The CMT Glossary provides definitions for scientific and medical terms commonly used and heard in CMT.
This resource is offered for general informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or replace professional medical advice.
AFO
An AFO is an orthotic appliance that provides bracing and support for the foot and ankle. In general, an AFO is any…
Definition
Allele
An allele is one of two or more versions of a gene. An individual inherits two alleles for each gene, one from each parent. If the two alleles are…
Definition
Arthrogryposis
As this pertains to CMT, arthrogryposis is different than the joint contractures that lead to "clawed" fingers and/or toes that are common in CMT…
Definition
Autonomic Nervous System
A part of the nervous system that regulates key involuntary functions of the body, including the activity of the heart muscle; the smooth muscles, including the…
Definition
Autonomic Neuropathy
Autonomic neuropathy is a group of symptoms that occur when there is damage to the nerves that manage normally automatic body functions. These functions include…
Definition
Autosomal
Having to do with any of the 22 numbered pairs of chromosomes found in most human cells. Autosomal chromosomes are numbered 1-22…
Definition
Autosomal Dominant
A pattern of inheritance in which an affected individual has one copy of a mutated gene and one normal copy…
Definition
Autosomal Recessive
A genetic condition that appears only in individuals who have received two copies of an autosomal gene, one copy from each parent. The gene is on an…
Definition
Autosome
Any one of the chromosomes that is not a sex chromosome. People normally have 22 pairs of autosomes (44 autosomes) in each cell…
Definition
Axon
If you think of a lamp cord, the axon would be the wire inside the cord that conducts…
Definition
Axonal
Pertaining to an axon; most often used to describe the type of underlying nerve pathology responsible for generalized…
Definition
Axonopathy
A disorder affecting primarily the axons of peripheral nerve fibers (although secondary demyelination occurs), in contrast to…
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