Glossary N
Glossary N
Nitric oxide is a gas released by many small neurons and used as a neuromodulator; alters blood flow as well as neuronal activity. Nitric oxide is defined as a colorless gas prepared by the action of nitric acid on copper and also produced in cigarette smoke; it affects oxygen metabolism and may be dangerous.
Nitrogen narcosis refers to a condition similar to intoxication with alcohol that occurs in divers below 100 feet (30 meters) who breath compressed air because of the high nitrogen content of air. Sympotoms inlcude: euphoria, loss of balance and manual dexterity, disorientation and impaired reasoning Nitrogen narcosis is sometimes called the Rapture of the Deep, a term derived from the book "The Silent World" written in 1953 by Jacques Cousteau