5
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
nephrotic syndrome

A collection of symptoms and signs resulting from damage to the filtering units of the kidney. The main symptom is swelling of the face and legs.

nerve

Bundle of fibres that carries information in the form of electrical impulses.

nerve conduction studies

Tests used to evaluate how well and how fast nerves conduct electrical signals.

nerves

Bundles of fibres that carry information in the form of electrical impulses.

nervous system

The system that gathers and stores information and is in overall control of the body. The brain and spinal cord form the central nervous system.

neuralgia

Pain caused by irritation of or damage to a nerve.

neuritis

Inflammation of a nerve.

neuroendocrine system

The interaction between the nervous system and the endocrine system.

neurofibrillary tangles

Collections of protein within nerve cells, which may have a role in Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

neurofibromatosis

An uncommon inherited disorder characterised by numerous, soft, fibrous swellings that grow from nerves, and by cafe au lait spots on the skin.

neurological

Associated with the nervous system and the brain.

neurologist

A doctor who specialises in disorders of the nervous system.

neuroma

Non-cancerous tumour of nerve tissues.

neuron

Nerve cell.

neuropathy

Damage to or disease of nerves.

neurotransmitter

A chemical that helps the communication between nerve cells (neurons).

neutrophil

A type of white blood cell that fights infection.

nicotine

An addictive substance found in tobacco and nicotine replacement therapies.

nitrate

One of a class of drugs that dilate the blood vessels.

nitrite

A chemical present in urine that is infected (due to bacteria changing nitrates normally present in urine into nitrites).

nocturia

Needing to get up to urinate at night.

nodular vasculitis

A skin condition characterised by crops of small, tender nodules on the legs.

nodulocystic acne

A severe form of acne characterised by cysts that may measure several centimetres in diameter. They occur over the face, neck, scalp, back, chest and shoulders and are often painful.

non-invasive

Any test or technique that does not involve penetration of the skin. The term 'non-invasive' may also describe tumours that do not invade surrounding tissues.