The core vocabulary of the brain, spinal cord and nerves — defined in clear English for nursing and medical students.
Last updated: September 9, 2026
Neurology is the branch of medicine dealing with the nervous system: the brain, spinal cord and nerves. This page breaks down the terms you will meet most often, in plain English.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Neuron | A nerve cell that transmits electrical and chemical signals. |
| Cerebrum | The largest part of the brain, controlling thought, movement and the senses. |
| Cerebellum | The region at the back of the brain that coordinates balance and movement. |
| Brainstem | The lower brain that controls vital functions such as breathing and heart rate. |
| Meninges | The three protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. |
| Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) | The clear fluid that cushions and protects the brain and spinal cord. |
| Synapse | The junction where one neuron passes a signal to another. |
| Reflex | An involuntary, rapid response to a stimulus. |
| Hemiplegia | Paralysis of one side of the body. |
| Paresthesia | An abnormal sensation such as tingling or "pins and needles". |
| Aphasia | Loss or impairment of the ability to produce or understand language. |
| Ataxia | A loss of muscle coordination. |
| Seizure | A sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. |
| Epilepsy | A disorder marked by recurrent seizures. |
| Stroke | Damage to the brain caused by an interrupted blood supply. |
| Migraine | A recurrent, often severe headache, sometimes with nausea and light sensitivity. |
| Neuropathy | Disease or dysfunction of the peripheral nerves. |
| Dementia | A progressive decline in memory and thinking. |
| Multiple sclerosis | A disease in which the immune system damages the myelin around nerves. |
| Parkinson's disease | A movement disorder with tremor, stiffness and slowness of movement. |
| Encephalitis | Inflammation of the brain. |
| Meningitis | Inflammation of the meninges. |
| Lumbar puncture | A procedure that samples cerebrospinal fluid from the lower spine. |
| Electroencephalogram (EEG) | A recording of the brain’s electrical activity. |
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The lower brain that controls vital functions such as breathing and heart rate.
A sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
A movement disorder with tremor, stiffness and slowness of movement.