Research
Glossary - I to M
This section of the glossary contains words beginning with I, L or M. There are currently no words in the glossary beginning with J or K.
Some definitions include words marked in bold. These words have their own definition within the glossary.
Incidence
The rate of occurrence of new cases of a disease in a particular population over a set period of time; for example, the incidence or number of people who will develop MND each year in the UK is about two people in every 100,000.
Intrathecal space
The space around the brain and spinal cord in which the cerebrospinal fluid flows.
In vitro
Literally "in glass". An artificial environment created outside of a living organism (e.g. a test tube or culture plate) used in experimental research to study a disease or normal biological process. Compare in vivo.
In vivo
Literally "in life". A term applied to experiments carried out in living cells or organisms. Compare in vitro.
Lower motor neurone
Nerve cells that carry messages from the spinal cord or brain stem to the muscle fibres. Compare upper motor neurones.
Lumbar puncture
A procedure involving the removal of cerebrospinal fluid from the spinal canal; the fluid can then be used for diagnostic tests.
Microglia
Immune system cells that reside within the central nervous system; they are one of several types of glial cell. Microglia are normally inactive but are activated in response to infection or injury. They consume dead cells and other debris.
Molecule
A single particle of a substance. The shapes, properties and interactions of biological molecules are important when investigating disease processes and designing drugs.
Motor Neurone
A nerve cell along which the brain sends instructions, in the form of electrical impulses, to the muscles.
Motor Neurone Disease
A term covering a number of progressive conditions involving the selective degeneration of motor neurones; other types of nerves are not affected.
MRI scan
Magnetic resonance imaging. A type of scan that produces a two dimensional view of an internal organ or structure, such as the brain or spinal cord. It is used during the diagnosis of MND.
