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Glossary

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  • Glands

    glands

    Organs that makes one or more substances, such as hormones, digestive juices, sweat, tears, saliva, or milk. Endocrine glands release the substances directly into the bloodstream. Exocrine glands release the substances into a duct or opening to the inside or outside of the body.

  • Glial cells

    GLEE-ul sel

    Any of the cells that hold nerve cells in place and help them work the way they should. The types of glial cells include oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, microglia, and ependymal cells. Also called neuroglia.

  • Glucagon

    (GLOO-kuh-gon)

    A hormone produced by the pancreas that increases the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood.

  • Glucocorticoids

    (GLOO-koh-KOR-tih-koyds)

    A compound that belongs to the family of compounds called corticosteroids (steroids). Glucocorticoids affect metabolism and have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. They may be naturally produced (hormones) or synthetic (drugs).

  • Glucose

    (GLOO-kose)

    A type of sugar; the chief source of energy for living organisms.

  • Glycogen storage disease

    (GLY-koh-jen STOR-ij dih-ZEEZ)

    A type of inherited disorder in which there are problems with how a form of glucose (sugar) called glycogen is stored and used in the body. Certain enzymes that help make or break down glycogen are missing or do not work the way they should. This causes abnormal amounts or types of glycogen in the tissues, especially in the liver and in muscle tissue. There are many types of glycogen storage disease, which can cause problems in different parts of the body, including the liver, muscles, kidneys, and heart. Also called GSD.

  • Goiter

    (GOY-ter)

    An enlarged thyroid. It may be caused by too little iodine in the diet or by other conditions. Most goiters are not cancer.

  • Gonadotropin-releasing hormone

    (goh-NA-doh-TROH-pin-reh-LEE-sing HOR-mone)

    A hormone made by a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone causes the pituitary gland in the brain to make and secrete the hormones luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). In men, these hormones cause the testicles to make testosterone. In women, they cause the ovaries to make estrogen and progesterone. Also called GnRH, LH-RH, LHRH, and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone.

  • Gorlin syndrome

    (GOR-lin SIN-drome)

    A rare, inherited disorder that affects many organs and tissues in the body. People with this disorder have a very high risk of developing basal cell skin cancer during adolescence or early adulthood. They are also at risk of developing medulloblastoma (a type of brain cancer) and other types of cancer. Gorlin syndrome may also cause benign (not cancer) tumors in the jaw, heart, or ovaries. Other signs and symptoms include a large head and unusual facial features; small pits in the skin on the hands and feet; abnormalities of the spine, ribs, or skull; eye problems; and developmental problems. Gorlin syndrome is caused by a mutation (change) in the PTCH1 gene. Also called basal cell nevus syndrome, BCNS, NBCCS, and nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome.

  • Gout

    (gowt)

    A condition marked by increased levels of uric acid in the blood, joints, and tissue. The buildup of uric acid in the joints and tissues causes arthritis and inflammation.