Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

motor neuron disease
A group of related dis-
eases of the nervous system that are characterized
by steadily progressive deterioration of the motor
neurons in the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord.
Abbreviated MND. Motor neurons are the nerve
cells along which the brain sends instructions, in
the form of electrical impulses, to the muscles. The
degeneration of motor neurons leads to weakness
and wasting of muscles. MND usually first affects the
arms or legs. Then shoulders and other muscles
may be affected. Weakness and wasting in the mus-
cles of the face and throat may cause problems with
speech, chewing, and swallowing. MND does not
affect touch, taste, sight, smell, or hearing, nor does
it directly affect bladder, bowel, or sexual function.
In the vast majority of cases, the intellect remains
unchanged. Subtypes of MND are distinguished by
the major site of degeneration of the motor neu-
rons—for example, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
(Lou Gehrig’s disease), progressive spinal muscular
atrophy, progressive bulbar palsy, and primary lat-
eral sclerosis. The prognosis is dependent upon the
type of MND.
mountain sickness
See 
altitude sickness.
mouth, trench
See 
acute membranous
gingivitis.
movement, fetal
See 
fetal movement.
279
movement, fetal
14_189283 ch13.qxp 4/18/08 10:17 PM Page 279
http://www.rashidislamiccenter.com
http://www.allofislam.com/

---

MPH
Master of public health, a degree designat-
ing successful training in analyzing past, present,
and future public health issues.
MPS 1
Mucopolysaccharidosis. 
2
Myofascial
pain syndrome.