| Axon | Fiber that carries a nervous impulse along a nerve cell away from the cell body |
| Cell Body | Part of the nerve cell containing the nucleus |
| Dendrites | Branching structures that receive the nervous impulse |
| Synapse | Space between neurons in which the nervous impulse passes |
| Acetylcholine | Neurotransmitter that causes muscles to contract and aids in "dream" sleep |
| Endorphins | Neurotransmitters responsible for reducing pain and for pleasure; natural morphine |
| Epinephrine | Hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter to increase heart rate and blood pressure |
| Dura Mater | Tough, outermost layer of the meninges |
| Arachnoid Membrane | Middle layer of the meninges |
| Pia Mater | Innermost, delicate layer of the meninges |
| Epidural Space | Space above the dura mater |
| Subdural Space | Space below the dura meter |
| Subarachnoid Space | Space below the arachnoid membrane |
| Autonomic Nervous System | Nerves that control involuntary functions of muscles, glands, and viscera |
| Blood-Brain Barrier | Capillaries that allow certain substances to enter the brain while keeping other substances out |
| Brainstem | Connects the brain to the spinal cord |
| Cauda Equina | Nerve roots leaving the caudal end of the spinal cord |
| Cell Body | Portion of the nerve cell that contains the nucleus |
| Central Nervous System | The brain and spinal cord |
| Cerebral Cortex | Outer section of the cerebrum |
| Cerebrum | Largest part of the brain responsible for voluntary muscle movements, speech, vision, hearing, thought, memory, and taste |
| Cerebellum | Second largest part of the brain, responsible for balance and coordination |
| Conscious | Awake, alert, aware, responsive |
| Cerebrospinal Fluid | Fluid circulating throughout the brain and spinal cord |
| Dendrites | First part of the nerve cell to receive the stimulus |
| Dura Mater | Tough, outermost layer of the meninges |
| Gait | Manner of walking |
| Ganglion | Collection of nerve cells bodies in the peripheral nervous system |
| Hippocampus | Portion of the brain responsible for orientation and emotional responses |
| Hypothalamus | Portion of the interbrain that controls the pituitary gland, body temp, emotions, sleep, thirst, and hunger |
| Medulla Oblongata | Stem-like structure of the brain stem connecting the brain to the spinal cord |
| Meninges | Three protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord |
| Motor Nerves | Nerves that carry impulses away from the brain and spinal cord |
| Myelin Sheath | Protective, fatty tissue around the axon of a nerve cell |
| Nerve | Macroscopic cord-like structure made up of nerve cells |
| Neuron | A nerve cell |
| Neurotransmitter | Chemical messenger released from a neuron to stimulate or inhibit another nerve or target cell |
| Parasympathetic Nervous System | Portion of the automatic nervous system responsible for normal body functions |
| Peripheral Nervous System | A portion of the nervous system consisting of cranial nerves, spinal nerves, and the autonomic nervous system |
| Sympathetic Nervous System | Portion of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the "fight or flight" response in extreme stress |
| Cataplexy | Idiopathic condition causing sudden loss of skeletal muscle function due to extreme excitement, or vigorous exercise |
| Cerebellar Hypoplasia | Degeneration or loss of cells in the cerebellum causing ataxia |
| Cerebrovascular Accident | Disruption in the normal blood supply in the brain; stroke |
| Aneurysm | Localized widening of a blood vessel |
| Ataxia | Lack of coordination |
| Behaviorist | Specialist in behavior |
| Concussion | Violent shaking of the brain |
| Contusion | A bruise; Injury to tissue w/o breaking the skin |
| Contraindication | Any condition that renders a particular treatment undesirable |
| Epilepsy | Idiopathic brain disorder characterized by recurrent seizures |
| Hydrocephalus | Abnormal accumulation of CSF in the ventricles of the brain |
| Lethargy | Condition of drowsiness and indifference |
| Myasthenia Gravis | Neuromuscular disorder characterized by weakness of the skeletal muscles |
| Nacrolepsy | Condition causing sudden, uncontrollable sleep episodes |
| Palliative | Relieving symptoms, but not curing |
| Paralysis | Loss of motor function |
| Sedation | To diminish irritability or excitement; to administer a sedative |
| Seizure | Sudden, involuntary contraction of voluntary muscles |
| Spasticity | Increased muscle tone |
| Stupor | Partial unconsciousness and decreased response to stimuli |
| Syncope | Fainting or temporary loss of consciousness |
| Tremor | Repetitive twitching of skeletal muscle |
| Vestibular Disease | Idiopathic neurological disorder characterized by head tilt, circling, and rapid back-and-forth movement of the eyes |
