Nervous System: Medical Terminology Study Guide

Nervous System

Overview and Learning Objectives

The nervous system is a complex network responsible for coordinating body functions and activities. This section covers the structure, function, terminology, diseases, diagnostics, and behavioral health aspects of the nervous system, with a focus on medical terminology relevant to college-level study.

• Pronounce and define organs and structures of the nervous system

• Identify and spell word parts and terms related to diseases, disorders, surgery, and diagnostics

• Interpret abbreviations and complementary terms

Function of the Nervous System

Central and Peripheral Divisions

The nervous system is divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Together, they form a communication network that coordinates voluntary and involuntary body functions.

• CNS: Consists of the brain and spinal cord; interprets stimuli and controls body functions.

• PNS: Acts as a highway, conveying messages to and from the CNS.

• Voluntary activities: Control of skeletal muscles.

• Involuntary activities: Control of cardiac muscle and other automatic functions.

Structures of the Nervous System

Major Components and Their Functions

• Brain: Center for interpretation of thoughts, movement, and coordination.

• Cerebrum: Largest portion of the brain, divided into right and left hemispheres; responsible for higher brain functions.

• Ventricles: Spaces within the brain containing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

• Cerebellum: Located under the posterior brain; coordinates skeletal muscles and maintains balance.

• Brainstem: Connects the brain with the spinal cord; controls respiration and heart rate.

• Pons: Bridge connecting the cerebrum with the cerebellum and brainstem.

• Medulla oblongata: Located between the pons and spinal cord; controls respiration, heart rate, and blood vessel muscle activity.

• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF): Clear fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord.

• Spinal cord: Pathway carrying impulses to and from the brain.

• Dura mater: Tough outer covering of the brain.

• Neuron: Nerve cell that carries impulses.

• Nerves: Cord-like structures carrying impulses; 12 pairs of cranial nerves, 31 pairs of spinal nerves.

Nervous System Word Parts

Combining Forms and Their Meanings

Combining Form	Meaning
cerebell/o	cerebellum
cerebr/o	cerebrum, brain
encephal/o	brain
dur/o	hard, dura mater
mening/o, meningi/o	meninges
myel/o	spinal cord
neur/o	nerve
esthesi/o	sensation, feeling
ment/o, psch/o	mind
phas/o	speech

Disease and Disorder Terms

Terms Built from Word Parts

• Cerebellitis: Inflammation of the cerebellum.

• Cerebral thrombosis: Blood clot in a vessel of the brain (ischemic stroke).

• Duritis: Inflammation of the dura mater.

• Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain.

• Meningioma: Tumor of the meninges.

• Meningitis: Inflammation of the meninges.

• Neuralgia: Pain in a nerve.

• Neuropathy: Disease of the nerves.

• Subdural hematoma: Bleeding below the dura mater.

Terms Not Built from Word Parts

• Alzheimer disease: Type of dementia; brain shrinks, tissue dies.

• Bell palsy: Temporary paralysis of one side of the face due to inflammation.

• Cerebral aneurysm: Weak vessel in the brain, risk of rupture.

• Cerebral embolism: Blood clot in the brain, causing stroke.

• Cerebral palsy: Brain defect causing uncontrolled muscle control.

• Dementia: Cognitive decline.

• Epilepsy: Recurrent seizures.

• Multiple sclerosis: Degenerative disease with demyelination of brain and spinal cord, loss of muscle control.

Surgical Terms

Terms Built from Word Parts

• Neurectomy: Excision of a nerve.

• Neuroplasty: Surgical repair of a nerve.

• Neurotomy: Incision into a nerve.

• Radicotomy/Rhizotomy: Incision into a nerve root.

Diagnostic Terms

Terms Built from Word Parts

• Cerebral angiography: Recording of the vessels of the cerebrum.

• CT myelography: Process of recording the spinal cord using CT imaging.

• Electroencephalogram (EEG): Record of the electrical activity of the brain.

Terms Not Built from Word Parts

• Computed tomography (CT): Computerized radiographic process for sectional imaging.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): High-strength, computer-controlled magnetic fields producing sectional images.

• Positron emission tomography (PET): Nuclear medicine procedure combined with CT imaging.

• Evoked potential studies (EP studies): Tests measuring brain activity in response to stimuli.

• Lumbar puncture: Diagnostic test involving aspiration of CSF.

Complementary Terms

Built from Word Parts

• Anesthesia: Without feeling.

• Aphasia: Loss of speech.

• Cephalgia: Pain in the head.

• Encephalopathy: Disease of the brain.

• Hemiplegia: Paralysis of one side of the body.

• Mental: Pertaining to the mind.

• Neurology: Study of nerves.

• Quadriplegia: Paralysis of all four limbs.

• Subdural: Pertaining to below the dura mater.

Not Built from Word Parts

• Coma: State of profound unconsciousness.

• Concussion: Injury to the brain.

• Conscious: Alert, aware of surroundings.

• Disorientation: State of confusion.

• Dysarthria: Inability to use speech properly.

• Ataxia: Lack of muscle control.

• Incoherent: Unable to express oneself clearly.

• Seizure: Sudden involuntary body movements.

• Syncope: Dizziness or fainting.

Types of Cognitive Impairments

• Mild cognitive impairment (MCI): Significant memory difficulty, precursor to dementia.

• Age-related memory impairment: Normal aging process.

• Delirium: Acute disturbance of consciousness and cognition, often due to metabolic interference, drugs, alcohol, trauma, infection, or hypoglycemia.

• Pseudodementia: Cognitive impairment not caused by brain tissue damage, but by mental illness such as major depression.

Behavioral Health Terms

Built from Word Parts

• Psychiatrist: Physician specializing in the study and treatment of mind disorders.

• Psychology: Study of the mind.

• Psychopathy: Disease of the mind.

• Psychosis: Abnormal condition of the mind, including derangement, delusions, and hallucinations.

Not Built from Word Parts

• Anorexia nervosa: Eating disorder characterized by disturbed body image.

• Anxiety disorder: Disorder involving feelings of apprehension and tension, real or imagined.

• Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Disorder of learning and behavioral problems.

• Autism: Mental disorder with impaired socialization and communication.

• Bipolar disorder: Major psychological disorder with mood disturbances, including manic and depressive episodes.

Abbreviations Related to the Nervous System

Abbreviation	Term
AD	Alzheimer disease
AHD	Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
CNS	Central nervous system
CSF	Cerebrospinal fluid
CT	Computed tomography
CVA	Cerebrovascular accident
EEG	Electroencephalogram
LP	Lumbar puncture
MRI	Magnetic resonance imaging
MS	Multiple sclerosis
PD	Parkinson disease
PNS	Peripheral nervous system
TIA	Transient ischemic attack

Example: Application of Terms

• A patient with aphasia may have difficulty communicating after a cerebrovascular accident (CVA).

• EEG is used to diagnose epilepsy by recording abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

• MRI can help detect multiple sclerosis by revealing areas of demyelination in the CNS.

Additional info: The nervous system is essential for integrating sensory input, processing information, and generating appropriate responses. Disorders can affect cognition, movement, sensation, and behavior, making accurate terminology crucial for diagnosis and treatment.