16.1 Nervous System Introduction

Learning Objectives

  • Apply the rules of medical language to build, analyze, spell, pronounce, abbreviate, and define terms as they relate to the nervous system
  • Identify meanings of key word components of the nervous system
  • Categorize diagnostic, therapeutic, procedural, or anatomic terms related to the nervous system
  • Use terms related to the nervous system
  • Use terms related to the diseases and disorders of the nervous system

Introduction to the Nervous System

The nervous system includes the brain, the spinal cord, and a complex system of nerves. It uses electrical signals and chemical substances called neurotransmitters for communication across body parts.

This chapter will review common word components related to the nervous system to assist learners in analyzing, building, and defining medical terms. Other terms, whose definitions cannot be easily built from word components, will be described in context based on the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system and common diseases and disorders. Medical specialists, diagnostic tests, and procedures related to the nervous system will also be discussed.

View a supplementary YouTube video[1] on the nervous system by Crash Course: The Nervous System, Part 1: Crash Course Anatomy & Physiology #8


  1. CrashCourse. (2015, February 23). The nervous system, Part 1: Crash Course Anatomy & Physiology #8 [Video]. YouTube. All rights reserved. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPix_X-9t7E

License

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Medical Terminology - 2e Copyright © 2024 by Ernstmeyer & Christman - Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN) is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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