Glossary of terms used on this site
There are 201 entries in this glossary.Term | Definition |
---|---|
Cerebral Cortex |
Surface layer of gray matter of the cerebrum that functions chiefly in coordination of higher nervous activity; called also pallium. |
Cerebral Palsy |
Disability resulting from damage to the brain before or during birth and outwardly manifested by muscular incoordination and speech disturbances. |
Cerebrospinal Fluid |
Water-like fluid produced in the brain that circulates and protects the brain and spinal cord, known as CSF. |
Cerebrum |
An enlarged portion of the brain, located in the front and upward area, which consists of cerebral hemispheres that control conscious movement, sensation and thought. |
Cererebral |
Relating to the brain or intellect. |
Cervical |
The neck region of the spine containing the first seven vertebrae. |
Chemonucleolysis |
A treatment of an intervertebral disc that consists of an injection of chymopapain, a drug that dissolves part of the disc. |
Choroid Plexus |
A vascular portion of the brain in the ventricles that secretes cerebrospinal fluid. |
Clinical Studies |
A process of strictly controlled evaluations involving patients. Some of these studies are required by the FDA prior to general release of a device or compound for use in humans. |
Cobalt-Chrome |
A term that is used in referring to cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy, a mixture of metals used in many surgical implants. |
Coccyx |
The region of the spine below the sacrum. It is also known as the tailbone. |
Collagen |
A fibrous protein which is a major constituent of connective tissue. Such as skin, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bones. |
Comminuted Fracture |
A fracture in which a bone is broken into more than two pieces. Often internal or external fixation devices are used to maintain proper alignment of the fragments. |
Concussion |
A disruption that results from the stunning, damaging, or shattering effects of a hard blow. |
Contrast Mediu |
A material used during a radiologic procedure to define a structure. |
Cortex |
The outer layer of gray matter covering the hemispheres of the cerebrum and cerebellum. |
Craniostenosis |
Premature closure of cranial sutures, limiting or distorting the growth of the skull. |
Cranium |
The part of the skull that encases the brain. |
CT |
(Computed Tomography) A computer enhanced x-ray study to detect structural abnormalities. A three-dimensional map of soft tissue or bone is imaged. |
Cytology |
Study of cells. |
De-mineralized Bone |
Bone tissue which has been depleted of its minerals; e.g., calcium and phosphorous. |
Deep Brain Stimulation |
A tremor control therapy for patients with Parkinson's Disease or essential tremors, who do not respond effectively to medications. It is a surgical reversible procedure that involves implanting a device to deliver mild electrical stimulation to block the brain signals that cause tremor. |
Dendrite |
A nerve cell process that transmits impulses toward the cell body. |
Disc (Intervertebral) |
The tough, elastic structure that is between the bodies of spinal vertebrae. The disc consists of an outer annulus fibrosus enclosing an inner nucleuspulposus. |
Disc Degeneration |
The loss of the structural and functional integrity of the disc. |
Discectomy |
Surgical removal of part or all of an intervertebral disc. |
Distal |
Situated away from the center of the body. |
Endogenous |
Arising within or derived from the body. |
Endoscope |
A medical device for viewing internal portions of the body. It is usually comprised of fiber optic tube sand video display instruments. |
Endoscopy |
Inspection of internal body structures or cavities using an endoscope. |