Concept: Nervous System – Word Building

Structures of the Nervous System

This section introduces combining forms that describe the anatomical structures of the nervous system. Understanding these forms is essential for building and interpreting medical terms related to neurology.

• Encephal/o: Refers to the brain. Example: Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).

• Pont/o: Refers to the pons, a part of the brainstem. Example: Pontine (pertaining to the pons).

• Dur/o: Refers to the dura mater, the tough outer membrane covering the brain and spinal cord. Example: Epidural (above the dura mater).

• Myel/o: Refers to the spinal cord. Example: Myelopathy (disease of the spinal cord).

• Gli/o: Refers to glial cells, the supportive cells of the nervous system. Example: Glioblastoma (a malignant tumor of glial cells).

• Radicul/o: Refers to a nerve root. Example: Radiculopathy (disease of the nerve root).

Table: Combining Forms for Nervous System Structures

Functions and Pathology of the Nervous System

This section covers combining forms that describe the functions and diseases of the nervous system. These terms are foundational for understanding neurological disorders and their clinical presentations.

• Algesi/o: Refers to sensitivity to pain. Example: Analgesic (a drug that relieves pain).

• Esthesi/o: Refers to sensation or feeling. Example: Anesthesia (absence of sensation).

• Kinesi/o: Refers to movement. Example: Kinesiology (study of movement).

• Lept/o: Refers to thin or slender. Example: Leptomeninges (thin membranes covering the brain and spinal cord).

• Lex/o: Refers to word or phrase. Example: Dyslexia (difficulty with reading).

• Phas/o: Refers to speech. Example: Aphasia (loss of ability to speak).

• Pleg/o: Refers to paralysis. Example: Hemiplegia (paralysis of one side of the body).

• Tax/o: Refers to order or coordination. Example: Ataxia (lack of muscle coordination).

• Syncop/o: Refers to to cut off or faint. Example: Syncope (fainting).

Table: Combining Forms for Nervous System Functions and Pathology

Selected Example Questions and Answers

• Immature glial cells of developing CNS: glioblast

• Space above the hard membrane: epidural

• Excess accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain: Hydrocephalus

• A condition of increased sensitivity to stimuli, such as touch or pain: Hyperesthesia

• A person who may walk around and perform activities while asleep: Somnambulism

Additional Clinical Application

• Ischemia: A condition in which there is a reduction in blood flow to a tissue, causing a shortage of oxygen and nutrients needed for cellular metabolism. This can result in tissue damage or death.

Additional info: Understanding these combining forms and their meanings is essential for interpreting medical records, communicating with healthcare professionals, and mastering medical terminology related to the nervous system.