glossary

Ataxic Breathing: An irregular and unpredictable breathing pattern often resulting from brain injury.

Autonomic Nervous System: Controls involuntary bodily functions.
Central Nervous System: Consists of the brain and spinal cord.
Peripheral Nervous System: Nerves that enter/exit the spinal cord and all other motor/sensory nerves in the body.

Central Neurogenic Hyperventilation: Rapid and deep breathing caused by brain injury.
Cheyne-Stokes Breathing: A breathing pattern characterized by quickening & deepening respirations followed by apnea (temporary cessation of breathing).

Cranium: Bony structure forming the forehead, top, back, and upper sides of the skull.
Foramen Magnum: Opening at the base of the skull where the spinal cord passes from the brain.
Malar: The cheekbone.
Mandible: The lower jawbone.
Maxillae: Two fused bones forming the upper jaw.
Nasal Bones: Bones that form the upper third, or bridge, of the nose.
Orbits: Bony structures around the eyes.
Spinous Process: The bony bump on a vertebra.
Temporal Bones: Bones forming part of the side of the skull and floor of the cranial cavity (right and left temporal bones).
Temporomandibular Joint: Movable joint between the mandible and temporal bone.
Vertebrae: Bones of the spinal column (singular: vertebra).

Concussion: Mild closed head injury without detectable brain damage; complete recovery usually expected, but effects can linger.
Contusion: Bruised brain caused by a blow strong enough to rupture blood vessels.
Hematoma: Collection of blood within the skull or brain.
Laceration: A cut to the brain.
Herniation: Pushing of a portion of the brain downward toward the foramen magnum due to increased intracranial pressure.

Cerebrospinal Fluid: Fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Dermatome: Area of skin innervated by a single spinal nerve.
Neurogenic Shock: Shock caused by nerve paralysis, sometimes from spinal cord injuries.
Pulmonary Air Embolism: Blockage in lung blood circulation caused by a blood clot or air bubble.
Spinal Motion Restriction: Limiting spine movement to prevent further injury.

Provides overall control of thought, sensation, and the body's voluntary and involuntary motor functions.