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Glossary

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  • Germ cell

    (jerm sel)

    A reproductive cell of the body. Germ cells are egg cells in females and sperm cells in males.

  • Germ cell tumor

    jerm sel TOO-mer

    A type of tumor that begins in the cells that give rise to sperm or eggs. Germ cell tumors can occur almost anywhere in the body and can be either benign or malignant.

  • Germinoma

    (JER-mih-NOH-muh)

    A type of tumor that begins in germ cells (cells that form sperm or eggs).

  • Germline Mutation

    (JERM-line myoo-TAY-shun)

    A gene change in a body's reproductive cell (egg or sperm) that becomes incorporated into the DNA of every cell in the body of the offspring. Germline mutations are passed on from parents to offspring. Also called germline variant.

  • 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.