Demyelination
Demyelination: A degenerative process that erodes away the myelin sheath that normally protects nerve fibers. Demyelination exposes these fibers and appears to cause problems in nerve impulse conduction that may affect many physical systems. Demyelinization is seen in a number of diseases, particularly multiple sclerosis.
Diagnosis is by functional observation and by testing for myelin protein in the blood.
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- Dendrite
Dendrite: A short arm-like protuberance from a nerve cell (a neuron). Dendrites from neurons next to one another are tipped by synapses (tiny transmitters and receivers for chemical messages between the cells). The word “dendrite” means “branched like a tree.” It comes from the Greek “dendron” (tree). See also neuron and axon.
- Dendritic
Dendritic: Referring to a dendrite, a short arm-like protuberance from a nerve cell (a neuron). Dendrites from neurons next to one another are tipped by synapses (tiny transmitters and receivers for chemical messages between the cells). The word “dendritic” means “branched like a tree.” It comes from the Greek “dendron” (tree).
- Dendritic cell
Dendritic cell: A special type of cell that is a key regulator of the immune system, acting as a professional antigen-presenting cell (APC) capable of activating naïve T cells and stimulating the growth and differentiation of B cells. Dendritic cells are found, for example, in the lymph nodes and spleen. As an APC, a dendritic […]
- Denervation
Denervation: Loss of nerve supply. Causes of denervation include disease, chemical toxicity, physical injury, or intentional surgical interruption of a nerve.
- Denervate
Denervate: To deprive of the nerve supply. Denervate is the opposite of innervate.