Nervous System - Complete Study Guide

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key nervous system terms, disorders, diagnostics, procedures, and combining forms from Pages 1–2 of the notes.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

All nerves outside the CNS.

Somatic Nervous System

Division of the PNS that controls voluntary muscle movement.

Autonomic Nervous System

Division of the PNS that controls involuntary glands, smooth muscle, and the heart.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Subdivision of the autonomic nervous system.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Subdivision of the autonomic nervous system.

Brain

Organ of the CNS divided into cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem.

Spinal Cord

Pathway for messages between the brain and body.

Neurons

Specialized cells that transmit nerve impulses.

Glial cells

Supporting cells that provide structure and nutrients.

Sensory (afferent) neurons

Carry information to the CNS.

Interneurons

Process information in the CNS.

Motor (efferent) neurons

Send commands from the CNS to muscles and glands.

Stroke (CVA)

Sudden interruption of brain blood flow.

Multiple Sclerosis

Myelin sheath damage in the CNS.

Epilepsy

Recurrent seizures.

Parkinson’s Disease

Progressive movement disorder.

Meningitis

Inflammation of the meninges.

EEG

Measures brain electrical activity.

MRI

Imaging of the brain and spinal cord using magnetic resonance.

CT

Imaging of the brain and spinal cord using computed tomography.

Lumbar puncture

CSF sampling by inserting a needle into the lower back.

Neuroplasty

Nerve repair procedure.

Laminectomy

Surgical removal of a vertebra to relieve nerve pressure.

Cerebrum

Largest part of the brain.

Cerebellum

Part of the brain that coordinates movement.

Brainstem

Part of the brain connecting to the spinal cord.

Cerebrovascular

Pertaining to brain blood vessels.

neur/o

nerve (combining form)

neuropathy

Disease of the nerves.

encephal/o

brain (combining form)

encephalitis

Inflammation of the brain.

cerebr/o

cerebrum (combining form)

cerebrovascular

Pertaining to brain blood vessels.

cerebell/o

cerebellum (combining form)

cerebellar

Pertaining to the cerebellum.

myel/o

spinal cord or bone marrow (combining form)

myelopathy

Disease of the spinal cord.

mening/o

meninges (combining form)

meningi/o

meninges (alternate combining form)

gli/o

glial cells (combining form)

glioblastoma

Aggressive brain tumor.

radicul/o

nerve root (combining form)

radiculopathy

Nerve root disorder.

psych/o

mind (combining form)

psychology

Study of the mind.

somn/o

sleep (combining form)

somnambulism

Sleepwalking.