nails   

clear, horn-like cells forming solid a plate on tips of fingers and toes; derived from the same cells as epidermis and hair.

Body system terms : Skin and subcutaneous tissue

nasolacrimal duct   

(nay'zoh-lak'ri-mul)
the duct that drains tears away from the lacrimal system into the nose.

Body system terms : The eyes

nasopharynx   

(nay-zo-fa�rinks)
upper part of the back of the throat where the nasal cavity opens into the pharynx.

Body system terms : Respiratory system

natal-   

(nay-tul-)
(to do with) birth.

General terms : Root words

nephr-   

(nefr-)
(to do with a) kidney.

General terms : Root words

nephrectomy   

(nef-rekt'oh-mee)
surgical removal of one or both the kidneys.

Diseases & procedures : Procedures

nephritis   

(nef-ry'tis)
inflammation of one or both kidneys.

Diseases & procedures : Diseases

nephrostomy   

(nef-rost'oh-mee)
the introduction of a small tube into the kidney to drain urine to the abdominal surface, bypassing the ureter and bladder .

Diseases & procedures : Procedures

nerve   

bundle of nerve fibres which convey impulses to and from a part of the central nervous system and another part of the body.

Body system terms : Nervous system

nerve cells   

found in the grey matter of the brain and spinal cord, in ganglia, and as single cells in organ walls; vary in size and shape.

Body system terms : Nervous system

nerve impulse   

the electrochemical force conveyed along nerve fibres.

Body system terms : Nervous system

nerve plexus   

(plek�sus)
network of nerves.

Body system terms : Nervous system

nerves   

tiny cordlike structures made up of nerve fibres which convey impulses between a part of the central nervous system and some other body region.

Body system terms : Skin and subcutaneous tissue

neurons   

(new'rons)
commonly referred to as nerves, they consist of a nerve cell and its processes, axons and dendrites ; also spelled neurone (new'rown).

Body system terms : Nervous system

nipple   

small prominence at the tip of each breast containing small openings in women through which milk can pass.

Body system terms : Reproductive system

nitrogenous wastes   

(ny-troj�en-us)
by-products of metabolism containing nitrogen.

Body system terms : Urinary system

nose   

organ of the sense of smell situated on the face between the eyes and mouth.

Body system terms : Respiratory system

nutrient   

(new�tree-ent)
a substance which provides nourishment to body cells.

Body system terms : Digestive system