Neurological Terminology Flashcards

Flashcards covering key neurological terms and definitions for exam review.

absence seizure

A mild seizure similar to daydreaming; occurs mostly in children; caused by depressed hypothalamus/thalamus brain waves; disappears by age 10.

alpha waves

Small and regular; indicate a calm, relaxed, awake state.

ALS

Lou Gehrig’s Disease; progressive destruction of the anterior horn motor neurons.

Alzheimer’s

A progressive degenerative disease of the brain that results in dementia; causes memory loss, shortened attention span, disorientation, language loss, hallucinations; characterized by beta-amyloid plaques.

anterograde amnesia

Caused by damage to the hippocampus and amygdala; prevents the formation of new memories.

arachnoid mater

A thin, delicate membrane that forms the middle layer of the meninges, the protective coverings of the brain and spinal cord.

ataxia

Disruption of synergy (smooth, coordinated skeletal muscle movement).

aura

A sensory hallucination that occurs before some grand mal seizures, such as bright lights, distortions, nausea, blind spots, smells, and numbness.

beta waves

Small, slightly irregular brain waves that occur when mentally alert or during concentration.

cerebellum

11% of total brain mass; necessary for smooth, coordinated skeletal muscle movements; disruption results in ataxia.

cerebral edema

Accumulation of fluid in the brain, leading to brain swelling.

cerebrum

The largest part of the brain, divided into two hemispheres, responsible for speech, thoughts, emotions, and writing.

choroid plexus

Structures in the brain that secrete cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

coma

Prolonged state of unconsciousness.

concussion

Slight brain injury with short-lived symptoms; no permanent neurological damage.

conus medullaris

The termination point of the spinal cord.

cordotomy

Procedure involving tract removal in the spinal cord due to unremitting pain.

corpus callosum

A commissure that connects the gray areas of the two hemispheres of the cerebral cortex.

CSF

Cerebrospinal fluid that circulates through the brain and spinal cord; leaks from capillaries in the choroid plexi into the ventricles and is reabsorbed back into the circulatory system.

delta waves

Large, irregular brain waves that occur during deep sleep or amnesia.

dorsal horns

Sensory regions of the spinal cord.

dorsal roots

Axonal extensions of afferent sensory nerves entering the spinal cord.

dura mater

The outermost of the three membranes; a thick and strong layer directly under the skull.

EEG

Electroencephalogram; a measurement of brain waves/activity.

encephalitis

Inflammation of the brain caused by infection or autoimmune disease.

epilepsy

Condition characterized by uncontrollable seizures due to abnormal electrical discharges from the brain.

epithalamus

Contains the pineal gland that secretes melatonin.

filum terminale

Fibrous extension of the pia mater.

fissures

Deeper grooves that separate large regions of the cerebral cortex.

flaccid paralysis

Severe damage to the ventral root or anterior horn cells resulting in inability to move skeletal muscles.

gyri

Ridges or folds in the brain.

hippocampus

An area of the brain important for memory processing and storage.

Huntington’s Disease

Inherited disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of the basal nuclei in the cerebrum, causing chorea, mental deterioration, and behavioral disturbances.

hydrocephalus

Condition of excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain's ventricles.

hypothalamus

The main visceral control center below the thalamus, critical for body homeostasis and autonomic nervous system regulation.