Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

177
globus pallidus
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glossitis
Inflammation of the tongue. There are
many possible causes of glossitis, including vitamin
B12 deficiency, Sjogren’s syndrome, and side effects
of medications or chemotherapy.
glossolalia 1
A condition in which a person
makes nonsensical sounds that mimic the rhythms
and inflections of actual speech. Glossolalia may be
seen in deep sleep or in trance states.
2
The sci-
entific term for the religious phenomenon known as
“speaking in tongues.”
glossopharyngeal nerve
The ninth cranial
nerve, which supplies the tongue, throat, and one of
the salivary glands (the parotid gland). Problems
with the glossopharyngeal nerve result in difficulties
with tasting and swallowing.
glottis
The middle part of the larynx, where the
vocal cords are located.
glucocerebrosidase deficiency
An enzyme
deficiency that causes Gaucher disease. See also
Gaucher disease.
glucocorticoid
See 
corticosteroid.
glucometer
A portable device used to check
blood glucose concentrations. After pricking the
skin with a lancet, a drop of blood is placed on a test
strip in the glucometer. The meter analyzes the blood
glucose concentration and displays the result on the
meter’s digital display. See also 
glucose.
glucosamine
A molecule derived from the sugar
glucose by the addition of an amino group.
Glucosamine is a component of a number of struc-
tures, including the blood group substances and
cartilage. Glucosamine is currently in use as a nutri-
tional supplement (often in combination with chon-
droitin) and is touted as a remedy for arthritic
symptoms.
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 liv-
ing cells. However, cells cannot use glucose without
the help of insulin. Also known as dextrose.