genital herpes An infection by human herpes virus that is transmitted through intimate contact with the moist mucous linings of the genitals. This contact can involve the mouth, the vagina, or the genital skin. Following infection, the virus travels to nerve roots near the spinal cord and settles there permanently. When an infected person has…
genital warts Warts confined primarily to the moist skin of the genitals or around the anus. Genital warts are caused by the human papillomaviruses (HPVs), which are transmitted through sexual contact. The virus can also be transmitted from mother to baby during childbirth. Also known as condyloma acuminatum, condylomata, and venereal warts. See also HPV.
genitalia The male or female reproductive organs. The genitalia include internal and external structures. The female internal genitalia are the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina. The female external genitalia are the labia minora and majora (the vulva) and the clitoris. The male internal genitalia are the testes, epididymis, and vas deferens. The male…
genitourinary Pertaining to the genital and urinary systems.
genome All the genetic information possessed by any organism (for example, the human genome, the elephant genome, the mouse genome, the yeast genome, and the genome of a bacterium). Humans and many other higher animals actually have two genomes—a chromosomal genome and a mitochondrial genome—that together make up their genome.
genome, chromosomal All the genetic information in the chromosomes of an organism. For humans, the chromosomal genome is all the DNA contained in the normal complement of 46 chromosomes in virtually every cell in the body. Together with the mitochondrial genome, the chromosomal genome constitutes the genome of the human being. Also known as nuclear…
genome, human All the genetic information in a person. The human genome is made up of the DNA in chromosomes as well as the DNA in mitochondria.
gastroenterologist A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive system.
gastroesophageal reflux disease A condition in which the stomach contents return back up into the esophagus. Abbreviated GERD. GERD frequently causes heartburn because of irritation of the esophagus by stomach acid. GERD can lead to scarring and stricture of the esophagus, which requires stretching (dilating) of the esophagus. Ten percent of patients with GERD develop…
gastrointestinal stromal tumor A type of tumor that usually begins in cells in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. It can be benign or malignant. Abbreviated GIST. Malignant GISTs can occur from the esophagus to the rectum, but occur most commonly in the stomach and small intestine. Treatment for GIST includes STI571 (Gleevec), the first…
gastrointestinal tract The stomach and intestines. Abbreviated GI tract.
gastroparesis A disease of the muscles of the stomach or the nerves controlling the muscles that causes the muscles to stop working. Gastroparesis results in inadequate grinding of food by the stomach and poor emptying of food from the stomach into the intestine. Gastroparesis may be associated with paralysis of the small intestine and colon….