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Term Definition
Cerebral Cortex

Surface layer of gray matter of the cerebrum that functions chiefly in coordination of higher nervous activity; called also pallium.

Cerebral Palsy

Disability resulting from damage to the brain before or during birth and outwardly manifested by muscular incoordination and speech disturbances.

Cerebrospinal Fluid

Water-like fluid produced in the brain that circulates and protects the brain and spinal cord, known as CSF.

Cerebrum

An enlarged portion of the brain, located in the front and upward area, which consists of cerebral hemispheres that control conscious movement, sensation and thought.

Cererebral

Relating to the brain or intellect.

Cervical

The neck region of the spine containing the first seven vertebrae.

Chemonucleolysis

A treatment of an intervertebral disc that consists of an injection of chymopapain, a drug that dissolves part of the disc.

Choroid Plexus

A vascular portion of the brain in the ventricles that secretes cerebrospinal fluid.

Clinical Studies

A process of strictly controlled evaluations involving patients. Some of these studies are required by the FDA prior to general release of a device or compound for use in humans.

Cobalt-Chrome

A term that is used in referring to cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy, a mixture of metals used in many surgical implants.

Coccyx

The region of the spine below the sacrum. It is also known as the tailbone.

Collagen

A fibrous protein which is a major constituent of connective tissue. Such as skin, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bones.

Comminuted Fracture

A fracture in which a bone is broken into more than two pieces. Often internal or external fixation devices are used to maintain proper alignment of the fragments.

Concussion

A disruption that results from the stunning, damaging, or shattering effects of a hard blow.

Contrast Mediu

A material used during a radiologic procedure to define a structure.

Cortex

The outer layer of gray matter covering the hemispheres of the cerebrum and cerebellum.

Craniostenosis

Premature closure of cranial sutures, limiting or distorting the growth of the skull.

Cranium

The part of the skull that encases the brain.

CT

(Computed Tomography) A computer enhanced x-ray study to detect structural abnormalities. A three-dimensional map of soft tissue or bone is imaged.

Cytology

Study of cells.

De-mineralized Bone

Bone tissue which has been depleted of its minerals; e.g., calcium and phosphorous.

Deep Brain Stimulation

A tremor control therapy for patients with Parkinson's Disease or essential tremors, who do not respond effectively to medications. It is a surgical reversible procedure that involves implanting a device to deliver mild electrical stimulation to block the brain signals that cause tremor.

Dendrite

A nerve cell process that transmits impulses toward the cell body.

Disc (Intervertebral)

The tough, elastic structure that is between the bodies of spinal vertebrae. The disc consists of an outer annulus fibrosus enclosing an inner nucleuspulposus.

Disc Degeneration

The loss of the structural and functional integrity of the disc.

Discectomy

Surgical removal of part or all of an intervertebral disc.

Distal

Situated away from the center of the body.

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 tube sand video display instruments.

Endoscopy

Inspection of internal body structures or cavities using an endoscope.

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