Glossary Terms G-L (90.0K)

gait	The way a person walks, consisting of two phases: stance and swing. (See page(s) 43)
ganglia	Collections of neuron cell bodies outside the central nervous system. (See page(s) 27)
gastic juice	Secretions from the stomach lining that begin the process of digesting protein. (See page(s) 31)
gastritis	Inflammation of the stomach lining. (See page(s) 31)
gastroenterologist	A specialist who diagnoses and treats disorders of the entire gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach, intestines, and associated digestive organs. (See page(s) 2)
gastroesophageal reflux disease	A condition that occurs when stomach acids are pushed into the esophagus and cause heartburn. (See page(s) 31)
gene	A segment of DNA that determines a body trait. (See page(s) 23)
general physical examination	An examination performed by a physician to confirm a patient's health or to diagnose a medical problem. (See page(s) 22)
generic name	A drug's official name. (See page(s) 50)
gerontologist	A specialist who studies the aging process. (See page(s) 2)
giantism	A condition in which too much growth hormone is produced in childhood, resulting in an abnormally increased stature (See page(s) 32)
glans penis	A coneshaped structure at the end of the penis. (See page(s) 35)
glaucoma	A condition in which too much pressure is created in the eye by excessive aqueous humor. This excess pressure can lead to permanent damage of the optic nerves, resulting in blindness. (See page(s) 33)
global period	The period of time that is covered for follow-up care of a procedure or surgical service. (See page(s) 16)
globulins	Plasma proteins that transport lipids and some vitamins. (See page(s) 26)
glomerular capsule	A capsule that surrounds the glomerulus of the kidney. (See page(s) 34)
glomerular filtrate	The fluid remaining in the glomerular capsule after glomerular filtration.
glomerular filtration	The process by which urine forms in the kidneys as blood moves through a tight ball of capillaries called the glomerulus. (See page(s) 34)
glomerulonephritis	An inflammation of the glomeruli of the kidney. (See page(s) 34)
glomerulus	A group of capillaries in the renal corpuscle. (See page(s) 34)
glottis	The opening between the vocal cords. (See page(s) 30)
glucagon	A hormone that increases glucose concentrations in the bloodstream and slows down protein synthesis. (See page(s) 32)
glycogen	An excess of glucose that is stored in the liver and in skeletal muscle. (See page(s) 31)
glycosuria	The presence of significant levels of glucose in the urine. (See page(s) 47)
gonads	The reproductive organs; namely, in women, the ovaries,and in men, the testes. (See page(s) 32)
gonadotropin-releasing hormone	Hormone that stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to release follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). (See page(s) 35)
goniometer	A protractor device that measures range of motion. (See page(s) 43)
gout	A medical condition characterized by an elevated uric acid level and recurrent acute arthritis. (See page(s) 25)
G-protein	A substance that causes enzymes in the cell to activate following the activation of the hormone-receptor complex in the cell membrane. (See page(s) 32)
gram-negative	Referring to bacteria that lose their purple color when a decolorizer has been added during a Gram's stain. (See page(s) 46)
gram-positive	Referring to bacteria that retain their purple color after a decolorizer has been added during a Gram's stain. (See page(s) 46)
Gram's stain	A method of staining that differentiates bacteria according to the chemical composition of their cell walls. (See page(s) 46)
granular leukocyte	A type of leukocyte (white blood cell) with a segmented nucleus and granulated cytoplasm; also known as a polymorphonuclear leukocyte. (See page(s) 48)
granulocyte	See granular leukocyte. (See page(s) 28)
Grave's disease	A disorder in which a person develops antibodies that attack the thyroid gland. (See page(s) 32)
gray matter	The inner tissue of the brain and the spinal cord that is darker in color than white matter. It contains all the bodies and dendrites of nerve cells. (See page(s) 27)
gross earnings	The total amount an employee earns before deductions. (See page(s) 18)
growth hormone	A hormone that stimulates an increase in the size of the muscles and bones of the body. (See page(s) 32)
gustatory receptors	Taste receptors that are found on taste buds. (See page(s) 33)
gynecologist	A specialist who performs routine physical care and examinations of the female reproductive system. (See page(s) 2)
gyri	The ridges of brain matter between the sulci; also called convolutions. (See page(s) 27)
hapten	Foreign substances in the body too small to start an immune response by hemselves. (See page(s) 29)
HCPCS Level II codes	Codes that cover many supplies such as sterile trays, drugs, and durable medical equipment; also referred to as national codes. They also cover services and procedures not included in the CPT. (See page(s) 16)
hairy leukoplakia	A white lesion on the tongue associated with AIDS. (See page(s) 21)
hard copy	A readable paper copy or printout of information. (See page(s) 6)
hardware	The physical components of a computer system,including the monitor, keyboard, and printer. (See page(s) 6)
hazard label	A shortened version of the Material Safety Data Sheet; permanently affixed to a hazardous substance container. (See page(s) 45)
Health Care Common Procedure Coding System	A coding system developed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that is used in coding services for Medicare patients. (See page(s) 16)
health maintenance organization(HMO)	A health-care organization that provides specific services to individuals and their dependents who are enrolled in the plan. Doctors who enroll in an HMO agree to provide certain services in exchange for a prepaid fee. (See page(s) 15)
helper T-cells	White blood cells that are a key component of the body's immune system and that work in coordination with other white blood cells to combat infection. (See page(s) 21)
hematemesis	The vomiting of blood. (See page(s) 44)
hematocrit	The percentage of the volume of a sample made up of red blood cells after the sample has been spun in a centrifuge. (See page(s) 48)
hematology	The study of blood. (See page(s) 48)
hematoma	A swelling caused by blood under the skin. (See page(s) 44)
hematuria	The presence of blood in the urine. (See page(s) 47)
hemocytoblast	Cells of the red bone marrow that produce most red blood cells. (See page(s) 28)
hemoglobin	A protein that contains iron and bonds with and carries oxygen to cells; the main component of erythrocytes. (See page(s) 24)
hemoglobinuria	The presence of free hemoglobin in the urine; a rare condition caused by transfusion reactions, malaria, drug reactions, snakebites, or severe burns.
hemolysis	The rupturing of red blood cells, which releases hemoglobin. (See page(s) 48)
hemorrhoids	Varicose veins of the rectum or anus. (See page(s) 31)
hemostasis	The stoppage of bleeding. (See page(s) 28)
hepatic duct	A duct that leaves the liver carrying bile and merges with the cystic duct to form the common bile duct. (See page(s) 31)
hepatic lobule	Smaller divisions within the lobes of the liver. (See page(s) 31)
hepatic portal system	The collection of veins carrying blood to the liver. (See page(s) 28)
hepatic portal vein	A blood vessel that carries blood from the other digestive organs to the hepatic lobules. (See page(s) 31)
hepatitis	Inflammation of the liver usually caused by viruses or toxins. (See page(s) 31)
hepatocytes	The cells within the lobules of the liver. Hepatocytes process nutrients in the blood and make bile. (See page(s) 31)
hernia	The protrusion of an organ through the wall that usually contains it, such as a hiatal oringuinal hernia. (See page(s) 31)
herpes simplex	A medical condition characterized by an eruption of one or more groups of vesicles on the lips or genitalia. (See page(s) 24)
herpes zoster	A medical condition characterized by an eruption of a group of vesicles on one side of the body following a nerve root. (See page(s) 24)
hierarchy	A term that pertains to Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs. This hierarchy states that human beings are motivated by unsatisfied needs and that certain lower needs must be satisfied before higher needs can be met. (See page(s) 4)
hilum	The indented side of a lymph node. The entrance of the renal sinus that contains the renal artery, renal vein, and ureter. (See page(s) 28 34)
HIPAA	A set of regulations whose goals include the following: (1) improving the portability and continuity of healthcare coverage in group and individual markets; (2) combating waste, fraud, and abuse in health-care insurance and health-care delivery; (3) promoting the use of a medical savings account; (4) improving access to long-term care services and coverage; and (5) simplifying the administration of health insurance. (1) (See page(s) 1,2,3,4,5,1)
Holter monitor	An electrocardiography device that includes a small portable cassette recorder worn around a patient's waist or on a shoulder strap to record the heart's electrical activity. (See page(s) 52)
homeostasis	A balanced, stable state within the body. (See page(s) 4)
homologous chromosome	Members in each pair of chromosomes. (See page(s) 23)
hormone	A chemical secreted by a cell that affects the functions of other cells. (See page(s) 32)
hospice	Volunteers who work with terminally ill patients and their families. (See page(s) 4)
human chorionic gonadotropin	A hormone secreted by cells of the embryo after implantation. It maintains the corpus luteum in the ovary so it will continue to secrete estrogen and progesterone. (See page(s) 35)
human immunodeficiency virus	A retrovirus that gradually destroys the body's immune system and causes AIDS. (See page(s) 29)
humerus	The bone of the upper arm. (See page(s) 25)
humors	Fluids of the body. (See page(s) 29)
hydrotherapy	The therapeutic use of water to treat physical problems. (See page(s) 43)
hyoid	The bone that anchors the tongue.
hyperextension	Extension of a body part past the normal anatomical position. (See page(s) 26)
hyperglycemia	High blood sugar. (See page(s) 44)
hyperopia	A condition that occurs when light entering the eye is focused behind the retina; commonly called farsightedness. (See page(s) 33)
hyperpnea	Abnormally deep, rapid breathing. (See page(s) 37)
hyperreflexia	Reflexes that are stronger than normal reflexes. (See page(s) 27)
hypertension	High blood pressure. (See page(s) 28)
hyperventilation	The condition of breathing rapidly and deeply. Hyperventilating decreases the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood. (See page(s) 30)
hypodermis	The subcutaneous layer of the skin that is largely made of adipose tissue. (See page(s) 24)
hypoglycemia	Low blood sugar. (See page(s) 44)
hyporeflexia	A condition of decreased reflexes. (See page(s) 27)
hypotension	Low blood pressure. (See page(s) 37)
hypothalamus	It maintains homeostasis by egulating many vital activities such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. A region of the diencephalon. (See page(s) 27)
hypovolemic shock	A state of shock resulting from insufficient blood volume in the circulatory system. (See page(s) 44)
hysterectomy	Surgical removal of the uterus. (See page(s) 35)
ICD-9	See International Classificationof Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification. (See page(s) 16)
icon	A pictorial image; on a computer screen, a graphic symbol that identifies a menu choice. (See page(s) 6)
identification line	A line at the bottom of a letter containing the letter writer's initials and the typist's initials. (See page(s) 7)
ileocecal sphincter	A structure that controls the movement of chime from the ileum to the cecum. (See page(s) 31)
ileum	The last portion of the small intestine. It is directly attached to the large intestine. (See page(s) 31)
ilium	The most superior part of the hip bone. It is broad and flaring. (See page(s) 25)
immunity	The condition of being resistant or not susceptible to pathogens and the diseases they cause. (See page(s) 19)
immunization	The administration of a vaccine or toxoid to protect susceptible individuals from communicable diseases. (See page(s) 20)
immunocompromised	Having an impaired or weakened immune system. (See page(s) 21)
immunofluorescent antibody	A blood test used to confirm enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test results for HIV infection. (See page(s) 21)
immunoglobulins	A class of structurally related proteins that include IgG, IgA, IgM, and IgE; also called antibodies. (See page(s) 29)
impetigo	A contagious skin infection usually caused by germs commonly called staph and strep. (See page(s) 24)
implied contract	A contract that is created by the acceptance or conduct of the parties rather than the written word. (See page(s) 3)
impotence	A disorder in which a male cannot maintain an erect penis to complete sexual intercourse; also called erectile dysfunction. (See page(s) 35)
inactive file	A file used infrequently. (See page(s) 10)
incision	A surgical wound made by cutting into body tissue. (See page(s) 42)
incisors	The most medial teeth. They act as chisels to bite off food. (See page(s) 31)
incomplete proteins	Proteins that lack one or more of the essential amino acids. (See page(s) 49)
incontinence	The involuntary leakage of urine. (See page(s) 34)
incus	A small bone in the middle ear, located between the malleus and the stapes; also called theanvil. (See page(s) 39)
indication	The purpose or reason for using a drug, as approved by the FDA. (See page(s) 50)
induration	The process of hardening or of becomming hard. (See page(s) 20)
infection	The presence of a pathogen in or on the body. (See page(s) 29)
infectious waste	Waste that can be dangerous to those who handle it or to the environment; includes human waste, human tissue, and body fluids as well as potentially hazardous waste, such as used needles, scalpels, and dressings, and cultures of human cells. (See page(s) 13)
inferior	Anatomical term meaning below or closer to the feet;also called caudal. (See page(s) 23)
inflammation	The body's reaction when tissue becomes injured or infected. The four cardinal signs are redness, heat, pain, and swelling. (See page(s) 29)
informed consent form	A form that verifies that a patient understands the offered treatment and its possible outcomes or side effects. (See page(s) 9)
infundibulum	The funnel-like end of the uterine tube near an ovary. It catches the secondary oocyte as it leaves the ovary. (See page(s) 35)
infusion	A slow drip,as of an intravenous solution into a vein. (See page(s) 51)
ink-jet printer	A nonimpact printer that forms characters by using a series of dots created by tiny drops of ink. (See page(s) 6)
inner cell mass	A group of cells in a blastocyte that gives rise to an embryo. (See page(s) 35)
inorganic	Matter that generally does not contain carbon and hydrogen. (See page(s) 23)
insertion	An attachment site of a skeletal muscle that moves when a muscle contracts. (See page(s) 26)
inspection	The visual examination of the patient's entire body and overall appearance. (See page(s) 38)
inspiration	The act of breathing in; also called inhalation. (See page(s) 30)
insulin	A hormone that regulates the amount of sugar in the blood by facilitating its entry into the cells. (See page(s) 32)
interactive pager	A pager designed for two-way communication. The pager screen displays a printed message and allows the physician to respond by way of a mini keyboard. (See page(s) 5)
intercalated disc	A disk that connects groups of cardiac muscles. This disc allows the fibers in that group to contract and relax together. (See page(s) 26)
interferon	A protein that blocks viruses from infecting cells. (See page(s) 29)
interim room	A room off the patient reception area and away from the examination rooms for occasions when patients require privacy. (See page(s) 13)
International Classification of Diseases,Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification(ICD-9)	Code set that is based on a system maintained by the World Health Organization of the United Nations. The use of the ICD-9 codes in the health-care industry is mandated by HIPAA for reporting patients' dseases, conditions, and signs and symptoms. (See page(s) 16)
Internet	A global network of computers. (See page(s) 6)
interneuron	A structure found only in the central nervous system that functions to link sensory and motor neurons together. (See page(s) 27)
internist	A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating problems related to the internal organs. (See page(s) 2)
interpersonal skills	Attitudes, qualities, and abilities that influence the level of success and satisfaction achieved in interacting with other people. (See page(s) 4)
interphase	The state of a cell carrying out its normal daily functions and not dividing. (See page(s) 23)
interstitial cell	A cell located between the seminiferous tubules that is responsible for making testosterone. (See page(s) 35)
intestinal lipase	An enzyme that digests fat. (See page(s) 31)
intradermal	Within the upper layers of the skin. (See page(s) 51)
intradermal test	An allergy test in which dilute solutions of allergens are introduced into the skin of the inner forearm or upper back with a fine-gauge needle. (See page(s) 41)
intramembranous	A type of ossification in which bones begin as tough fibrous membranes. (See page(s) 25)
intramuscular	Within muscle; an IM injection allows administration of a larger amount of a drug than a subcutaneous injectionallows. (See page(s) 51)
intraoperative	Taking place during surgery. (See page(s) 42)
intravenous IV	Injected directly into a vein. (See page(s) 51)
intravenous pyelography	A radiologic procedure in which the doctor injects a contrast medium into a vein and takes a series of x-rays of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder to evaluate urinary system abnormalities or trauma to the urinary system; also known as excretory urography. (See page(s) 53)
intrinsic factor	A substance secreted by parietal cells in the lining of the stomach. It is necessary for vitamin B12 absorption. (See page(s) 31)
invasive	Referring to a procedure in which a catheter, wire, or other foreign object is introduced into a blood vessel or organ through the skin or a body orifice. Surgical asepsis is required during all invasive tests. (See page(s) 53)
inventory	A list of supplies used regularly and the quantities in stock. (See page(s) 8)
inversion	Turning the sole of the foot medially. (See page(s) 26)
invoice	A bill for materials or services received by or services performed by the practice. (See page(s) 8)
ions	Positively or negatively charged particles. (See page(s) 23)
iris	The colored part of the eye, made of muscular tissue that contracts and relaxes, altering the size of the pupil. (See page(s) 33)
ischium	A structure that forms the lower part of the hip bone. (See page(s) 25)
islets of Langerhans	Structures in the pancreas that secrete insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream. (See page(s) 32)
itinerary	A detailed travel plan listing dates and times for specific transportation arrangements and events, the location of meetings and lodgings, and phone numbers. (See page(s) 12)
jaundice	A condition characterized by yellowness of the skin, eyes, mucous membranes, and excretions;occurs during the second stage of hepatitis infection. (See page(s) 21)
jejunum	The mid-portion and the majority of the small intestine. (See page(s) 31)
journalizing	The process of logging charges and receipts in a chronological list each day; used in the single-entry system of bookkeeping. (See page(s) 18)
juxtaglomerular apparatus	A structure contained in the nephron and made up of the macula densa and juxtaglomerular cells. (See page(s) 34)
juxtaglomerular cells	Enlarged smooth muscle cells in the walls of either the afferent or efferent arterioles. (See page(s) 34)
Kaposi's sarcoma	Abnormal tissue occurring in the skin, and sometimes in the lymph nodes and organs, manifested by reddishpurple to dark blue patches or spots on the skin. (See page(s) 21)
keratin	A tough, hard protein contained in skin, hair, and nails. (See page(s) 24)
keratinocyte	The most common cell type in the epidermis of the skin. (See page(s) 24)
key	The act of inputting or entering information into a computer. (See page(s) 7)
KOH mount	A type of mount used when a physician suspects a patient has a fungal infection of the skin, nails, or hair and to which potassium hydroxide is added to dissolve the keratin in cell walls. (See page(s) 46)
Krebs cycle	Also called the citric acid cycle. This cycle generates ATP for muscle cells. (See page(s) 26)
KUB radiography	The process of x-raying the abdomen to help assess the size, shape, and position of the urinary organs; evaluate urinary system diseases or disorders; or determine the presence of kidney stones. It can also be helpful in determining the position of an intrauterine device (IUD) or in locating foreign bodies in the digestive tract; also called a flat plate of the abdomen. (See page(s) 53)
kyphosis	A deformity of the spine characterized by a bent-over position; more commonly called humpback. (See page(s) 38)
labeling	Information provided with a drug, including FDAapproved indications and the form of the drug. (See page(s) 50)
labia majora	The rounded folds of adipose tissue and skin that serve to protect the other female reproductive organs. (See page(s) 55)
labia minora	The folds of skin between the labia majora. (See page(s) 55)
labyrinth	The inner ear. (See page(s) 59)
laceration	A jagged, open wound in the skin that can extend down into the underlying tissue. (See page(s) 52)
lacrimal apparatus	A structure that consists of the lacrimal glands and nasolacrimal ducts. (See page(s) 53)
lacrimal gland	A gland in the eye that produces tears. (See page(s) 53)
lactase	An enzyme that digests sugars. (See page(s) 51)
lactic acid	Awaste product that must be released from the cell. It is produced when a cell is low on oxygen and converts pyruvic acid. (See page(s) 56)
lactogen	Substance secreted by the placenta that stimulates the enlargement of the mammary glands. (See page(s) 55)
lacunae	Holes in the matrix of bone that hold osteocytes. (See page(s) 55)
lag phase	The initial phase of wound healing, in which bleeding is reduced as blood vessels in the affected area constrict. (See page(s) 52)
lamella	Layers of bone surrounding the canals of osteons. (See page(s) 55)
lancet	A small, disposable instrument with a sharp point used to puncture the skin and make a shallow incision; used for capillary puncture. (See page(s) 58)
laryngopharynx	The portion of the pharynx behind the larynx. (See page(s) 51)
larynx	The part of the respiratory tract between the pharynx and the trachea that is responsible for voice production; also called the voice box. (See page(s) 50)
laser printer	A highresolution printer that uses a technology similar to that of a photocopier. It is the fastest type of computer printer and produces the highest-quality output. (See page(s) 5)
lateral	A directional term that means farther away from the midline of the body. (See page(s) 53)
lateral file	A horizontal filing cabinet that features doors that flip up and a pull-out drawer, where files are arranged with sides facing out. erning body, such as the federal government. (See page(s) 50)
law	A rule of conduct established and enforced by an authority or gov
law of agency	A law stating that an employee is considered to be acting on the physician's behalf while performing professional duties. (See page(s) 5)
lead	A view of a specific area of the heart on an electrocardiogram. (See page(s) 52)
lease	To rent an item or piece of equipment. (See page(s) 5)
legal custody	The court-decreed right to have control over a child's upbringing and to take responsibility for the child's care, including health care. (See page(s) 57)
lens	A clear, circular disc located in the eye, just posterior to the iris, that can change shape to help the eye focus images of objects that are near or far away. (See page(s) 59)
letterhead	Formal business stationery, with the doctor's (or office's) name and address printed at the top, used for correspondence with patients, colleagues, and vendors. (See page(s) 5)
leukemia	A medical condition in which bone marrow produces a large number of white blood cells that are not normal. (See page(s) 58)
leukocytes	White blood cells. (See page(s) 58)
leukocytosis	A white blood cell count that is above normal. (See page(s) 58)
leukopenia	A white blood cell count that is below normal. (See page(s) 58)
liable	Legally responsible. (See page(s) 5)
liability insurance	A type of insurance that covers injuries caused by the insured or injuries that occurred on the insured's property. (See page(s) 55)
lifetime maximum benefit	The total sum that a health plan will pay out over the patient's life. (See page(s) 55)
ligament	A tough, fibrous band of tissue that connects bone to bone. (See page(s) 55)
ligature	Suture material. (See page(s) 52)
limited check	A check that is void after a certain time limit;commonly used for payroll. (See page(s) 58)
lingual frenulum	A flap of mucosa that holds the body of the tongue to the floor of the oral cavity. (See page(s) 51)
lingual tonsils	Two lumps of lymphatic tissue on the back of the tongue that act to destroy bacteria and viruses. (See page(s) 51)
linoleic acid	An essential fatty acid found in corn and sunflower oils. (See page(s) 51)
lipoproteins	Large molecules that are fat-soluble on the inside and water-soluble on the outside and carry lipids such as cholesterol and triglycerides through the bloodstream. (See page(s) 59)
living will	A legal document addressed to a patient's family and health-care providers stating what type of treatment the patient wishes or does not wish to receive if he becomes terminally ill, unconscious, or permanently comatose; sometimes called an advance directive. (See page(s) 5)
lobe	The frontal, parietal, temporal, or occipital regions of the cerebral hemisphere. (See page(s) 57)
locum tenens	A substitute physician hired to see patients while the regular physician is away from the office. (See page(s) 52)
loop of Henle	The portion of the renal tubule that curves back toward the renal corpuscle and twists again to become the distal convoluted tubule. (See page(s) 54)
lumbar enlargement	The thickening of the spinal cord in the low back region. (See page(s) 57)
lunula	The white halfmoon–shaped area at the base of a nail. (See page(s) 54)
lupus erythematosis	An autoimmune disorder in which a person produces antibodies that target the person's own cells and tissues. (See page(s) 59)
luteinizing hormone	Hormone that in females stimulates ovulation and the production of estrogen; in males, it stimulates the production of testosterone. (See page(s) 52)
lymph	A pale fluid found between cells that is collected by the lymphatic system and returned to the bloodstream. (See page(s) 58)
lymphedema	The blockage of lymphatic vessels that results in the swelling of tissue from the accumulation of lymphatic fluid. 59) (See page(s) 59)
lymphocyte	An agranular leukocyte formed in lymphatic tissue. Lymphocytes are generally small. See T lymphocyte and Blymphocyte. (See page(s) 58)
lysozyme	An enzyme in tears that destroys pathogens on the surface of the eye. (See page(s) 59)