growth factor

growth factor Any one of a number of naturallyoccurring chemicals in the body that stimulate cells to divide and multiply. Growth factors are necessary for the control of processes such as embryonic development, wound healing, and tissue growth. Growth factors may also influence the growth rate of some tumors. Growth factors stimulate cell division by…

growth chart

growth chart A chart used to evaluate the progress of a child’s growth and development using parameters of physical development, typically height and weight. Growth charts are developed from information obtained by measuring and weighing thousands of children and determining the averages for weight and height for each age and sex within a given population.

growing pains

growing pains Mysterious pains in growing children, usually in the legs, likely occurring as a result of overuse. Growing pains are typically somewhat diffuse, and they are not associated with physical changes of the area, such as swelling or redness. The pains are usually easily relieved by massage, acetaminophen, or rest. If pain persists for…

group therapy

group therapy 1 A type of psychiatric care in which several patients meet with one or more therapists at the same time. Patients form a support group for each other, and they receive expert care and advice. The group therapy model is particularly appropriate for psychiatric illnesses that are support intensive, such as anxiety disorders,…