Dictionary

GAG Glycosaminoglycan.

G6PD Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, an enzyme that red blood cells rely heavily on because it protects the cells against oxidative stresses. See also deficiency, G6PD.

G protein A guanine nucleotide binding protein in cells that interacts with cell surface receptors and affects biochemical actions within cells.

G In genetics, guanine, one member of the G-C base pair (guanine-cytosine) in DNA. See also DNA; guanine; RNA.

fusiform aneurysm An outpouching or widening of an artery or a vein that is shaped like a spindle.

fusiform Formed like a spindle: wider in the middle and tapering toward the ends. For example, a fusiform aneurysm is a vascular outpouching that is shaped like a spindle.

furuncle See boil.

furosemide A common diuretic medication (brand name: Lasix) that is prescribed to rid the body of excess fluid. Furosemide may be recommended to treat fluid accumulation as a result of kidney disease, fluid in the lungs, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, and other conditions. See also diuretic, loop.

FUO See fever of unknown origin.

funny bone A sensation, rather than an actual bone, that one gets when the elbow is bumped and the ulnar nerve that runs past the elbow is stimulated and produces a strange, almost painful, sensation.

funnel chest “Caved-in” chest. Usually an unimportant isolated finding first evident at birth, funnel chest can occasionally be part of a connective-tissue disorder such as Marfan syndrome. Also known as pectus excavatum.

fungus, foot See athlete’s foot.