Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

glans 1
The glans penis, the rounded head of 
the penis.
2
The rounded head of the clitoris.
glans and foreskin, inflammation of the
See
balanoposthitis.
glans penis, inflammation of the
See 
balanitis.
glaucoma
A common eye condition in which the
fluid pressure inside the eye rises because of slowed
fluid drainage from the eye. If untreated, glaucoma
may damage the optic nerve and other parts of the
eye, causing the loss of vision or even blindness.
There are no symptoms in the early stages of glau-
coma. As the disease progresses the field of vision
narrows, and blindness may eventually result. There
are several types of glaucoma, including open-angle
glaucoma and acute angle-closure glaucoma. Open-
angle glaucoma is the common adult-onset type of
glaucoma. Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a less
common form of glaucoma, but one that can rapidly
impair vision. Glaucoma treatment may include
medication, surgery, or laser surgery.
glaucoma, angle-closure
See 
angle-closure
glaucoma.
gliadin
A protein found in wheat and some other
grains that is part of wheat gluten. People with
celiac sprue, Crohn’s disease, and related condi-
tions may be sensitive to gliadin in the diet. See also
celiac sprue; Crohn’s disease; dermatitis herpeti-
formis.
glial cell
A supportive cell in the central nervous
system. Unlike neurons, glial cells do not conduct
electrical impulses. The glial cells surround neurons
and provide support for and insulation between
them. Glial cells are the most abundant cell types in
the central nervous system. Types of glial cells
include oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, ependymal
cells, Schwann cells, microglia, and satellite cells.