Unit 6:6 Nervous System

Cerebral Palsy

A disturbance in voluntary muscle action and is caused by brain damage.

Axon

A single nerve fiber which carries impulses away from the cell body.

Hydrocephalus

An excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles and, in some cases, the subarachnoid spaceof the brain.

Encephalitis

An inflammation of the brain caused by a virus, bacterium, or chemical agent.

Epilepsy (Seizure)

Brain disorder associated with abnormal electrical impulses in the neurons of the brain.

Parkinson's Disease

Chronic, progessive condition involving degeneration of brain cells, usually in people over 50 years in age.

Myelin Sheath

Lipid covering over axons.

Dendrites

Nerve fibers which carry impulses toward the cell body.

Neuralgia

Nerve pain caused by inflammation, pressure, toxins, and other disease.

Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke)

Occurs when blood flow to the brain is impaired, resulting in a lack of oxygen and a destruction of brain tissue.

Paraplegia

Paralysis in the lower extremities or lower part of the body and is caused by a spinal injury.

Neuron

The basic structural unit of the nervous system.

Synapse

The space beween one neuron and the dendrites of many other neurons.

Dura mater, Arachnoid membrane, Pia mater

The three layers of the meninges.