Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

General anesthesia: a combination of medications administered by a physician anesthesiologist that put patients in a sleep-like state before surgery. While under general anesthesia, a patient is unconscious and feels no pain. General anesthesia is usually given through a mask or intravenously (IV) by a needle placed in a vein, and an anesthesiologist monitors heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and other…

The basic biological unit of heredity. A segment of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) needed to contribute to a function. An official definition: According to the official Guidelines for Human Gene Nomenclature, a gene is defined as “a DNA segment that contributes to phenotype/function. In the absence of demonstrated function a gene may be characterized by sequence, transcription or homology.” DNA: Genes…

A neurological disorder marked by a sudden recurrent uncontrollable compulsion to sleep. Named for a French neurologist, JBE Gelineau (1859-1906). Also known as narcolepsy. The disorder is often associated with cataplexy (a sudden loss of muscle tone and paralysis of voluntary muscles associated with a strong emotion), sleep paralysis (immobility of the body that occurs in the transition from sleep to wakefulness), what are called hypnagogic hallucinations (pre-sleep dreams)…

Gaucher’s disease.

GB virus C, a virus first identified in 1995 that is genetically related to the hepatitis C virus but which does not cause hepatitis in humans. The exact role of GBV C in producing disease in humans remains unclear. Infection with GB virus C (GBV-C) may be beneficial to HIV-infected patients. There are studies suggesting that these patients enjoy longer…

A surgical opening into the stomach. A gastrostomy may be used for feeding, usually via a feeding tube called a gastrostomy tube. Feeding can also be done through a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube.

The stomach and intestines. Abbreviated GI tract.

Adjective referring collectively to the stomach and small and large intestines. The commonly used abbreviation for gastrointestinal is GI. (Outside of medicine, GI can also stand for galvanized iron, general issue or government issue – as in GI Joe).

The return of stomach contents back up into the esophagus This frequently causes heartburn because of irritation of the esophagus by stomach acid. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can lead to scarring and stricture of the esophagus, requiring stretching (dilating) of the esophagus. 10% of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease develop Barrett’s esophagus which increases the risk of cancer of the esophagus. 80% of patients with…

Pertaining to both the stomach and the esophagus, as in the gastroesophageal junction, the place where the esophagus connects to the stomach.