Veterinary Medical Terminology - Nervous System

Vocabulary flashcards based on veterinary medical terminology related to the nervous system.

Neur/o

Combining form meaning nerve.

Afferent

Type of neuron that carries impulses toward the central nervous system.

Efferent

Type of neuron that carries impulses away from the central nervous system.

Synaps/o, synapt/o

Combining forms for synapse, the gap between neurons.

Mening/o, meningi/o

Combining forms for the meninges, the membranes surrounding the CNS.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

clear, colorwhich nourishes and cushions the CNS.

Encephal/o

Combining form meaning brain.

Myel/o

Combining form for spinal cord and also for bone marrow.

Ataxia

Condition meaning without coordination.

Concussion

Shaking of the brain caused by injury.

Contusion

Bruising of the brain or spinal cord.

Epilepsy

A condition characterized by recurrent seizures.

Idiopathic

Term meaning of unknown cause.

-plegia

Suffix meaning paralysis.

-paresis

Suffix meaning weakness.

Analgesia

Condition of being without pain.

Anesthesia

Condition of being without sensation.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

consisting of cranial and spinal nerves.

Neuron

Basic unit of the nervous system.

Synapse

The space between two neurons where neurotransmission occurs.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical substances that transmit signals across a synapse.

Meninges

Three-layered membranes that protect the CNS.

Dura mater

Outermost layer of the meninges.

Epidural

Refers to a location above the dura mater.

Subdural

Refers to a location below the dura mater.

Choroid plexus

Structure that produces cerebrospinal fluid.

Myelogram

Record of the spinal cord obtained after an injection of contrast material.

Intervertebral discs

Fibrocartilage pads that separate and cushion vertebrae.

Vertebrae

Bones that make up the spinal column.

Cranium

The portion of the skull that encases the brain.

Medulla oblongata

Part of the brainstem that continues into the spinal cord.

Autonomic nervous system

Part of the PNS that controls involuntary body functions.

Ganglia

Clusters of nerve cell bodies in the PNS.

Paralysis

Loss of the ability to move a part of the body.

Tetraplegia

Paralysis of all four limbs.

Hemiplegia

Paralysis of one side of the body.