Chapter 14: Medical Terms Of The Nervous System

A neurocyte is another term for a nerve cell or neuron. It is responsible for transmitting electrical signals and information throughout the nervous system. This term is commonly used in scientific and medical contexts to refer to the basic structural and functional unit of the nervous system.

Neurology is the correct answer because it is the branch of medicine that deals with the study and treatment of disorders and diseases of the nervous system. Ataxia, neuroma, and neuralgia are all terms related to the nervous system, but they do not encompass the entire field of study like neurology does.

Neuritis refers to the inflammation of a nerve, which can cause various symptoms such as ataxia, cerebellar dysfunction, and hemiparesis. This inflammation can occur due to various factors such as infection, injury, or autoimmune disorders. The symptoms experienced by the individual will depend on the specific nerve affected and the severity of the inflammation. Therefore, neuritis is the correct answer as it accurately describes the condition of inflammation of a nerve.

Vagotomy is the surgical procedure that involves the incision of the vagus nerve. This procedure is performed to treat conditions such as ulcers or excessive stomach acid production. By cutting or removing a portion of the vagus nerve, the communication between the brain and the stomach is disrupted, reducing the production of stomach acid. This can help alleviate symptoms and promote healing of the ulcers. Therefore, vagotomy is the correct answer in this case.

A craniectomy refers to the surgical removal of a portion of the skull. This procedure is often performed to relieve pressure on the brain caused by conditions such as trauma, tumors, or swelling. By removing a part of the skull, the brain has more space to expand and reduces the risk of further damage. Craniectomy is a common treatment option for patients experiencing symptoms like headaches (cephalgia), issues with coordination and balance (ataxia), or related to the cerebellum (cerebellar).

Somnambulism is the correct answer because it refers to the condition of sleepwalking. Sleepwalking is a sleep disorder in which a person engages in activities while still asleep, typically during the deeper stages of non-REM sleep. It is characterized by complex motor behaviors, such as walking, talking, and even performing tasks, while the person remains asleep. Somnambulism can be caused by various factors, including sleep deprivation, stress, and certain medications.

Meningitis refers to the inflammation of the meninges, which are the protective membranes surrounding the spinal cord and brain. This condition can be caused by various factors such as bacterial or viral infections. Symptoms of meningitis include fever, headache, stiff neck, and sensitivity to light. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications and potential damage to the nervous system.

Neuralgia refers to pain that occurs in a nerve or nerves. It is a condition characterized by sharp, shooting, or burning pain along the path of a nerve. Analgesia, on the other hand, refers to the absence of pain sensation. Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects reading, writing, and spelling skills. The word "kids" seems unrelated to the given options and does not provide any relevant information. Therefore, the correct answer is neuralgia.

Ventriculometry is the measurement of the volume of the ventricles in the brain. This procedure is commonly used to assess and monitor intracranial pressure, which is the pressure inside the skull. By measuring the volume of the ventricles, doctors can determine if there is any abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid, which can indicate increased intracranial pressure. Ventriculometry is a valuable diagnostic tool for conditions such as hydrocephalus, traumatic brain injury, and certain brain tumors. It allows healthcare professionals to accurately measure and monitor intracranial pressure, aiding in the diagnosis and management of these conditions.

A neuroma is a tumor that develops on nerve cells and nerve fibers. It can cause symptoms such as pain, tingling, and numbness in the affected area. Ataxia refers to a lack of coordination and balance, which may be caused by various conditions affecting the nervous system. Neurology is the branch of medicine that deals with disorders of the nervous system. Neuralgia is a condition characterized by severe pain along a nerve pathway. Therefore, out of the given options, neuroma is the most appropriate term to describe a tumor of nerve cells and nerve fibers.

Polyneuritis is a condition characterized by inflammation involving multiple nerves. The term "poly" means many, while "neuritis" refers to inflammation of the nerves. This condition can cause symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness in various parts of the body. Vagotomy, neuralgia, and neuroma do not specifically refer to inflammation involving multiple nerves, making polyneuritis the correct answer.

The term "cerebellar" refers to something related to the cerebellum, which is a part of the brain responsible for coordinating movement and balance. In the context of the given options, "cerebellar" is the only term that directly relates to the cerebellum. Ataxia, polyneuritis, and hemiparesis are all conditions that can be associated with cerebellar dysfunction, but they do not specifically indicate a connection to the cerebellum itself. Therefore, "cerebellar" is the correct answer.

Dyslexia is a condition characterized by difficulty in reading and comprehending written language. People with dyslexia may struggle with recognizing and decoding letters, words, and sentences. This can lead to difficulties in reading fluently and understanding the meaning of written text. Dyslexia is a common learning disability that affects individuals regardless of their intelligence or educational background. It is often diagnosed in childhood and can be managed with appropriate interventions and support. Ataxia refers to a lack of muscle coordination, aphagia refers to the inability to swallow, and epidural refers to a type of anesthesia.

Hemiparesis is the correct answer because it refers to a condition characterized by a slight paralysis that affects one side of the body. This term is commonly used to describe weakness or difficulty in moving one side of the body, which can result from various causes such as stroke, brain injury, or neurological disorders. It is important to note that hemiparesis is a specific term that focuses on the weakness aspect, while hemiplegia refers to complete paralysis of one side of the body.

Aphagia refers to the loss or lack of the ability to swallow. This condition can be caused by various factors such as nerve damage, muscle weakness, or obstruction in the throat or esophagus. It can result in difficulty or complete inability to eat or drink, leading to significant weight loss and malnutrition if not properly managed. Treatment for aphagia may include dietary modifications, swallowing therapy, or surgical interventions depending on the underlying cause.

Amnesia refers to a condition characterized by a loss or lack of memory. It can be caused by various factors such as brain injury, trauma, or certain medical conditions. Individuals with amnesia may have difficulty recalling past events, forming new memories, or both. This condition can be temporary or permanent, and the severity can vary. Treatment options for amnesia depend on the underlying cause and may include therapy, medication, or other interventions aimed at improving memory function.

Analgesia refers to a condition in which there is a lack of sensation or pain. It is the correct answer because it directly relates to the given description. A neuroma is a tumor made up of nerve cells, meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and cerebellar refers to the part of the brain responsible for motor control and coordination. These options do not align with the given description, making analgesia the only suitable answer.

Cephalgia is the correct answer because it is a medical term that refers to head pain or headache. The other options, encephalitis, craniectomy, and meningitis, are all related to different medical conditions or procedures involving the brain and its surrounding structures, but they do not specifically refer to head pain or headache. Therefore, cephalgia is the most appropriate answer in this context.

Palsy refers to a condition characterized by the loss or impairment of motor function. It can result in muscle weakness, paralysis, or involuntary movements. This explanation aligns with the given statement that mentions "pathological loss of sensation or an impairment of motor function." Neuritis refers to inflammation of a nerve, meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges, and epidural refers to a space outside the spinal cord. While these conditions may cause symptoms similar to palsy, they do not specifically refer to the loss or impairment of motor function.

Encephalitis refers to the inflammation of the brain, which can be caused by viral infections or autoimmune disorders. It typically results in symptoms such as fever, headache, confusion, and seizures. Cerebellar refers to the part of the brain responsible for motor control and coordination, while meningitis refers to the inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Neuritis refers to the inflammation of a nerve. Therefore, encephalitis is the most appropriate answer as it specifically relates to inflammation of the brain.

The term "epidural" literally means pertaining to or situated on the dura mater. The dura mater is the tough outermost layer of the meninges, which are the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. An epidural is a medical procedure in which medication is injected into the epidural space, which is located just outside the dura mater. This procedure is commonly used for pain relief during childbirth or surgery. Therefore, the term "epidural" is the correct answer as it directly relates to the given definition.

Ataxia refers to a neurological sign and symptom characterized by a lack of coordination in muscle movement. It can manifest as unsteady gait, difficulty with fine motor tasks, and impaired balance. This condition is often caused by damage to the cerebellum or its connections, which are responsible for coordinating movements. Ataxia can result from various factors, including genetic disorders, trauma, infections, or certain medications. The other options listed, neuralgia, cephalalgia, and dyslexia, do not involve coordination issues and are unrelated to the given symptom.