GLOSSARY

Refers to nerves that transmit signals from the body/sensory organ to the spinal cord and the brain. These nerves carry out sensory function.

The building blocks of the proteins. A large part of our body is made up of proteins, meaning amino acids they play a crucial role in almost all biological processes.

Refers to peripheral nerves that control involuntary actions in the body, such as the beating of the heart

The part of the nervous system that includes the brain and the spinal cord.

Refers to nerves that carry signals away from the brain and spinal cord to the organs e.g. muscle. These nerves carry out motor functions.

An amino acid. A high level of it in the blood makes a person more prone to cardiovascular issues, such as coronary artery disease. 

A condition in which your blood pressure is too high.

A condition in which your blood sugar level is too low. 

Refers to peripheral nerves that innervates the muscles and control voluntary movements, such as moving the arms and legs.

Organisms that are made of more than one cell.

The substance that covers part of the nerve fibers, called axons. Myelin has a protecting and insulating function, and also helps the messages to go fast through the neurons.

Are like wires transmitting impulses through the body. A nerve fiber is connected to the cell body.

Cells that constitute the nervous tissue of which the nervous system is made. They work by a mixture of chemical and electrical action, allowing the transmission of signals in our body

Key signalling molecules that transmit nerve impulses from one nerve cells to another or for example from nerves to muscle cells.

Nerves which are part of the peripheral nervous system, which means all nerves besides those which are part of the brain and spinal cord.

The nervous system outside of the brain and spinal cord.

Term which describes damage to one or more of your peripheral nerves. There are many different conditions that can lead to peripheral neuropathy.

A unit which acts like an “on/off button” in our body and reacts to substances, drugs, light etc. and set off a reaction or inhibit a reaction.

Refers to nerves that transmit information from the senses to the brain.

Both, unusual signs and symptoms, can be something abnormal or unusual e.g. a reaction of the body, relevant to a potential medical condition.

The large group of nerves which runs through the center of the spine and carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body.