Glossary Term - G
Alphabetical glossary of health & disability services, health terms and general MidCentral District Health Board information.
Gastroenterology
The study of your digestive system. A doctor who specialises in disorders of the digestive system is called a gastroenterologist.
Gastroscopy
This is a test that is used to look at the way you digest food. An endoscope (a thin wobbly tube) is passed through your mouth. It doesn't hurt but it gives you a bit of a sore throat afterwards.
Gastrostomy
A way of feeding where the food goes directly into a tube in your stomach bypassing your mouth and throat.
Gene
Your genes are what makes you like your parents. Each cell in your body contains about 50,000 different genes. Each gene tells a particular cell how to work, so if you have a genetic problem, this could mean that certain cells don’t work properly.
General Medicine
General Surgery
Genetics
Genes are what make you like your parents. They decide what colour your hair is, how tall you are and even what you sound like. They're like computer data that's carried on DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and decoded by your body.
Gingiva
The medical word for your gums.
Gland
Glands are the areas of the body that give off hormones and enzymes.
Governance
Granulocyte
This is a type of white blood cell – there are three types of granulocyte – neutrophils, basophils and eosonophils. Neutrophils are the most important – they fight bacteria by swallowing it up and are what makes pus!
Grounds
Gums
Your gums are what hold your teeth in place. They fit tightly around the base of each tooth to stop germs getting inside your jaw. Healthy gums are usually a light pink or brown colour, but if your gums bleed a lot when you brush your teeth, this could be a sign of gum disease.
Print this Page
Last Updated 17/10/2007