Encyclopedianeurology
neurology (noorol'ujē, nyoo–) [key], study of the morphology, physiology, and pathology of the human nervous system. As researchers, neurologists carry on investigative and experimental work in such areas as conductivity, embryology, and the metabolism of nervous tissue. As practicing physicians, neurologists diagnose and treat diseases that involve the nervous system. Since the brain, spine, and eye are integral part of the nervous system, the domain of neurology overlaps that of psychiatry, orthopedics and ophthalmology. Current research is directed toward spinal cord injuries, brain tumors, reattachment of severed limbs, and the treatment of conditions generated by repetitive motions. The recent discovery of growth factors opens the possibility of healing or regenerating tissues of the nervous system.
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
More on neurology from Infoplease:
See more Encyclopedia articles on: Medicine
