Category: N

The final part (terminal) of one of the branches of a nerve fiber, where a neuron makes contact either with another neuron at a synapse or with a muscle or gland cell at a neuromuscular or neuroglandular junction. The termination of a nerve fiber (axon or dendrite) in a peripheral structure. It may be sensory…

Either of the paired ridges of tissue that run along the dorsal surface of the abdominal cavity of the embryo. Parts of it develop into the kidney, ovary, or testis and their associated ducts. Intermediate stages of these developments are the pronephros, mesonephros, and metanephros.  

An enlargement of the wall of each cerebral hemisphere. In evolutionary terms it is the newest part of the cerebrum, formed by the development of new pathways for sight and hearing in mammals.  

Any of three thin scroll-like bones that form the sides of the nasal cavity. The superior and middle nasal conchae are part of the ethmoid bone; the inferior nasal conchae are a separate pair of bones of the face. One of the three scroll-like bones that project medially from the lateral wall of the nasal…

A drug that reduces the effects of morphine and similar narcotic drugs and is used to stimulate breathing and restore consciousness after an overdose of these drugs. It is administered by injection and, given alone, may depress breathing and cause drowsiness or restlessness. A drug which reduces or abolishes most of the actions of morphine…

A genus of amebas that normally live in damp soil or mud. Naegleria species can, however, live as parasites in man and are believed to have caused some rare, but fatal, infections of the brain. A genus of ameba present in soil, ground water, and sewage. One species, N. fowleri, is the cause of a…

Unwanted sounds intruding into daily life. Noise pollution is associated with urban development and includes noise caused by air, road, and rail transport: industrial activities; and recreational events such as loud parties or concerts. Many common sounds contribute to noise pollution, including jackhammers, jet planes, car alarms, and excessively loud music, all of which are…

The use of diet to repair flaws in the body’s response to disease. Nutritional medicine derives from the belief that all disease stems from a failure of the body to respond adequately to ward off outside forces. To correct this failure, nutritional medicine may use vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, herbal medicine and other nutritive elements to strengthen…

Sexual contact without mutual consent. Nonconsensual sex may range from forced touching or fondling to rape.  

An antiviral drug. Nevirapine (Viramune) is used alone or with other drugs to treat the infection caused by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Nevirapine helps to keep HIV from reproducing, thereby slowing its destruction of the immune system and delaying development of symptoms associated with AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)