ICU-USA

gastrostomy tube

Definition:thin, flexible tube inserted into the stomach for delivery of nutrition or drainage; also called G tube or stomach tube

gallbladder

Definition:small, pear-shaped sac positioned under the liver, which concentrates and stores bile

gallstone ileus

Definition:abnormal condition in which a gallstone passes from the gallbladder into the intestines through an abnormal passage and blocks the intestine

gallstone

Definition:round, hard mass of cholesterol, bile, or calcium salts found in the gallbladder or a bile duct

gamma camera

Definition:radiation detection camera which is combined with weak radioactive contrast materials and used to capture images of the inside of the body

gamma globulin

Definition:substance prepared from blood that carries antibodies to most common infections; also used in immunizations

ganglia

Definition:group of nerve cells; singular form is ganglion

gangrene

Definition:death of a tissue due to insufficient supply of blood

gastrectomy

Definition:surgical removal of all or part of the stomach

gastric acid

Definition:digestive acid in the stomach

gastric juice

Definition:digestive fluids produced by the lining of the stomach that break down proteins and destroy harmful organisms

gastric lavage

Definition:washing out of the stomach with water, often to treat poisoning; commonly called stomach pumping

gastric

Definition:pertaining to the stomach

gastritis

Definition:inflammation of the mucous membrane lining of the stomach; can have a number of causes, including viruses, bacteria, and use of alcohol and other drugs

gastroenteritis

Definition:inflammation of the stomach and intestines

gastroscope

Definition:special endoscope used to perform esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), a procedure to visually examine the swallowing tube, stomach, and small intestines

gastrostomy

Definition:surgical creation of an opening in the abdominal wall into the stomach for insertion of a drainage or feeding tube

general anesthesia

Definition:method of preventing pain in which the patient is induced to lose consciousness

genital herpes

Definition:infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, which causes a painful rash of fluid-filled blisters on the genitals; transmitted through sexual contact

genital wart

Definition:growth on the skin in or around the vagina, penis, or anus, transmitted by sexual contact; can cause cancer of the cervix

generic name

Definition:chemical name for a drug (i.e., Celecoxib is the generic name for the drug Monsanto markets under the product name Cerebrex); also called common name

genital tract

Definition:the structures in the body that make up the reproductive system; in females, the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus and vagina; in males, the testicles, prostate gland, and penis

genitalia

Definition:the organs of the reproductive system, especially the external genital organs

geriatric

Definition:pertaining to treatment of the elderly

gastrointestinal series

Definition:collectively, several X-ray tests of the gastrointestinal tract; also called GI series; upper GI series images the esophagus, stomach and upper small intestine; lower GI series images the lower part of the bowel, called the large intestine

gastrointestinal tract

Definition:the part of the digestive system that includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and intestines; also called GI tract

gingivitis

Definition:inflammation of the gums, typically caused by a buildup of plaque due to poor hygiene

gland

Definition:group of cells or an organ that produces substances (e.g., hormones and enzymes) used by the body

glaucoma

Definition:disease in which eye damage is caused by an increase in the pressure of the fluid within the eye

glioblastoma multiforme

Definition:fast-growing, cancerous brain tumor

glioma

Definition:brain tumor arising from cells that support nerve cells

glomerulonephritis

Definition:inflammation of the filtering structures in the kidneys, hindering removal of waste products from the blood

glomerulosclerosis

Definition:scarring of the filtering structures in the kidneys due to damage

glucose

Definition:type of sugar that is the main source of energy for the body

goiter

Definition:enlargement of the thyroid gland, which produces a swelling on the neck

gonorrhea

Definition:common sexually transmitted disease, characterized by painful urination or a discharge from the penis or vagina

gout

Definition:disorder marked by high levels of uric acid in the blood; usually experienced as arthritis in one joint

graft

Definition:healthy tissue used to replace diseased or defective tissue

grand mal

Definition:type of seizure occurring with epilepsy, producing loss of consciousness involuntary jerking movements

Guillain-Barre syndrome

Definition:peripheral nervous system disease in which nerve inflammation causes weakness, loss of movement, and loss of sensation in the arms and legs; some patients with this disorder develop difficulty breathing and require mechanical ventilation

gynecology

Definition:branch of medicine dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the female reproductive organs