Glossary A

Glossary A

Axis I refers to the diagnostic axis of the DSM-IV-TR that identifies all of the clinical disorders that are present, except for the personality disorders and mental retardation.

Axis II refers to the diagnostic axis of the DSM-IV that indicates the presence of personality disorders or mental retardation.

Axis III refers to the diagnostic axis of the DSM-IV that identifies current medical conditions that may be relevant to the conceptualization or treatment of the disorders diagnosed on Axes I and II.

Axis IV refers to the diagnostic axis of the DSM-IV that specifies any psychosocial or environmental problems relevant to diagnosis , treatment , and prognosis .

Axis V refers to the diagnostic axis of the DSM-IV that provides a numerical index of the individual's overall level of functioning.

Axon refers to a long, thin part of a neuron attached to the soma; divides into a few or many branches, ending in terminal buttons.

Axon hillock refers to the swelling of the soma, the point where the Axon begins

An Axon terminal (Terminal button) refers to enlarged button-like structures at the ends of Axon branches; the bulb-shaped structures at the ends of axons that form synapses with the dendrites and somas of other neurons.