Atrioventricular (AV) Node
The point of the heart that is responsible for the conduction of the electrical impulses from the atria to the ventricles.
Bundle Branches
Three branches from the bundle of HIS in the heart that run along the interventricular septum.
Common Mode Rejection Reaction (CMRR)
A rating of the ability of differential amplifier to eliminate identical inputs.
Differential Amplifier
An amplifier used in polysomnography which works by comparing the difference between two incoming voltages and outputs a signal based on the difference.
End Tidal CO2
A reading of carbon dioxide levels in the blood as measured by expired air.
Frequency Response Curve Group
A graphical depiction of an amplifer's ability to filter unwanted signals at varying frequencies.
Glutamate
Excitatory amino acids that project to the cortex, forebrain, and brainstem.
Hyperoxemia
The state of having too much oxygen in the blood.
Internodal Pathways
The pathways which the electrical impulses of the heart follow, from the SA Node to the AV Node.
J
Klein-Levin Syndrome
A disorder that has recurrent hypersomnia as one of its symptoms.
Low Frequency Filter (LFF)
A tool or device on a polysomnograph which sets a limitation to the low frequency signals that are allowed to pass through the amplifier.
Mercury Strain Gauge
A device to detect respiratory effort by amplifying the change in resistance due to circuit elongation and narrowing with a wheatstone bridge box.
Noradrenaline
A chemical in the brain that maintains and enhances the activation of the cerebral cortex.
Oscillograph
A device that converts electrical signals into pen movements.
Purkinje Fibers
Specialized myocardial fibers that conduct electrical impulses that enable the heart to contract.
Q
Reticular Activating System (RAS)
A system in the brain causing wakefulness and alertness.
Sinoatrial (SA) Node
The point of the heart at which the electrical impulse begins. This is the pacemaker of the heart.
Tricyclic Antidepressants
A group of medications designed to treat depression. Most of these also reduce REM sleep and are sometimes used to treat certain disorders associated with REM sleep.
U
V waves (formerly known as Vertex waves or Vertex sharp waves)
Sharp negative deflections seen in an EEG channel. V Waves are characteristic of the later part of stage N1.
Water-filled Catheter
A device used to detect respiratory effort.
X
Y
Zeitgeber
External stimuli such as light, melatonin, and physical activity that entrain biological rhythms to certain levels of wakefulness or sleep.
These glossary terms are from The Sleep Technician's Flash Cards by Spriggs which you should definitely add to your wish list.
