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| This glossary contains: 19186 medical terms |
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Gamma-linolenic acid
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Gamma-linolenic acidAbbreviated GLA. An essential polyunsaturated fatty acid contained in some plant seed oils including evening primrose oil, black currant oil, and borage oil. GLA has been used for a number of different disorders. GLA is of no benefit for eczema.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Essential
1. Something that cannot be done without. 2. Required in the diet, because the body cannot make it. As in an essential amino acid or an essential fatty acid. 3. Idiopathic. As in essential hypertension.
Borage
An herb, also known as the starflower, that has long been used for medicinal purposes. Borage is rich in gamma linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid.
Eczema
A disorder of the skin like psoriasis and also considered to be related to malfunctions of the immune system. Symptoms include red, itchy skin and sores that ooze and crust over. One out of ten children develops eczema, but more than half of them lose it by the time they reach their teens.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Gamm globulin test
Gamm globulin test refers to a test used to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin for treatment of individuals experiencing unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss.
Gamma camera
Basic instrument used to produce a nuclear medicine image.
Gamma globulin
Blood protein that contains most antibodies. Used in the temporary prevention of hepatitis and as treatment for disorders with antibody deficiencies.
Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
Known in Europe as Gamma-OH, gamma hydroxybutyrate is a colorless and odorless drug used illicitly for "recreational" purposes and for "date rape." GBH is a central nervous system depressant. It tends therefore to increase sociability and function as something of a transient antidepressant.
Gamma knife
A type of radiosurgery (radiation therapy) machine that acts by focusing low-dosage gamma radiation from many sources on a precise target. Areas adjacent to the target receive only slight doses of radiation, while the target gets the full intensity.
Gamma ray
High-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted by certain radionuclides when their nuclei transition from a higher to a lower energy state. Gamma rays have high energy and a short wave length. All gamma rays emitted from a given isotope have the same energy, a characteristic that enables scientists to identify which gamma emitters are present in a sample. Gamma rays penetrate tissue farther than do beta particles or alpha particles, but leave a lower concentration of ions in their path to potentially cause cell damage. Gamma rays are similar to x-rays.
Gamma-knife
The gamma knife is used in the treatment of lesions in the brain by a noninvasive surgical technique called stereotaxic radiosurgery. It is a safe, precise, bloodless procedure. The gamma knife uses 201 beams of highly focused gamma rays. The beams are precisely aimed so as to treat only the target (tumor, trigeminal nerve, etc.) with minimal risk to adjacent brain structures.
Gamma-OH
European name for gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a colorless and odorless drug used illicitly for "recreational" purposes and for "date rape." GBH is a central nervous system depressant. It tends therefore to increase sociability and function as something of a transient antidepressant. Some persons who have sustained adverse effects of GHB have reported being given the drug surreptitiously (e.g., having it slipped into their drink), while others have admitted to intentional use.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Gametogenesis
The development and production of the male and female germ cells required to form a new individual. The male and female germ cells are called gametes. The gametes in human males are produced by the testes, two globe-shaped reproductive organs just below the penis. Male gametes are what most people refer to as sperm. Gametes in human females are produced by the ovaries, two oblong organs on each side of the uterus in the lower abdomen. Female gametes are what most people refer to as eggs or ova. During sexual intercourse, an ejaculated sperm cell penetrates an egg and unites with it (fertilizes it). The fertilized egg is called the zygote.
Gametophobia
An abnormal and persistent fear of being married. Sufferers of gametophobia experience undue anxiety even though they may rationally realize that the married state itself poses no threat to them. They may fear the challenge of living with another person and the responsibility of rearing a family. Or they may worry about failing as a sexual partner.
Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
Known in Europe as Gamma-OH, gamma hydroxybutyrate is a colorless and odorless drug used illicitly for "recreational" purposes and for "date rape." GBH is a central nervous system depressant. It tends therefore to increase sociability and function as something of a transient antidepressant.
Gamma knife
A type of radiosurgery (radiation therapy) machine that acts by focusing low-dosage gamma radiation from many sources on a precise target. Areas adjacent to the target receive only slight doses of radiation, while the target gets the full intensity.
Gamma ray
High-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted by certain radionuclides when their nuclei transition from a higher to a lower energy state. Gamma rays have high energy and a short wave length. All gamma rays emitted from a given isotope have the same energy, a characteristic that enables scientists to identify which gamma emitters are present in a sample. Gamma rays penetrate tissue farther than do beta particles or alpha particles, but leave a lower concentration of ions in their path to potentially cause cell damage. Gamma rays are similar to x-rays.
Gamma-linolenic acid
Gamma-OH
European name for gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a colorless and odorless drug used illicitly for "recreational" purposes and for "date rape." GBH is a central nervous system depressant. It tends therefore to increase sociability and function as something of a transient antidepressant. Some persons who have sustained adverse effects of GHB have reported being given the drug surreptitiously (e.g., having it slipped into their drink), while others have admitted to intentional use.
Ganglia, basal
A region located at the base of the brain composed of 4 clusters of neurons, or nerve cells. This area of the brain is responsible for body movement and coordination.
Gap junction
An organized collections of protein channels in cell membranes that allows ions and small molecules to pass between adjacent cells. The protein channels that make up gap junctions consist of two connexons. One connexon resides in the membrane of one cell. It aligns and joins the connexon of the neighboring cell, forming a continuous aqueous pathway by which ions and small molecules can freely pass (passively) from one cell to the other.
Gareis-Mason syndrome
An inherited (genetic) syndrome with characteristic features including (1) neurologically: mental retardation and aphasia (lack of speech); (2) limbs: adducted (clasped) thumbs, absent extensor pollicis longus and/or brevis muscles to the thumb, shuffling gait, and leg spasticity; (3) growth: small body size; (4) skeleton: lumbar lordosis (sway back). The syndrome is inherited as an X-linked trait and so affects mainly boys. Alternative names include MASA syndrome (MASA stands for mental retardation, aphasia, shuffling gait, and adducted thumbs), clasped thumb and mental retardation, congenital clasped thumb with mental retardation, and adducted thumb with mental retardation.
Gas chromatography (GC)
A type of automated chromatography (a technique used to separate mixtures of substances) in which the mixture to be analyzed is vaporized and carried by an inert gas through a special column and thence to a detection device. The special column can contain an inert porous solid (in gas-solid chromatography) or a liquid coated on a solid support (in gas-liquid chromatography). The basic aim with GC is to separate each component that was in the mixture so that it produces a different peak in the detection device output which is graphed on a chart recorder. GC is a valuable tool in biochemistry (and other fields of chemistry, as in the analysis of perfumes).
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Essential
1. Something that cannot be done without. 2. Required in the diet, because the body cannot make it. As in an essential amino acid or an essential fatty acid. 3. Idiopathic. As in essential hypertension.
Borage
An herb, also known as the starflower, that has long been used for medicinal purposes. Borage is rich in gamma linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid.
Eczema
A disorder of the skin like psoriasis and also considered to be related to malfunctions of the immune system. Symptoms include red, itchy skin and sores that ooze and crust over. One out of ten children develops eczema, but more than half of them lose it by the time they reach their teens.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Gamm globulin test
Gamm globulin test refers to a test used to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin for treatment of individuals experiencing unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss.
Gamma camera
Basic instrument used to produce a nuclear medicine image.
Gamma globulin
Blood protein that contains most antibodies. Used in the temporary prevention of hepatitis and as treatment for disorders with antibody deficiencies.
Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
Known in Europe as Gamma-OH, gamma hydroxybutyrate is a colorless and odorless drug used illicitly for "recreational" purposes and for "date rape." GBH is a central nervous system depressant. It tends therefore to increase sociability and function as something of a transient antidepressant.
Gamma knife
A type of radiosurgery (radiation therapy) machine that acts by focusing low-dosage gamma radiation from many sources on a precise target. Areas adjacent to the target receive only slight doses of radiation, while the target gets the full intensity.
Gamma ray
High-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted by certain radionuclides when their nuclei transition from a higher to a lower energy state. Gamma rays have high energy and a short wave length. All gamma rays emitted from a given isotope have the same energy, a characteristic that enables scientists to identify which gamma emitters are present in a sample. Gamma rays penetrate tissue farther than do beta particles or alpha particles, but leave a lower concentration of ions in their path to potentially cause cell damage. Gamma rays are similar to x-rays.
Gamma-knife
The gamma knife is used in the treatment of lesions in the brain by a noninvasive surgical technique called stereotaxic radiosurgery. It is a safe, precise, bloodless procedure. The gamma knife uses 201 beams of highly focused gamma rays. The beams are precisely aimed so as to treat only the target (tumor, trigeminal nerve, etc.) with minimal risk to adjacent brain structures.
Gamma-OH
European name for gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a colorless and odorless drug used illicitly for "recreational" purposes and for "date rape." GBH is a central nervous system depressant. It tends therefore to increase sociability and function as something of a transient antidepressant. Some persons who have sustained adverse effects of GHB have reported being given the drug surreptitiously (e.g., having it slipped into their drink), while others have admitted to intentional use.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Gametogenesis
The development and production of the male and female germ cells required to form a new individual. The male and female germ cells are called gametes. The gametes in human males are produced by the testes, two globe-shaped reproductive organs just below the penis. Male gametes are what most people refer to as sperm. Gametes in human females are produced by the ovaries, two oblong organs on each side of the uterus in the lower abdomen. Female gametes are what most people refer to as eggs or ova. During sexual intercourse, an ejaculated sperm cell penetrates an egg and unites with it (fertilizes it). The fertilized egg is called the zygote.
Gametophobia
An abnormal and persistent fear of being married. Sufferers of gametophobia experience undue anxiety even though they may rationally realize that the married state itself poses no threat to them. They may fear the challenge of living with another person and the responsibility of rearing a family. Or they may worry about failing as a sexual partner.
Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
Known in Europe as Gamma-OH, gamma hydroxybutyrate is a colorless and odorless drug used illicitly for "recreational" purposes and for "date rape." GBH is a central nervous system depressant. It tends therefore to increase sociability and function as something of a transient antidepressant.
Gamma knife
A type of radiosurgery (radiation therapy) machine that acts by focusing low-dosage gamma radiation from many sources on a precise target. Areas adjacent to the target receive only slight doses of radiation, while the target gets the full intensity.
Gamma ray
High-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted by certain radionuclides when their nuclei transition from a higher to a lower energy state. Gamma rays have high energy and a short wave length. All gamma rays emitted from a given isotope have the same energy, a characteristic that enables scientists to identify which gamma emitters are present in a sample. Gamma rays penetrate tissue farther than do beta particles or alpha particles, but leave a lower concentration of ions in their path to potentially cause cell damage. Gamma rays are similar to x-rays.
Gamma-linolenic acid
Gamma-OH
European name for gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a colorless and odorless drug used illicitly for "recreational" purposes and for "date rape." GBH is a central nervous system depressant. It tends therefore to increase sociability and function as something of a transient antidepressant. Some persons who have sustained adverse effects of GHB have reported being given the drug surreptitiously (e.g., having it slipped into their drink), while others have admitted to intentional use.
Ganglia, basal
A region located at the base of the brain composed of 4 clusters of neurons, or nerve cells. This area of the brain is responsible for body movement and coordination.
Gap junction
An organized collections of protein channels in cell membranes that allows ions and small molecules to pass between adjacent cells. The protein channels that make up gap junctions consist of two connexons. One connexon resides in the membrane of one cell. It aligns and joins the connexon of the neighboring cell, forming a continuous aqueous pathway by which ions and small molecules can freely pass (passively) from one cell to the other.
Gareis-Mason syndrome
An inherited (genetic) syndrome with characteristic features including (1) neurologically: mental retardation and aphasia (lack of speech); (2) limbs: adducted (clasped) thumbs, absent extensor pollicis longus and/or brevis muscles to the thumb, shuffling gait, and leg spasticity; (3) growth: small body size; (4) skeleton: lumbar lordosis (sway back). The syndrome is inherited as an X-linked trait and so affects mainly boys. Alternative names include MASA syndrome (MASA stands for mental retardation, aphasia, shuffling gait, and adducted thumbs), clasped thumb and mental retardation, congenital clasped thumb with mental retardation, and adducted thumb with mental retardation.
Gas chromatography (GC)
A type of automated chromatography (a technique used to separate mixtures of substances) in which the mixture to be analyzed is vaporized and carried by an inert gas through a special column and thence to a detection device. The special column can contain an inert porous solid (in gas-solid chromatography) or a liquid coated on a solid support (in gas-liquid chromatography). The basic aim with GC is to separate each component that was in the mixture so that it produces a different peak in the detection device output which is graphed on a chart recorder. GC is a valuable tool in biochemistry (and other fields of chemistry, as in the analysis of perfumes).
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This dictionary contains 19186 terms.
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