Brain and Nervous System Terms

A rare, slow-growing tumor that begins in oligodendrocytes (cells that cover and protect nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord).

A brain tumor from the cells that insulate nerve fibers, now identified by a pair of genetic changes rather than by appearance alone.

A device surgically placed under the scalp and used to deliver anticancer drugs to the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

A handheld light and lens that turns the pupil into a window onto living blood vessels and nerve tissue.

The place in the brain where some of the optic nerve fibers coming from one eye cross optic nerve fibers from the other eye.

The place in the brain where some of the optic nerve fibers coming from one eye cross optic nerve fibers from the other eye.

The optic nerve carries visual signals from the retina to the brain and is itself considered an extension of brain tissue.

A rare, slow-growing tumor that usually forms in the optic nerve, optic chiasm, or optic tract.

The nerves that travel from the optic chiasm (place in the brain where some of the optic nerve fibers cross) into certain parts of the brain involved in vision.

Papilledema is swelling of the optic disc caused by raised pressure inside the skull, visible on examination of the eye.

Scattered nests of cells left over from the developing nervous system, some releasing hormones and some sensing the blood.

Because episodes occur during sleep or its transitions, the person experiencing a parasomnia often has no memory of it afterward.

The parasympathetic nervous system slows the heart and promotes digestion, largely opposing the body's fight or flight response.

The distribution of the tingling carries most of the information, since it maps onto whichever nerve or nerve root is affected.

Surgery to cut the parts of the vagus nerve that cause gastric acid to be made in the stomach.

A progressive disorder of the nervous system marked by muscle tremors, muscle rigidity, decreased mobility, stooped posture, slow voluntary movements, and a mask-like facial expression.

Perineural describes a location or process occurring around a nerve, most often used to describe the spread of cancer cells along nerve pathways.

A nerve problem that causes pain, numbness, tingling, swelling, or muscle weakness in different parts of the body.

A long-serving seizure medicine with an unforgiving dose response, where a small increase can push blood levels far higher than expected.

Phosphorus is an essential mineral present in bones, teeth, and cell energy molecules, with blood levels regulated closely alongside calcium.