CAMP

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...

Cancer

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...

Carcinoma

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...

Carotid Artery

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...

Catheter

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...

Cavernous Sinus

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...

Cell

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...

Central Nervous System (CNS)

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...

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

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...