Dictionary

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.

globus hystericus See globus.

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

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

globus pallidus A comparatively pale-looking, spherical area in the brain. The globus pallidus is specifically part of the lentiform nucleus, which in turn is part of the striate body, a component of the basal ganglia. Also called pale globe, palladum, and paleostriatum.

glossitis Inflammation of the tongue. There are many possible causes of glossitis, including vitamin B12 deficiency, Sjogren’s syndrome, and side effects of medications or chemotherapy.

Giardia lamblia A parasite responsible for a common form of infectious diarrhea. The parasite lives in two stages: trophozoites and cysts. Trophozoites are the active form of the parasite inside the body. Cysts represent the resting stage that enables the parasite to survive outside the body. Infection begins from swallowing the Giardia cysts. The acid…

giardiasis A contagious form of diarrhea caused by the parasite Giardia lamblia. Transmission is most common by direct contact with infected feces or by eating food or drinking water contaminated by feces. Giardia is one of the most common intestinal parasites in the world, and the disease is most prevalent in developing countries. Giardia is…

GIFT Gamete intrafallopian transfer.

gigantism 1 Extreme growth in height. Gigantism is usually associated with disorders of the pituitary gland, which secretes human growth hormone (somatotrophin) during childhood, before the bones fuse. 2 Extreme growth of specific body parts. See also gigantism, focal.

gigantism, eunuchoid Extremely tall stature due to the delayed onset of puberty that permits the continued growth of the long bones before their growing ends (epiphyses) fuse and growth stops.

gigantism, focal Extreme growth of specific body parts, such as one arm, the tongue, or a combination of parts, as seen in Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome or acromegaly. Focal gigantism may occur before or after the bones fuse. If it occurs afterward, it causes disfigurement. Surgery for mass reduction can help improve function, and other treatments may…