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Glossary

Showing 191-200 out of 1156 Terms

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  • Central nervous system

    (SEN-trul NER-vus SIS-tem)

    The brain and spinal cord. Also called CNS.

  • Central nervous system tumors

    (SEN-trul NER-vus SIS-tem TOO-mer)

    A tumor of the central nervous system, including brain stem glioma, craniopharyngioma, medulloblastoma, and meningioma. Also called CNS tumor.

  • Central venous catheter

    (SEN-trul VEE-nus KA-theh-ter)

    A device used to draw blood and give treatments, including intravenous fluids, drugs, or blood transfusions. A thin, flexible tube is inserted into a vein, usually below the collarbone. It is guided (threaded) into a large vein above the right side of the heart called the superior vena cava. A needle is inserted into a port outside of the body to draw blood or give fluids. A central venous access catheter may stay in place for weeks or months and helps avoid the need for repeated needle sticks. There are several types of central venous access catheters.

  • Cerebellar mutism

    (SAYR-eh-BEH-ler MYOO-tih-zum)

    A condition that may occur in patients who have had surgery to remove a tumor in certain parts of the brain, including the cerebellum. Cerebellar mutism syndrome usually appears 1 or 2 days after surgery. Symptoms include loss of speech, trouble swallowing and eating, loss of balance, trouble walking, loss of muscle tone, mood swings, and changes in personality. Many of these symptoms go away over time.

  • Cerebellum

    (SAYR-eh-BEH-lum)

    The portion of the brain in the back of the head between the cerebrum and the brain stem. The cerebellum controls balance for walking and standing, and other complex motor functions.

  • Cerebral spinal fluid

    Fluid at the brain and spine.

  • Cerebrospinal fluid

    seh-REE-broh-SPY-nul FLOO-id

    The fluid that flows in and around the hollow spaces of the brain and spinal cord, and between two of the meninges (the thin layers of tissue that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord). Cerebrospinal fluid is made by tissue called the choroid plexus in the ventricles (hollow spaces) in the brain.

  • Cerebrum

    seh-REE-brum

    The largest part of the brain. It is divided into two hemispheres, or halves, called the cerebral hemispheres. Areas within the cerebrum control muscle functions and also control speech, thought, emotions, reading, writing, and learning.

  • Cervix

    (SER-vix)

    The lower, narrow end of the uterus that forms a canal between the uterus and vagina.

  • Charts

    Your written medical records.