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Spinal cord
Spinal cord The ovoid column of nervous tissue, extending from the medulla to the second lumbar vertebra in the spinal canal. All nerves to the trunk and limbs issue from the spinal cord, the center of reflex action containing conducting paths to and from the brain. Sensory neurons enter posteriorly; motor nerves arise anteriorly.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Tissue
Biological tissue is a group of cells that perform a similar function.The study of tissues is known as histology, or, in connection with disease, histopathology.The classical tools for studying the tissues are the wax block, the tissue stain, and the optical microscope, though developments in electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, and frozen sections have all added to the sum of knowledge in the last couple of decades.
Medulla
The inner part of an organ. The adrenal medulla is the center of the adrenal gland where epinephrine (adrenaline) is produced.
Lumbar
Having to do with the lower back, the loins.
Cord
1. In anatomy, a long ropelike structure. 2. Short for the spinal cord or the umbilical cord.
Reflex
An automatic, involuntary movement.
Brain
"That part of the central nervous system that is located within the cranium (skull). The brain functions as the primary receiver, organizer and distributor of information for the body. It has two (right and left) halves called ""hemispheres."" "
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Spina Bifida
A neural tube defect resulting from the improper closure of the fetal spine. The defect can be low in the spine and problems are often mild. If the defect is higher in the spine it can cause more serious problems such as leg paralysis and & bladder control.
Spina bifida
A birth defect caused by imperfect closure of part of the spinal column, exposing some of the nervous system.
Spinal anesthesia
Injection of an anesthetic into the area around the spinal cord to block pain sensation during surgery.
Spinal disorders
Any of the disorders relating to the spine, including spina bifida and scoliosis.
Spinal fluid
See cerebrospinal fluid
Spindle apparatus
A microtubule assembly appearing during cell division. Microtubules are part of the cytoskeleton of biological cells, the quasi-rigid matrix that among other things determines cell shape. The microtubules are 25 nanometers in diameter, and composed of the protein tubulin. They occur in regular arrays in cilia, flagella, the mitotic spindle, and in the cytoplasm in general, and they contribute not only to cell shape, but also to cell motility.
Spine
A column in the body consisting of 33 vertebrae.
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Skin
Skin is an organ of the integumentary system; which is composed of a layer of tissues that protect underlying muscles and organs. Skin is used for insulation, vitamin D production, sensation, and excretion (through sweat).
Sex
An individual's gender classification - male or female.
Second Messenger
Molecules that are synthesized in response to hormones binding to their receptors. Second messengers initiate the biological action of the hormone.
Serotonin
A neurotransmitter important in filtering out information. If its levels are low, it can be the underlying cause of depression and violence.
Sibling
One of two or more individuals having at least one common parent.
Spinal cord
Schizophrenia
Any of a group of psychotic disorders usually characterized by withdrawal from reality, illogical patterns of thinking, delusions, and hallucinations, and accompanied in varying degrees by other emotional, behavioral, or intellectual disturbances. Schizophrenia is associated with dopamine imbalances in the brain and defects of the frontal lobe and is caused by genetic, other biological, and psychosocial factors. It is mainly treated by antipsychotic drugs which block Dopamine receptors such as Haloperidol.
Sinusitis
Inflammation of the sinuse (hollow spaces in the bone of the cheeks and forehead), due to an infection or an allergic reaction. Probably the most common cause of pain in and around the eye. Symptoms include head pain (headache, pain around the eyes, toothache, jaw pain), nasal discharge, postnasal drip, coughing, eyelid swelling, swelling around the eyes, a stuffy nose, fatigue, bad breath and a sore throat.
Spasticity
Involuntary muscle tightness and stiffness that occurs in about two-thirds of people with cerebral palsy and in many who suffer severe head injuries. The medical definition of dystonia is a velocity-dependent, increased resistance to passive muscle stretch. In other words, when a muscle affected by spasticity is stretched by someone else, it is harder to move the muscle than normal, and the faster one pushes, the harder the muscle is to move.
Spina Bifida
A neural tube defect resulting from the improper closure of the fetal spine. The defect can be low in the spine and problems are often mild. If the defect is higher in the spine it can cause more serious problems such as leg paralysis and & bladder control.
Stroke
A stroke, or a Cerebrovascular Accident, occurs when blood vessels that deliver oxygen to the brain, either rupture or become clogged, causing brain/nerve cells to die. Results are usually devastating as nerve/brain cells are not replaced. Usually characterized by a slurring of words, weakness on one side of the body, and a drooping facial expression on one side of the face.
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