Atonia:
Lack of muscle tone or strength
Cataplexy: A
symptom of narcolepsy in which a sudden loss of muscle tone is induced
Concordance
Rate: A quantitative statistical measurement for the presence of a
given genetic trait in both members of
a pair of twins. (Dictionary.com)
Dorsal
Pons: Located beneath the cerebellum in the brainstem, it is
associated with acetylcholinergic activity.
Electroencephalogram
(EEG): Measures normal and abnormal brain activity during the stages of
sleep.
Electromyogram
(EMG): Measures muscle atonia during REM sleep.
Electrooculogram
(EOG): Measures normal and abnormal eye movement (horizontal and
vertical) during different stages of sleep (specifically REM sleep).
Excessive Daytime
Sleepiness/somnolence (EDS): A symptom of narcolepsy in
which there is an overwhelming and recurring need to sleep at times when you
want to be awake.
Gamma loop: The
route followed by nerve impulses to induce a stretch reflex
Hypersomnolence: Excessive
sleepiness
Hypnagogic
Hallucinations: A symptom of narcolepsy in which there is vivid
hallucinatory imagery at the onset of sleep.
Locus Coeruleus: A group
of cell bodies in the pons involved in arousal and vigilance.
Monozygotic Twins: Genetically
identical twins, which are derived from the same fertilized ovum or embryonic
cell mass. (Dictionary.com)
Motoneurons: A
neuron that connects functionally to a muscle fiber.
Multiple
Sleep Latency Test (MSLT): A
standardized procedure used to measure daytime sleepiness that involves a
series of naps taken after a full nights rest.
Neuron: A cell
of the nervous system that specializes in sending electrical signals.
Neuropeptide:
Any of various natural or synthetic compounds found in brain
tissue (like endorphins) containing two or more amino acids linked by the
carboxyl group of one amino acid to the amino group of another.
(Dictionary.com)
Polysomnogram: Multiple
recordings of physiological parameters in order to assess sleep and
wakefulness. Usually includes an EEG, an
EOG, and an EMG.
Proprioception: The
mechanism involved in the self-regulation of posture and movement through
stimuli originating in the receptors imbedded in the joints, tendons, muscles,
and labyrinth.
Raphe Nuclei: A
group of nuclei in the reticular formation of the medulla, pons, and midbrain
and contains serotonergic neurons.
Receptor: A
molecular structure or site on the surface or interior of a cell that binds
with substances such as hormones, antigens, drugs, or neurotransmitters.
(Dictionary.com)
REM sleep:
The state of sleep during which rapid eye movements and dreaming occur.
Sleep
Onset REM Periods (SOREMPs): Periods of REM (Rapid Eye
Movement) sleep that occur during the MSLT (Multiple Sleep Latency Test) and
are indicative of EDS (Excessive Daytime Somnolence/Sleepiness).
Sleep Paralysis: A
symptom of narcolepsy in which there is an inability to talk or move for a
brief period when falling asleep or waking up.
Tuberomammillary
Nucleus: A nucleus (group of cell bodies) in the hypothalamus and is
involved in cortical activation and behavioral arousal.