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Glossary

Showing 521-530 out of 1154 Terms

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  • Growth hormone

    (grothe HOR-mone)

    A protein made by the pituitary gland that helps control body growth and the use of glucose and fat in the body. Also called somatotropin.

  • Guided imagery

    (GY-ded IH-muh-jree)

    A technique in which a person focuses on positive images in his or her mind. It can help people reach a relaxed, focused state and help reduce stress and give a sense of well-being. Also called imagery.

  • Gy

    The new international system (SI) unit of radiation dose, expressed as absorbed energy per unit mass of tissue. The SI unit "gray" has replaced the older "rad" designation. 1 Gy = 1 Joule/kilogram = 100 rad. Gray can be used for any type of radiation (e.g., alpha, beta, neutron, gamma), but it does not describe the biological effects of different radiations. Biological effects of radiation are measured in units of "sievert" (or the older designation "rem"). Sievert is calculated as follows: gray multiplied by the "radiation weighting factor" (also known as the "quality factor") associated with a specific type of radiation.

  • Gynecologist

    (GY-neh-KAH-loh-jist)

    A doctor who has special training in diagnosing and treating diseases of the female reproductive organs.

  • HDAC inhibitor

    (...in-HIH-bih-ter)

    A substance that causes a chemical change that stops tumor cells from dividing. HDAC inhibitors are being studied in the treatment of cancer. Also called histone deacetylase inhibitor.

  • HICKMAN® catheter

    Soft plastic catheters that are surgically placed in one of the neck veins and advanced to the opening of the heart in order to easily administer intravenous solutions and to obtain blood for testing.

  • HIV

    The cause of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Also called human immunodeficiency virus.

  • HIV test

    A test to check for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

  • Hair Follicle

    (… FAH-lih-kul)

    A shaft or opening on the surface of the skin through which hair grows.

  • Harvest

    The removal of a donor's bone marrow prior to bone marrow transplant.