Menu Close

Glossary

Showing 521-530 out of 1184 Terms

We're sorry, it looks like there has been an error. Please try again soon.

  • Granular cell tumor

    (GRAN-yoo-lur sel TOO-mer)

    A rare type of soft tissue tumor that usually begins in Schwann cells (cells that hold nerve cells in place). It can occur anywhere in the body, but it usually occurs in or under the skin of the head and neck (especially the mouth or tongue). It may also occur in the chest, breast, esophagus, stomach, or other internal organ. Most granular cell tumors are benign (not cancer), but some may be malignant (cancer) and spread quickly to nearby tissue. They usually occur in middle-aged adults. Also called Abrikossoff tumor.

  • Granulocytes

    A type of immune cell that has granules (small particles) with enzymes that are released during infections, allergic reactions, and asthma. Neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils are granulocytes. A granulocyte is a type of white blood cell. Also called granular leukocyte, PMN, and polymorphonuclear leukocyte.

  • Grief

    (greef)

    The normal response to a major loss, such as the death of a loved one. Grief may also be felt by a person with a serious, long-term illness or with a terminal illness. It may include feelings of great sadness, anger, guilt, and despair. Physical problems, such as not being able to sleep and changes in appetite, may also be part of grief.

  • Groin

    (groyn)

    The area where the thigh meets the abdomen.

  • Growth and development milestones

    (grothe ... dee-VEH-lup-MENT MILE-stones)

    Goals for the expected sizes of infants and children and activities they should be able to do at specific ages, such as sit, stand, play, speak, think, and interact with others.

  • Growth factors

    grothe FAK-ter

    A substance made by the body that functions to regulate cell division and cell survival. Some growth factors are also produced in the laboratory and used in biological therapy.

  • Growth hormone

    (grothe HOR-mone)

    A protein made by the pituitary gland that helps control body growth and the use of glucose and fat in the body. Also called somatotropin.

  • Guided imagery

    (GY-ded IH-muh-jree)

    A technique in which a person focuses on positive images in his or her mind. It can help people reach a relaxed, focused state and help reduce stress and give a sense of well-being. Also called imagery.

  • Gy

    The new international system (SI) unit of radiation dose, expressed as absorbed energy per unit mass of tissue. The SI unit "gray" has replaced the older "rad" designation. 1 Gy = 1 Joule/kilogram = 100 rad. Gray can be used for any type of radiation (e.g., alpha, beta, neutron, gamma), but it does not describe the biological effects of different radiations. Biological effects of radiation are measured in units of "sievert" (or the older designation "rem"). Sievert is calculated as follows: gray multiplied by the "radiation weighting factor" (also known as the "quality factor") associated with a specific type of radiation.

  • Gynecologist

    (GY-neh-KAH-loh-jist)

    A doctor who has special training in diagnosing and treating diseases of the female reproductive organs.