Dictionary

globus minor The tail of the epididymis, a cordlike structure just behind the testis.

globus major The head of the epididymis, the structure just behind the testis.

globus hystericus See globus.

globus 1 A globe or sphere, used in various contexts in medicine. 2 The sensation of having a lump in the throat when nothing is really there. Also known as globus hystericus.

gliosis A process leading to scars in the central nervous system that involves the production of a dense fibrous network of glial cells (supporting cells) in areas of damage. Gliosis is a prominent feature of many diseases of the central nervous system, including multiple sclerosis and stroke. After a stroke, nerve cells die and are…

glioma, optic A rare, most commonly benign tumor on the optic nerve or the optic chiasm (the crossing of the two optic nerves). Optic gliomas cause pressure and destruction of normal optic nerve tissue. They are most common in children and teens. Optic gliomas are strongly associated with neurofibromatosis (NF1).

glioma A brain tumor that begins in a glial cell in the brain or spinal cord. Malignant gliomas are the most common primary tumors of the central nervous system. They are often resistant to treatment and carry a poor prognosis. Astrocytomas are the most common glial tumors. See also glioma, optic.

glioblastoma multiforme A highly malignant, rapidly growing type of brain tumor that arises from glial cells in the brain. Early symptoms may include sleepiness, headache, and vomiting. Also called a grade IV astrocytoma. Treatment can involve surgery and radiation treatment.

glial cell A supportive cell in the central nervous system. Unlike neurons, glial cells do not conduct electrical impulses. The glial cells surround neurons and provide support for and insulation between them. Glial cells are the most abundant cell types in the central nervous system. Types of glial cells include oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, ependymal cells, Schwann…

gliadin A protein found in wheat and some other grains that is part of wheat gluten. People with celiac sprue, Crohn’s disease, and related conditions may be sensitive to gliadin in the diet. See also celiac sprue; Crohn’s disease; dermatitis herpetiformis.

glaucoma, angle-closure See angle-closure glaucoma.

glaucoma A common eye condition in which the fluid pressure inside the eye rises because of slowed fluid drainage from the eye. If untreated, glaucoma may damage the optic nerve and other parts of the eye, causing the loss of vision or even blindness. There are no symptoms in the early stages of glaucoma. As…