Dictionary

hallux varus A condition in which the joint of the big toe is bent inward (away from the midline of the foot; varus).

Halstead mastectomy See mastectomy, radical.

hamartoma A benign (noncancerous) tumorlike growth consisting of a disorganized mixture of cells and tissues normally found in the area of the body where the growth occurs.

hammer toe A condition in which the toe is flexed (curly), but with no abnormal rotation of the toe. Hammer toe may require surgical correction.

hamstring One of the prominent tendons at the back of the knee. The hamstrings are the side walls of the hollow behind the knee (popliteal space). Both hamstrings connect to muscles that flex the knee. The term is sometimes used to refer to the muscles in the back of the thigh. A pulled hamstring is…

hand-foot-and-mouth disease A common viral illness usually seen in infants and children characterized by a rash on the hands and feet and in the mouth. The internal rash (enanthem) consists of blisters and little ulcers. These may involve not only the lining of the mouth but also the gums, palate, and tongue. The external rash…

guanine One of the five nitrogenous bases found in nucleic acids; guanine is one of the purine bases and is a member of thee G-C (guanine-cytosine) pair of bases in DNA.

guarding, abdominal See abdominal guarding.

guided imagery An alternative medicine technique in which patients use their imagination to visualize improved health, or to “attack” a disease, such as a tumor. Guided imagery may be utilized as complementary medicine in some oncology centers and other medical facilities.

Guillain-Barre syndrome A rare disorder characterized by a misdirected immune response against the peripheral nervous system associated with progressive symmetrical paralysis and loss of reflexes, usually beginning in the legs. In most cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome, the patient has a complete or nearly complete recovery. Guillain-Barre syndrome is not associated with fever. It usually occurs…

gum disease Inflammation of the soft tissue (gingiva) and abnormal loss of the bone surrounding the teeth. Gum disease is caused by toxins secreted by bacteria in the plaque that accumulates over time along the gum line. Plaque is a mixture of food, saliva, and bacteria. Early symptoms of gum disease include gum bleeding, and…

gustatory sweating See sweating, gustatory.