Senility
1. Originally, old age. 2. The physical decline associated with old age. 3. The mental decline once associated with old age but now known to be due to dementia, as for instance Alzheimer’s disease and atherosclerosis. “The road to senility is paved with plaques.” (Paul F. Wehrle, MD [1921-2004] pediatrician and vaccine researcher who helped eradicate smallpox)
From the French senilite, from the Latin senectus meaning old age, old men, gray hair.
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In medicine and physiology, sensation refers to the registration of an incoming (afferent) nerve impulse in that part of the brain called the sensorium, which is capable of such perception. Therefore, the awareness of a stimulus as a result of its perception by sensory receptors. (Sensory is here synonymous with sensation.) The word “sensation” comes […]
- Sense
In biology and medicine, the faculty of sensory reception. The ability to convey specific types of external or internal stimuli to the brain and perceive them. Sensory reception occurs through a process known as transduction in which stimuli are converted into nerve impulses which are relayed to the brain. This process may involve the special […]
- Sense, balance
The inner ears (also called the labyrinth) monitor the directions of motion, such as turning or forward-backward, side-to-side, and up-and-down motions. The eyes observe where the body is in space (i.e., upside down, right side up, etc.) and also the directions of motion. Skin pressure receptors such as those located in the feet and seat […]
- Sensitivity
1. In psychology, the quality of being sensitive. As, for example, sensitivity training, training in small groups to develop a sensitive awareness and understanding of oneself and of ones relationships with others. 2. In disease epidemiology, the ability of a system to detect epidemics and other changes in disease occurrence. 3. In screening for a […]
- Sensorium
1933, 2000) The term “sensorium” comes (as does the word “sensation”) from the Latin sensus, “the faculty of perceiving.” The plural of “sensorium” is rarely used but in case of need you can choose between “sensoriums” and “sensoria.”