Glossary N

N

Natural History

A description of what happens to a medical condition over time (e.g., improves, stays the same, worsens) in the absence of treatment.

Nasograstro tube (NG-tube)

A method of enteral feeding in which a tube is placed through a nasal passageway into the stomach.

Nerve(s)

Cells in the human body that are the building blocks of the nervous system (the system that records and transmits information chemically and electrically within a person). Nerve cells, or neurons, are made up of a nerve cell body and various extensions from the cell body that receive and transmit impulses from and to other nerves and muscles.

Neural

Having to do with nerves or the nervous system, including the brain and the spinal cord.

Neuroendocrinology

The science of how hormones and glands interact with the nervous system.

Neuronoal intestinal dysplasia (NID)

A variety of conditions in which nerve cells (ganglion) are present in the colon but may be abnormal in their position, number, maturity, or appearance.

Neuropeptide

A member of a class of protein-like molecules made in the brain. Neuropeptides consist of short chains of amino acids, with

Neurotransmitter

A chemical in the nervous system that helps transmit messages.

NIDDK or National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

One of the 27 NIH Institutes and Centers, the NIDDK conducts and supports basic and applied research and provides leadership for a national program in diabetes, endocrinology, and metabolic diseases; digestive diseases and nutrition; and kidney, urologic, and hematologic diseases. Access the NIDDK web site at http://www.niddk.nih.gov/index.htm.

NIH or National Institutes of Health

The focal point of biomedical research in the United States. NIH conducts research in its own laboratories; supports the research of non-Federal scientists in universities, medical schools, hospitals, and research institutions throughout the country and abroad; helps in the training of research investigators; and fosters communication of medical information. Access the NIH web site at http://www.nih.gov.

Nonblinded

Describes a clinical trial or other experiment in which the researchers know what treatments are being given to each study subject or experimental group. If human subjects are involved, they know what treatments they are receiving.

Noxious stimulus

Stimulus that causes or has the potential to cause pain.

Nutrient

A chemical compound (such as protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins, or minerals) that make up foods.

Nutrition

The taking in and use of food and other nourishing material by the body.