Glossary Index by Letter

The strengthening and hardening of a bone in areas where calcium has been deposited. Nearly all calcium entering the body is deposited in bones and teeth. The remaining calcium is dissolved in the blood. When a disorder affects the balance between calcium and other...

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate. The adrenal gland produces a hormone called epinephrine, which travels to the body's cells and causes an increase in blood sugar. The sugar gives the body energy to react to stressful situations. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP),...

General term frequently used to indicate any of various types of malignant neoplasms. Most cancers invade surrounding tissues, may metastasize to several sites, and are likely to recur after attempted removal and to cause death of the patient unless adequately...

A malignant tumor that arises from epithelium found in skin or, more commonly, the lining of body organs Carcinomas can be found in the breast, prostate, lung, stomach or bowel. Carcinomas tend to infiltrate into adjacent tissue and spread (metastasize) to distant...

The artieries which carry blood up through the neck, eventually supplying the brain with its major blood supply. Carotid artery: Either of the two key arteries located in the front of the neck, through which blood from the heart goes to the brain. The right and left...

A tubular instrument to allow passage of fluid from or into a body cavity. Tubular device inserted into a duct, blood vessel, hollow organ, or body cavity for injecting or withdrawing fluids. Examples of use; heart or urinary catheterization. Catheterization is also...

Area adjacent to the sphenoid sinus containing several vital nerves and blood vessels. A large channel of venous blood creating a "sinus" cavity bordered by the sphenoid bone and the temporal bone of the skull. The cavernous sinus is an important structure because of...

The basic living unit of body tissue. It contains a nucleus surrounded by cytoplasm and is enclosed by a membrane. Minute protoplasmic masses that make up organized tissue, consisting of a nucleus which is surrounded by protoplasm which contains the various organelles...

Pertaining to the brain, cranial nerves and spinal cord. It does not include muscles or peripheral nerves. The central nervous system (CNS) is made up of the spinal cord and brain. The brain receives nerve impulses from the spinal cord and cranial nerves. The spinal...

Referring to the cerebrum. Of or relating to the brain or the intellect.

The clear fluid made in the ventricular cavities of the brain that bathes the brain and spinal cord. It circulates through the ventricles and the subarachnoid space. The fluid that flows in and around the hollow spaces of the brain and spinal cord, and between two of...

The largest area of the brain, the cerebrum occupies the uppermost part of the skull. It consists of two halves called hemispheres. Each half of the cerebrum is further divided into four lobes: frontal, temporal, parietal and occipital. The forebrain is the largest...

Treatment of disease by means of chemical substances or drugs; usually used in reference to neoplastic (cancer) disease. Chemotherapy is a body-wide (systemic) treatment the use of drugs to kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, and cancer cells; administered by mouth or...

Having a border, localized. Often associated with a capsule and benign tumors of the brain. For example, meningiomas, pituitary adenomas and acoustic neuromas. See diffuse.