorder characterized by extreme derangement, often with delusions and hallucinations
question
psychosomatic
answer
pertaining to the mind and body (interrelations of)
question
anorexia nervosa
answer
eating disorder characterized by a disturbed perception of body image resulting in failure to maintain body weight, intensive fear of gaining weight, pronounced desire for thinness, and, in females amenorrhea
question
anxiety disorder
answer
emotional disorder characterized by feelings of apprehension, tension, or uneasiness arising typically from the anticipation of unreal or imagined danger
question
attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
answer
ADHD; disorder of learning and behavioral problems characterized by marked inattention, distractibility, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity
question
autism
answer
spectrum of mental disorders, the features of which include onset during infancy or childhood, preoccupation with subjective mental activity, inability to interact socially, and impaired communication (also referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorders [ASD] or pervasive developmental disorders [PDD])
question
bipolar disorder
answer
major psychological disorder typified by a disturbance in mood; manifested by manic and depressive episodes that may alternate or elements of both may occur simultaneously
question
bulimia nervosa
answer
eating disorder characterized by uncontrolled binge eating followed by purging
question
major depression
answer
mood disturbance characterized by feelings of sadness, despair, discouragement, hopelessness, lack of joy, altered sleep patterns, and difficulty with decision making and daily function; ranges from normal feelings of sadness (resulting from and proportional to personal loss or tragedy), through dysthymia (chronic depressive neurosis) to major depression (also referred to as clinical depression, mood disorder)
question
obsessive-compulsive disorder
answer
OCD; disorder characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts that result in the tendency to perform repetitive acts or rituals (compulsions) usually as a means of releasing tension or anxiety
question
panic attack
answer
episode of sudden onset of acute anxiety, occurring unpredictably, with feelings of acute apprehension, dyspnea, dizziness, sweating, and/or chest pain, depersonalization, paresthesia and fear of dying, loss of mind or control
question
phobia
answer
marked and persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable cued by the presence or anticipation of a specific situation or object (such as claustrophobia, the abnormal fear of being in enclosed spaces)
question
pica
answer
compulsive eating of nonnutritive substances such as clay or ice; often a result of an iron deficiency; when iron deficiency is the cause of pica the condition will disappear in 1 or 2 weeks when treated with iron therapy
question
posttraumatic stress disorder
answer
PTSD; disorder characterized by a chronic, debilitating emotional response to a traumatic event perceived as life threatening or severe emotional stress; may be caused by exposure to repeated physical or emotional trauma, military combat, natural disasters, or serious accidents; symptoms include anxiety, sleep disturbance, nightmares, difficulty concentrating, and depression
question
schizophrenia
answer
any one of a large group of psychotic disorders characterized by gross distortions of reality, disturbance of language and communication, withdrawal from social interaction, and the disorganization and fragmentation of thought, perception, and emotional reaction
question
somatoform disorders
answer
disorders characterized by physical symptoms for which no known physical cause exists
question
alzheimer disease
answer
AD
question
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
answer
ADHD
question
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
answer
ALS
question
central nervous system
answer
CNS
question
cerebral palsy
answer
CP
question
cerebrospinal fluid
answer
CSF
question
cerebrovascular accident
answer
CVA
question
electroencephalogram
answer
EEG
question
evoked potential studies
answer
EP studies
question
lumbar puncture
answer
LP
question
magnetic resonance imaging
answer
MRI
question
multiple sclerosis
answer
MS
question
obsessive-compulsive disorder
answer
OCD
question
parkinson disease
answer
PD
question
positron emission tomography
answer
PET
question
peripheral nervous system
answer
PNS
question
posttraumatic stress disorder
answer
PTSD
question
subarachnoid hemorrhage
answer
SAH
question
transient ischemic attack
answer
TIA
