Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

growing pains
Mysterious pains in growing chil-
dren, usually in the legs, likely occurring as a result
of overuse. Growing pains are typically somewhat dif-
fuse, and they are not associated with physical
changes of the area, such as swelling or redness. The
pains are usually easily relieved by massage, aceta-
minophen, or rest. If pain persists for over a week or
there are physical changes, the child should be seen
by a physician.
growth chart
A chart used to evaluate the
progress of a child’s growth and development using
parameters of physical development, typically height
and weight. Growth charts are developed from
information obtained by measuring and weighing
thousands of children and determining the averages
for weight and height for each age and sex within a
given population.
growth factor
Any one of a number of naturally-
occurring chemicals in the body that stimulate cells
to divide and multiply. Growth factors are necessary
for the control of processes such as embryonic
development, wound healing, and tissue growth.
Growth factors may also influence the growth rate of
some tumors. Growth factors stimulate cell division
by attaching to specific receptor molecules on the
surface of cells.
gtt.
Abbreviation for drops, as of a liquid 
medication. See also Appendix A, “Prescription
Abbreviations.”
Graves disease
182
08_189283 ch07.qxp 4/18/08 10:15 PM Page 182
http://www.rashidislamiccenter.com
http://www.allofislam.com/

---

guanine
One of the five nitrogenous bases found
in nucleic acids; guanine is one of the purine bases
and is a member of thee G-C (guanine-cytosine)
pair of bases in DNA.
guarding, abdominal
See 
abdominal guarding.
guided imagery
An alternative medicine tech-
nique in which patients use their imagination to
visualize improved health, or to “attack” a disease,
such as a tumor. Guided imagery may be utilized as
complementary medicine in some oncology centers
and other medical facilities.