Chapter 13: Nerves of Steel

Synapse

The space between 2 neurons or between a neuron and a receptor

Homeostasis

Maintaining a constant internal environment

Radiculitis

Inflammation of the root of a spinal nerve

Meninges

The 3 layered membrane lining the CNS

Myelin

The protective sheath that covers some nerve cells of the spinal cord, white matter of the brain, and most peripheral nerves

Sympathetic

The division of the autonomic nervous system that is concerned with body functions under emergency or stress

Plexus

A network of intersecting nerves

Efferent (Motor)

Type of neuron that carries impulses away from the CNS and toward the muscles

Reflex

An automatic, involuntary response to change

Cerebrum

The largest portion of he brain that is involved with thought and memory

Gyri

Elevated portions of the cerebral cortex

Analgesia

The term meaning without pain

Poliomyelitis

Inflammation of the gray matter of the spinal cord

Ataxia

The term for without coordination or "stumbling

Ganglion

A knotlike mass of neuron cell bodies in the peripheral nervous system

Obtunded

A "depressed" animal

Meningitis

Inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord

Knuckling

Conscious proprioceptive deficit

Chiasm

Medical term for crossing

Ventricles

Small cavities in the brain

Conscious

Awake, aware, and responsive; also known as alert

BAR

Bright, alert, and responsive

Coma

Deep state of unconsciousness

Lethargy

Drowsiness, indifference, and listlessness

Disorientation

Condition in which the animal appears mentally confused

Stupor

Impaired consciousness with unresponsiveness to stimuli

Ganglia

Neuron cell bodies grouped together outside the CNS

Stimulus

Something that excites or activates

Soma

Cell body

Impulse

Wave of excitation transmitted through nervous tissue

Neuroglia

Supportive cells of the nervous system

Myoclonus

Repetitive, rhythmic contraction of limb or facial muscles

Neur/o

Combining form for Nerve/Nerve tissue

Mening/o

Combining form for Layers of connective tissue enclosing the CNS

Pachy

Thick

Gangli/o

Combining form for Knot-like masses of nerve cell bodies outside the CNS

Gli/o

Combining form for Glue

Syncope

Fainting

Anesthetic

Substance that produces absence of sensation

Paralysis

Loss of voluntary movement

Seizure

Convulsions

Ptosis

Prolapse or drooping

Neurotomy

Incision into the nerve

Aura

Period before a seizure

Myelopathy

Disease of the spinal cord (or bone marrow)

Foreman

Passage or hole

Paraplegia

Paralysis of the lower limbs in bipeds or of hindlimbs in quadrupeds

Contra

Opposite

Epilepsy

Recurrent seizures of non systemic origin

Associative

A type of neuron that carries impulses from one neuron to another

Encephalomyelopathy

Any disease involving the brain and spinal cord

Ictus

The seizure in an animal that seizures

Disc Fenestration

Removal of intervertebral disc material by perforating and scraping out of its contents

Pupillary light reflex

PLR

Central Nervous System

Spinal cord is part of this system

Convolat/o

Combining form for coiled

Gyr/o

Combining form for coiling

Sulc/o

Combining form for groove

Myel/o

Combining form for spinal cord

Ax/o

Combining form for axis

Cerebr/o

Combining form for cerebrum

Crani/o

Combining form for skull

-Lepsy

Combining word part for seizure

Ipsi

Same

Foreamen Magnum

Spinal cord passes through an opening in the occipital bone

Leptomeninges

Pia mater and arachnoid membranes

Peripheral Nervous System

Cranial and spinal nerves