A–D | E–G | H–J | K–M | N–Q | R–T | U–Z

N

Neoplasm

Any new or abnormal growth, specifically a new growth of tissue in which the growth is uncontrolled.

Nerve

A whitish cordlike structure composed of one or more bundles of myelinated or unlyelinated fibers, or more often mixtures of both coursing outside of the central nervous system, together with connective tissue within the fascicle and around the neurolemma of individual fibers.

Nerve Root

The portion of a spinal nerve in close proximity to its origin from the spinal cord.

Neuralgia

A paroxysmal pain extending along the course of one or more nerves.

Neurofibroma

Fibrous tumor of a nerve, which may affect a nerve root and thus give the appearance of herniated disc disease.

Neurosurgery

The surgical specialty involved in the treatment of disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.

Neural Arch

The bony arch of the posterior aspect of a vertebra that surrounds the spinal cord, also referred to as the vertebral arch.

Neuralgia

Pain of a severe, throbbing, or stabbing character in the course or distribution of a nerve.

Neurectomy

Excision of part of a nerve.

Neuritis

Inflammation of a nerve; may also be used to denote non-inflammatory nerve lesions of the peripheral nervous system.

Neuroblastoma

Tumor of sympathetic nervous system origin, found mostly in infants and children.

Neurofibroma

A tumor of the peripheral nerves due to an abnormal collection of fibrous and insulating cells.

Neuroma

A tumor or new growth largely made up of nerve fibers and connective tissue.

Nucleus Pulposus

The semi-gelatinous tissue in the center of an intervertebral disc. It is surrounded and contained by the annulus fibrosus which prevents this material from protruding outside the disc space.

O

Osteoarthritis

Arthritis characterized by erosion of articular cartilage, either primary or secondary to trauma or other conditions, which becomes soft, frayed, and thinned with eburnation of subchondral bone and outgrowths of marginal osteophytes.

Osteoma

A benign tumor of bone.

Osteomyelitis

Inflammation of bone due to infection, which may be localized or generalized.

Osteophyte

A bony outgrowth or protuberance.

P

Pain

An unpleasant sensation associated with actual or potential tissue damage, and mediated by specific nerve fibers to the brain where its conscious appreciation may be modified by various factors.

Pedicle

The part of each side of the neural arch of a vertebra. It connects the lamina with the vertebral body. The first portion of the posterior spine arising from the vertebral body.

Physical Therapy

The treatment consisting of exercising specific parts of the body such as the legs, arms, hands or neck, in an effort to strengthen, regain range of motion, relearn movement and/or rehabilitate the musculoskeletal system to improve function.

Pia Mater

Often referred to as simply the pia, the innermost layer of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal chord. 

Pituitary

Gland at base of the brain which secretes hormones into the blood stream. Those hormones then regulate other glands including the thyroid, adrenals and gonads. the "Master Gland".

Posterior

The back of the body or situated nearer the back of the body.

Posterior Approach

Used for laminectomies and spinal fusions at any level; Hibbs, Wagoner.

Posterior Cervical Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion done from the back, using the lamina, facets, and spinous processes of the neck.

Posterior Fossa

The internal base of the skull.

Posterior Lumbar Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion done from the back using the lamina, the facets, and spinous processes of the lower back.

Posterior Spinal Fusion

A fusion of the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar regions primarily fusing the lamina and sometimes the facet joints, using iliac or other bone graft.

Posterolateral (P/L)

Behind and to one side, specifically to the outer side.

Posterolateral Interbody Fusion (PLIF)

Lumbar spine fusion that involves an interbody fusion accomplished through the posterior approach.

Posterolateral Fusion

A fusion of both the lamina and transverse process, using the iliac bone for graft, usually in the lower lumbar and first sacral segments.

Protrusion

Displaced nuclear material causes a discrete bulge in the annulus, but no material escapes through the annular fibers.

Proximal

Nearest the center of the body.

A–D | E–G | H–J | K–M | N–Q | R–T | U–Z