A–D | E–G | H–J | K–M | N–Q | R–T | U–Z

E

Edema

An excessive accumulation of fluid generally in extracellular.

Electroencephalopgrahy (EEG)

The study of the electrical currents set up by brain actions; the record made is called an electroencephalogram.

Electromyography (EMG)

A method of recording the electrical currents generated in a muscle during its contraction.

Encephalocele

Protrusion of the brain through a cranial fissure.

Endocrine Gland

A gland which furnishes an internal secretion, usually having an effect on another organ.

Endocrinopathy

Any disease due to abnormality of quantity or quality in one or more of the internal glandular secretions.

Endogenous

Arising within or derived from the body.

Endoscope

A medical device for viewing internal portions of the body. It is usually comprised of fiber optic tubes and video display instruments.

Endoscopy

Inspection of internal body structures or cavities using an endoscope.

Ependyma

The membrane lining the cerebral ventricles of the brain and central canal of the spinal cord.

Ependymoma

A growth in the brain or spinal cord arising from ependymal tissue. Tumor of the spinal cord.

Epidural

Immediately outside the dura mater. Same as extradural.

Epidural Hematoma

A blood clot between the dura mater and the inside of the skull.

Excision

Removal by cutting away material.

Extradural

On the outer side of the dura mater.

Exogenous

Originating outside of the body.

Extrusion

Displaced material reaches the spinal canal through fibers of the annulus, but remains connected to the central dis material.

F

Facet

A flat, platelike surface that acts as part of a joint; as seen in the vertebrae of the spine and in the subtalar joint of the ankle. Each vertebra has two superior and two inferior facets.

Facet Arthropathy

A degenerative disease affecting the facet joint.

Facectomy

Excision of an articular facet of a vertebra.

Facet Tropism

Asymmetrical orientation of the facets comparing right to left side.

Foramen

A natural opening or passage in bone. An opening allowing for the egress of spinal nerve roots from between two vertebrae.

Foraminotomy

Surgical opening or enlargement of the bony opening traversed by a nerve root as it leaves the spinal canal. A procedure carried out alone or in conjunction with disc surgery.

Fusion

Union or healing of bone (see Arthrodesis).

G

Gamma Knife

Equipment that precisely delivers a concentrated dose of radiation to a predetermined target using gamma rays.

Glia (also termed Neuroglia)

The major support cells of the brain. These cells are involved in the nutrition and maintenance of the nerve cells.

Glioblastoma

A general term for malignant forms of astrocytoma.

Glioma

A tumor formed by glial cells.

Graft

Any free (unattached) tissue or organ for transplantation.

Gray Matter

The nerve cell bodies to muscle and sensory outflow and input, respectively.

A–D | E–G | H–J | K–M | N–Q | R–T | U–Z