Dictionary

neural Having to do with nerve cells (neurons).

nervous system The sum total of the tissues that use electrical and chemical means to record and distribute information within a body. The nervous system has two distinct parts: central and peripheral. The central part is made up of the brain and spinal cord; together they are the central nervous system (CNS). The peripheral part…

nervous colon syndrome See irritable bowel syndrome.

nerve growth factor A naturally occurring substance that enhances the growth and survival of cholinergic nerves.

nerve compression ”Pinching” of a nerve that is due to too much pressure on it. For example, a woman’s sciatic nerve may be painfully compressed by the weight and position of the fetus during the latter part of pregnancy.

nerve, pinched A compressed nerve, as between two vertebrae or within a joint, causing discomfort, pain, or impairment of sensation. Treatment involves physical therapy and sometimes surgery. See also nerve compression.

nerve A bundle of fibers that uses electrical and chemical signals to transmit sensory and motor information from one body part to another. The fibrous portions of a nerve are covered by a sheath called myelin and/or a membrane called neurilemma. (Note that entries for specific nerves can be found under the names of the…

nephrotoxic Poisonous to the kidney.

nephrotomogram A series of X-rays of the kidneys that are taken from different angles to clearly show the kidneys, without the shadows of the organs around them.

nephrotic syndrome See nephrosis.

nephrosis Any degenerative disease of the kidney tubules, the tiny canals that make up much of the substance of the kidney. Nephrosis can be caused by kidney disease, or it may be a complication of another disorder, particularly diabetes. Diagnosis is made via urine testing for the presence of protein, blood testing for lower-than-normal levels…

nephrosclerosis A progressive disease of the kidneys that results from sclerosis (hardening) of the small blood vessels in the kidneys. Nephrosclerosis is most commonly associated with hypertension or diabetes and can lead to kidney failure.