1. Medical Terminology Essentials – Chapter 8
Spinal Cord
Brain
Nerves
The
Nervous
System
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2. After studying this chapter, you will be able to:
Objectives
After studying this chapter, you will be able to:
Name the parts of the nervous system
Discuss the function of each part
Define combining forms relate to the nervous system
Name the common diagnostic procedures, and tests.
Define the major signs, symptoms and diseases.
Explain the meaning of common drug categories

3. Structure of the Nervous System
The structures that made up the nervous system include the brain, spinal cord, and nerves
The nervous system is divided into 2 parts: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system
The central nervous system (CNS) is made up of the brain and the spinal cord

4. Structure of the Nervous System
The peripheral nervous system is made up of peripheral and cranial nerves
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) can be further subdivided into the somatic and autonomic nervous systems.

5. Central Nervous System
Consists of the brain and spinal cord
Parts of the brain:
Cerebrum –
largest part of the brain
divided into large sections called lobes
the lobes are named for the bone of the cranium that lies next to it
the lobes are: frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal

6. Parts of the Brain Cerebellum –
lies inferior and posterior to the cerebrum
monitors muscle tone and body position
Frontal
Parietal
Temporal
Occipital

7. Parts of the Brain
Brainstem - Includes midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata
midbrain – keeps the mind conscious
pons – acts as a relay station for nerve impulses from the body to the cerebellum and cerebrum and back to the body
medulla oblongata – contains the respiratory center
pons and medulla oblongata control the heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate

8. Peripheral Nervous System
Cranial and Spinal Nerves
There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves.
These nerves go from the brain out to the body and back to the brain.
Cranial nerves are identified by both names and Roman numerals
There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves.
These nerves go from the spinal cord to the body and back to the spinal cord

9. Cells of the Nervous System
Nerve cells are called neurons
They transmit nerve impulses from the body to the brain and back to the body.
Neuroglia are nerve cells that support the nervous system.

10. Function of the Nervous System
Regulates all activities of the body
Controls consciousness
Detects environmental stimuli
Responds to environmental stimuli
Processes and stores sensory and motor information
Transmits sensory and motor impulses between the brain & all parts of the body

11. Combining Forms and Abbreviations (cerebell)
Meaning
arachn (o)
cephal (o)
cerebell (o)
cerebr (o)
crani (o)
dur (o)
spider
head
cerebellum
cerebrum
cranium
cranium
Dura mater

12. Combining Forms & Abbreviations (myel)
Meaning
electr (o)
encephal (o)
gli (o)
Hemat (o)
Hydr (o)
mening (o)
electricity
brain
nerve cell
blood
water - fluid
meninges

13. Combining Forms & Abbreviations (myel)
Meaning
myel (o)
neur (o)
olig (o)
quadr (o)
ventricul (o)
spinal cord
nerve
Few, diminished
four
ventricle

14. Signs, Symptoms & Diseases
Pathological Terms
Word or Phrase
Description
aphasia
loss of ability to communicate verbally or in writing.
dysphasia
difficulty speaking or understanding words
Cephalalgia
pain in the head; headache
cerebrovascular accident
CVA; stroke
transient ischemic attack
(TIA)
a temporary lack of oxygenated blood to an area of the brain.

15. Signs, Symptoms & Diseases
Word or Phrase
Description
dyslexia
learning disability that causes difficulty reading and writing words.
epilepsy
Chronic recurrent seizure activity
hemiparesis
muscle weakness on one side of the body
hemiplegia
paralysis on one side of the body
dementia
disease of the brain in which many neurons in the cerebrum die
concussion
traumatic injury to the brain

16. Signs, Symptoms & Diseases
Congenital Disorders
Word or Phrase
Description
meningitis
inflammation of the brain or spinal cord by a bacterial or viral infection
syncope
fainting
Bell’s palsy
Paralysis on one side of the face, usually temporary
carpal tunnel syndrome
Injury to the medial nerve -> pain & numbness
multiple sclerosis
Degenerative disease of the covering of the nerves
neuralgia
pain along the path of a nerve

17. Medical & Surgical Terms
Word or Phrase
Description
lumbar puncture
Withdrawal of CSF from the spinal column for examination
biopsy
Excision of tissue for microscopic examination
carotid endarterectomy
Removal of the diseased arterial lining of the carotid artery
craniotomy
Incision into the skull
diskectomy
Removal of a vertebral disk

18. Drug Categories Word or Phrase Description analgesic drugs
Pain relieving or reducing - acetominophen
anticonvulsant
Drugs to treat epilepsy – Dilantin
Anticholinergic
Blocks certain nerve impulses - Atropine
Anti-parkinson
Controls the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease – levodopa

19. Now on to:
The Sensory System 19