Acupressure

Technique of applying pressure or localized massage to specific sites on the body to control symptoms such as pain or nausea.3

Acupuncture

The technique of inserting thin needles through the skin at specific points on the body to control pain and other symptoms.3

Acute CINV

Nausea and/or vomiting that occurs within 24 hours after chemotherapy administration.2

Anticipatory CINV

Nausea and/or vomiting that are caused by psychological conditioning to signals of chemotherapy. May begin prior to chemotherapy. Triggered by stimuli associated with chemotherapy (smells, sights, sounds).2

Antiemetics

Medications that prevent or control nausea and vomiting.1

Area postrema

Tongue-shaped structure in the caudal region of the fourth ventricle of the brain. The chemoreceptor trigger zone is located within this area.2,4

Autonomic nervous system

Part of the vertebrate nervous system that innervates smooth and cardiac muscle and glandular tissues and governs involuntary actions (such as secretion, vasoconstriction or peristalsis) and that consists of the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system (also called the vegetative nervous system).