VET MED TERMS CHAP 11/12

Axon

Fiber that carries a nervous impulse along a nerve cell away from the cell body.

Dendrites

Branching structures that receive the nervous impulse.

Synapse

Space between neurons in which the nervous impulse passes.

Acetylcholine

Neurotransmitter that causes muscles to contract and aids in “dream” sleep.

Serotonin

Neurotransmitter responsible for relaxation.

Cerebral Cortex

Outer section of the cerebrum.

Cerebrum

Largest part of the brain responsible for voluntary muscle movements, speech, vision, hearing, thought, memory, and taste.

Cerebellum

Second largest part of the brain, responsible for balance and coordination.

Medulla Oblongata

Stem‐like structure of the brainstem connecting the brain to the spinal cord. Responsible for breathing, heart function, and blood pressure.

Meninges

Three protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messenger released from a neuron to stimulate or inhibit another nerve or target cell.

Parasympathetic nervous system

Portion of the autonomic nervous system responsible for normal body functions including regulating heart rate and respiratory rate.

Peripheral Nervous System

Portion of the nervous system consisting of cranial nerves, spinal nerves, and the autonomic nervous system.

Plexus

Large, interlacing network of nerves.

Pons

Contains nerve fibers that allow the cerebrum and cerebellum to communicate with each other (bridge).

Proprioception

Knowing where your limbs are in space.

Thalamus

Relay point of the brain where sensory and motor impulses are received and then redirected to the appropriate part of the cerebrum.

Epilepsy

Idiopathic brain disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.

Horner's syndrome

Neurological disorder caused by paralysis of the cervical sympathetic nerve supply.

Hydrocephalus

Abnormal accumulation of CSF in the ventricles of the brain (water on the brain).

Myasthenia gravis

Neuromuscular disorder characterized by weakness of the skeletal muscles.

Seizure

Sudden, involuntary contractions of voluntary muscles.

Spina Bifida

Congenital anomaly in which the spinal canal fails to close around the spinal cord.

Stupor

Partial unconsciousness and decreased response to stimuli.

Vestibular Disease

Idiopathic neurological disorder characterized by head tilt, circling, and rapid back‐and‐forth movement of the eyes.

Cilia

Thin, tiny hairs, often associated with the lining of the respiratory tract.

Tactile Hairs

Long, brittle hairs on the face that are very sensitive. An example would be whiskers.

Dermis

True layer of skin containing blood supply and nerves.

Epidermis

Outermost layer of skin.

Epithelium

Layer of cells that covers the outer and inner body surfaces. Also called epithelial tissue.

Melanin

Pigment that gives skin its color.

Sebaceous glands

Oil‐secreting gland of the dermis that's associated with the hair follicles.

Subcutaneous tissue

Deep, fatty layer of the skin.

Abscess

Localized collection of pus.

Alopecia

Absence of hair in areas where it normally grows.

Atopy

Hypersensitivity reaction characterized by pruritus (itching) and dermatitis.

Ulcer

Erosion of the skin or mucous membranes.

Carcinoma

Malignant tumor arising from epithelial tissue.

Contusion

A bruise; injury to tissue without breaking the skin.

Culture

Procedure used to grow microbes in certain types of media.

Abrasion

Wound caused by scraping of the skin or mucous membranes.

Debridement

Removal of contaminated tissue or foreign material to expose healthy tissue.

Dehiscence

Separation of all layers of a surgical wound; splitting open.

Ecchymosis

Bluish‐black mark on the skin.

Fine needle aspirate (FNA)

Collection of fluid or cells for laboratory exam, used on masses for diagnosis.

Granuloma

Mass of granulation tissue due to a chronic inflammatory process.

Hidrosis

Sweating.

Mange

An infestation of mites (Demodex and Sarcoptes) which causes scabies.

Melanoma

Malignant tumor of the skin; malignant tumor of melanocytes.

Pruritus

Itching.