Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
extrapyramidal

extrapyramidal

1 9.9
Brain parts outside the main movement areas that help control muscles
  • adjective
  • /ˌɛkstrəˈpɪrəˌmɪdəl/
  • Specialized
: extrapiramidal
  • The neurologist explained that extrapyramidal dysfunction might cause difficulty in voluntary movement.
  • extrapyramidal side effects
  • extrapyramidal side

Examples

  • The CNS side effect profile of metoclopramide is broad and includes drowsiness, extrapyramidal syndrome (dystonias, akathisia), depression, dizziness, and insomnia.

    Academic text (2007)

  • In addition, more research is needed to clarify the conditions under which atypical neuroleptic drugs reduce locomotion in amphetamine-treated rats, particularly if this technique is to be used as a screening test for novel antipsychotic drugs with low incidences of extrapyramidal side effects.

    Academic text (1992)

  • Extrapyramidal disorders.

    Fiction book (2000)

  • Subjects with motor incoordination (such as in hemiparesis, cerebellar, and extrapyramidal disorders) would find stair usage problematic due to inaccurate foot placement.

    Academic text (1996)

  • Extrapyramidal symptoms can often occur in patients taking certain psychiatric medications.

  • People with extrapyramidal disorders may experience tremors and rigidity in their muscles.

Surface Forms

extrapyramidal positive

Morphology

extrapyramidal = pyramidal (semi-transparent) = extra + pyramid + al

Adding the prefix 'extra-' to 'pyramidal' straightforwardly yields the meaning 'outside the pyramidal system'.

Etymology

Extrapyramidal breaks into extra- ('outside') and pyramidal, which comes from pyramid, a triangular shape. So, extrapyramidal refers to brain areas 'outside the pyramidal pathways' that help control movement.