[Joseph Matthews]

The same goes for the approach that Cristina provided in her description of each component of the nerve cell and its functional importance following the A-B-C rule of keeping the text “Applicable”, “Brief” and “Clear”. This indicates to me, a lay person in this subject of the nervous system, that you possess sound base knowledge in this area which is a key leveraging factor.

[Joseph Matthews]

Leonisa – once again – as in the previous case of arteries, veins and the chambers of the heart functions – you are able to synopsize the description and importance of the components of this very technical and complex subject of the nerve cell into a succinct format without forgoing substantive content. Bravo!

[Joseph Matthews]

The nerve cell, which equivalent term is a neuron, is the fundamental unit of the nervous system and is specially designed to transmit signals and information rapidly and efficiently between different parts of the body and can be metaphorically described as the body’s electrical wiring system.
The neuron is divided into a series of key components with each one individually performing a fundamental role in the receiving, processing, and transmitting of signals that allow the body and brain to function properly. Herewith is the functional profile and importance of each component of the neuron:
• Cell Body – Which Equivalent Term is Soma
Functional profile: The cell body contains the nucleus and other sub-cell components such as mitochondria and ribosomes which are responsible for maintaining the neuron’s health and metabolic functions. The nucleus houses the neuron’s genetic material which control protein synthesis and other essential activities.
Importance: Without the soma, the neuron would literally not be able survive much less effectively process information.
• Dendrites
Functional profile: These are short plant-like extensions emanating from the soma that receive chemical or electrical signals from neighboring neurons and are covered with receptors that detect neurotransmitters.
Importance: The dendrites increase surface area connections which allow the neuron to integrate multiple signals all at one time making complex processing possible.
• Axon
Functional profile: The axon is a long, thin wire-like projection that carries electrical impulses away from the soma toward other neurons and muscles.
Importance: Some axons are extreme in length which can extend from the spinal cord all the way to the toes. This ensures rapid transmission of nerve impulses and information over very long distances within the body.
• Myelin Sheath
Functional profile: The axon is covered by a myelin sheath which is a fatty-type insulating layer that is produced by specialized glial cells as in the case of Schwann cells or oligodendrocytes. Myelin greatly increases the speed of electrical transmission by allowing the impulse to jump between gaps in the sheath called Nodes of Ranvier.
Importance: Without myelin, these signal jumps between the gaps in the Nodes of Ranvier would be much slower and less efficient that can lead to nervous system disorders such as multiple sclerosis.
• Axon Terminals – Which Equivalent Term is Synaptic Boutons
Functional Profile: The axon terminals are the round type structures at the endpoint of the neuron. When an electrical impulse reaches the terminal, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.
Importance: These neurotransmitters then bind to receptors on the next cell, which are absolutely essential in the efficient communication from the neuron to the muscles and between neurons themselves.
Synapse
Functional Profile: The synapse is the junction gap between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrite of another neuron.
Importance: The synapse enables essential chemical and electrical communication to occur which, in turn, allows for networks of neurons to pass signals and impulses rapidly and efficiently across key brain functions and the nervous system as a whole.

[Joseph Matthews]

Following up on Leonisa’s approach to this subject – Cristina also follows the same approach addressing both subjects in clear, distinct and informative paragraph with a focus on an efficient word count. Again – this requires time, attention to the key details and a sound knowledge of the subject at hand.

[Joseph Matthews]

Leonisa – this issue of arteries, veins and the importance of the four chambers of the heart is quite complex one, especially in the case of a layperson like me. I admire the way in which you addressed both subjects in a clear and descriptive format while keeping it succinct which is not a simple task.

[Joseph Matthews]

Arteries and veins serve different roles and are an integral part of the body’s circulatory system which key function is the proper flow of blood, oxygen, nutrients and other gases both to and from the cells of the body as well as eliminating harmful waste products such as carbon dioxide. Herewith is a breakdown of the key differences between the two:
• Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. They are large and have thick elastic walls which is key in order to withstand the high pressure from the heart’s pumping action. A good case-in-point here is the Aorta.
• Veins, on the other hand, have a different directional function in that they carry oxygen-poor blood back to the heart. A good case-in-point here is the Superior Vana Cava.
• Another difference is that veins have thinner walls than do arteries and often have valves to prevent the blood from flowing backwards, especially as pertains to the arms and legs.
The heart is a muscular organ, it is composed of four specific chambers which pump the blood through the network of arteries and veins. These chambers are crucial for maintaining efficient blood circulation. Herewith is the breakdown of these four chambers and their specific function:
• The right atrium receives oxygen-poor blood returning from the body
• The right ventricle pumps that blood to the lungs for oxygenation
• The left atrium receives the newly oxygenated blood from the lungs
• The left ventricle then pumps the oxygen-rich blood to the entire body
This separation into four chambers is the key factor in ensuring that oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood do not mix as well as maximizing the efficiency of oxygen delivery throughout the body.

[Joseph Matthews]

Lesly, I do appreciate how you placed emphasis on the importance of honing and maintaining current one’s knowledge of the medical terms in both languages because – like maintaining muscular fitness – this keeps them from atrophying and the same goes for the brain and the information the medical interpreter needs to retain same.

[Joseph Matthews]

Leonisa – you know to add sound back-up to a specific point in enhancing good mental retentions by citing clear examples in a good diet such as Omega-3, green vegetables, protein-rich fish, eggs, nuts, etc.

[Joseph Matthews]

Cristina – I liked the way you conveyed the approach to idea mapping to enhance mental retention with the emphasis you placed on ideas, pictures, concepts, etc. which is a new concept for me as this goes beyond and above the traditional concept of flow-charting.

[Joseph Matthews]

Leonisa – your point is well taken of specific physical techniques such as foot tapping and knee slapping also enhance the brain’s ability to retain information. Every lit but helps!

[Joseph Matthews]

As pertains to sound mental retention techniques, the video placed key emphasis on visualization and association which facilitates the interpreter connecting new information with vivid mental images. This makes abstract ideas more tangible and easier to recall. Concentrating of rote word memorization is a dead end while focusing on images connects the dots in a much more effective manner. We also need to practice backward drills when repeating a phrase as the brain tends to recall best what is said last and then moving backwards from there. It works!
Counterintuitively, our ears are poor tools for mental retention. It is what we see that is key as most of the information processed by the brain is via our eyes. Additionally, face-to-face encounters increase and enhance brain stimulation and mental retention as we learned in the example of Triadic Positioning in chapter 2.
We also need to hone our skills in effective note taking. Once again, the ear is deceptive. We need to portray our notes in images such as exclamation points, arrows, equal signs, etc. that convey the message in a much more effective manner. Moreover, we need to focus our notes on the key issues in the encounter such as numbers, medicines, dosages, name and timelines. To tie this section off, the integrity of the message is more important than getting the sequencing of what is said.
Finally, we need to develop (1) How to employ sound idea mapping to enhance mental retention. Discard the “fluff” while pictorializing the exploratory questions and then follow that up with the information that adds the real value, (2) Learn the key vocabulary via practice and repetition and (3) Good exercise and a sound diet are great tools to oxygenate the brain which lead to enhanced mental retention.

[Joseph Matthews]

There are a cadre of common factors that inhibit good mental retention. Some of the more significant ones are lack of focus and especially attention to detail. When we allow ourselves to get distracted or become mentally fatigued, due to lack of proper sleep for instance, our brain has difficulty in processing information in an effective manner. Additionally, anxiety and constant exposure to high-stress environments can also hamper mental retention, as they often disrupt cognitive processing which makes it more difficult for the brain to retrieve the needed information. Finaly, improper diet and lack of exercise result in less oxygen to the brain which also impair sound mental retention.
Good mental retention is especially crucial for interpreters, not just for understanding but also for immediate and accurate recall of what is spoken in the interaction – especially under conditions of high pressure and time constraint. If an interpreter forgets key terminology, phrases, or even cultural contextual applications, this can lead to miscommunication and may jeopardize the accuracy of what is being said and potentially lead to incorrect diagnosis and treatments. Strong mental retention allows interpreters to stay alert and remained focused while ably managing several layers of information and ensuring accurate interpretations.
Ultimately, building good mental retention habits—through repetition, practice, active recall, and managing stress can make the difference between being an average interpreter and an excellent one. Just knowing both languages falls short of the mark. The critical success factor is being able to effectively retain and manage the key information while under pressure in a rapidly changing and evolving environment.

[Joseph Matthews]

Cristina – you are quite correct in pointing out the fact that sound knowledge of the prefixes and sufixes used herein help to better understand to roots of the terms and their respective meanings. This enhances quick assimilation of what is being conveyed and ensures more precise accuracy which is so key.

[Joseph Matthews]

Leonisa – the conclusion to your comment above on this topic was “center shot” when you state that having good knowledge of the prefixes and sufixes used in the medical terminology aide not only in the medical interpreter’s mastering of these complex terms but also improves the overall efficiency of the communication while preserving confidentiality. A “win-win-win” situation.

[Joseph Matthews]

Having a solid command of the key prefixes and suffixes used in medical terminology is crucial for the medical interpreter in better understanding and interpreting complex medical terms, making them more accessible and manageable. This allows for a more precise understanding of medical concepts and improves communication within the interaction among patient, health care provider and interpreter. Finally, as we are talking about the patient’s health and well-being here, the stakes are very high, and this knowledge goes a long way in preventing errors in diagnosis, treatments and procedures.

[Author]

Posts