438 CHAPTER 9• Endocrine and Nervous Systems
Nervous System
Surgical procedure that creates an opening in the skull to gain access to the brain
during neurosurgical procedures
A craniotomy is also performed to relieve intracranial pressure, control bleeding, or
remove a tumor.Partial destruction of the thalamus to treat psychosis, intractable pain, or involuntary
movements, including tremors in Parkinson diseaseExcision of a circular disk of bone using a specialized saw called a trephine to reveal
brain tissue during neurosurgery or to relieve intracranial pressurePHARMACOLOGY
The following table lists common drug categories used to treat reproductive disorders, as well as their therapeutic actions.
craniotomy
krā-nē-ŎT-ō-mē
crani/o: cranium
(skull)
-tomy: incisionthalamotomy
thăl-ă-MŎT-ō-mē
thalam/o: thalamus
-tomy: incisiontrephination
trĕf-ĭn-Ā-shŭnDrug Category Action
Endocrine System
hormone replacement
therapy (HRT)oral hypoglycemics
hī-pō-glī-SĒ-mĭcs
Nervous System
anesthetics
ăn-ĕs-THĔT-ĭksanticonvulsants
ăn-tĭ-kŏn-VŬL-sănts
antiparkinsonian agents
ăn-tĭ-păr-kĭn-SŌN-ē-ăn
antipsychotics
ăn-tĭ-sī-KŎT-ĭkzCorrect a deficiency in such hormones as estrogen, testosterone, or thyroid hormone
HRT may include oral administration or injection of synthetic hormones.
Stimulate insulin secretion from pancreatic cells in non–insulin-dependent diabetics with
some pancreatic functionProduce partial or complete loss of sensation, with or without loss of consciousness
General anesthetics act on the brain to produce complete loss of feeling with loss of consciousness.
Local anesthetics act on nerves or nerve tracts to affect only a local area.
Prevent or reduce the severity of epileptic or other convulsive seizures; also called
antiepileptics
Control tremors and muscle rigidity associated with Parkinson disease by increasing
dopamine levels in the brain
Alter neurotransmitters in the brain to alleviate symptoms of psychosis, paranoia, and
schizophrenia