Dictionary

cerebrovascular disease Disease of the arteries that supply blood to the brain. Cerebrovascular disease is usually caused by atherosclerosis and can lead to a stroke. See also atherosclerosis; stroke.

cerebrovascular accident See stroke.

cerebrospinal fluid A watery fluid that is continuously produced and absorbed and that flows in the ventricles within the brain and around the surface of the brain and spinal cord. Abbreviated CSF. CSF is produced by the choroid plexus, a series of infolded blood vessels that project into the cerebral ventricles, and it is absorbed…

cerebritis Inflammation of the brain. Cerebritis can be caused by infection or inflammation from disease.

cerebral ventricle One of a system of four communicating cavities within the brain that are continuous with the central canal of the spinal cord. They include two lateral ventricles in the cerebral hemispheres, each consisting of a triangular central body and four horns. The lateral ventricles communicate with the third ventricle through an opening called…

cerebral palsy An abnormality of motor function (the ability to move and control movements) that is acquired at an early age, usually less than 1 year, and is due to a brain lesion that is nonprogressive. Abbreviated CP. CP is frequently the result of abnormalities that occur while a fetus is developing inside the womb….

cerebral hemisphere One of the two halves of the cerebrum, which is the largest part of the brain.

cerebral fornix An arching fibrous band in the brain that connects the two lobes of the cerebrum. There are two such bands, each of which is an arched tract of nerves.

cerebral aneurysm See aneurysm, brain.

cerebral Of or pertaining to the cerebrum or the brain.

cerebellum The portion of the brain that is in the back of the head, between the cerebrum and the brain stem. It is involved in the control of voluntary and involuntary movement as well as balance.

cerebellar Pertaining to the cerebellum, the part of the brain in the back of the head between the cerebrum and the brain stem.