Category: Gi-Gs
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Goiter
A noncancerous enlargement of the thyroid gland. With a goiter, the levels of thyroid hormones may be normal (euthyroid), elevated (hyperthyroidism), or decreased (hypothyroidism).
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gm (gram)
The abbreviation gm stands for gram, a unit of measurement of weight and mass in the metric system. In weight, a gram is equal to a thousandth of a kilogram. In mass, a gram is equal to a thousandth of a liter (one cubic centimeter) of water at 4 degrees centigrade. The word “gram” comes from the Late Latin…
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Glycosylated hemoglobin
Hemoglobin to which glucose is bound. Glycosylated hemoglobin is tested to monitor the long-term control of diabetes mellitus. The level of glycosylated hemoglobin is increased in the red blood cells of persons with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. Since the glucose stays attached to hemoglobin for the life of the red blood cell (normally about 120 days), the level of glycosylated hemoglobin reflects the…
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Glycoprotein
A molecule that consists of a carbohydrate plus a protein. Glycoproteins play essential roles in the body. For instance, in the immune system almost all of the key molecules involved in the immune response are glycoproteins. A glycopeptide is similar in structure to a glycoprotein but has a shorter chain of amino acids.
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Glycohemoglobin
Also known as glycosylated hemoglobin, hemoglobin to which glucose is bound, a measure of the long-term control of diabetes mellitus. The level of glycohemoglobin is increased in the red blood cells of persons with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. Since the glucose stays attached to hemoglobin for the life of the red blood cell (normally about 120 days), the level of glycohemoglobin reflects the average blood glucose level…
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Glycine
An amino acid, one of the 20 building blocks of protein. A nonessential amino acid, glycine is part of many proteins, participates in purine synthesis, and is a neurotransmitter. Symbol: Gly.
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Gluteal
Pertaining to the buttocks region, which is formed by the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus muscles.
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Glutamic acid
An amino acid, one of the 20 building blocks of protein. A nonessential amino acid, glutamic acid is present in many animal and plant proteins. It is involved in ammonia metabolism and serves as a neurotransmitter. Glutamic acid was isolated from wheat gluten in 1866 and first synthesized in 1890. Symbol: Glu.
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Glucose tolerance test
A test of carbohydrate metabolism that is used primarily in the diagnosis of type II?diabetes?and?gestational diabetes. Abbreviated GTT. After the patient has fasted overnight, but before breakfast, a specific amount of?glucose?is given by mouth, and the blood levels of this sugar are measured at intervals. The GTT result depends on a number of factors, including the ability of the…
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Glucose
The simple sugar that is the chief source of energy. Glucose is found in the blood and is the main sugar that the body manufactures. The body makes glucose from all three elements of food’protein, fats, and carbohydrates’but the largest amount of glucose derives from carbohydrates. Glucose serves as the major source of energy for living…