Nomenclature is a system of names or terms, or the rules for forming these terms in a particular field.
The principles of naming vary from the relatively informal conventions of everyday speech to the internationally agreed principles, rules and recommendations that govern the formation and use of the specialist terms used in scientific and other disciplines.
There is a need for a uniform nomenclature in neuroanatomical studies.
see Neuroanatomy nomenclature.
Medical nomenclature has a rich tradition employing both ancient and modern languages to precisely describe our understanding of a particular medical noun. As with other storied professions, we have recognized particular luminaries by associating their names with particular conditions many times alongside a more descriptive term, which often exists in parallel. We have collectively also recognized that in many instances the understanding of a particular medical noun changes with time, rendering a prior term inaccurate. In such circumstances, ideally the field adopts a more accurate name while conscientiously relegating the former to medical archives 1).
In the narrow confines of neurosurgery, neurology, and neuroradiology, changes in nomenclature have been motivated by improved understanding of disease states reflected in precision of the newly adopted appellation. Numerous examples of novel nomenclature demonstrate the potential benefit, including paradigm shifts in understanding as well as treatments for a disease. For example, acoustic neuromas no longer exist, replaced with the more accurate vestibular schwannoma 2).