glandA group of specialized cellsthat
manufacture and release chemical sub-
stances, such as hormonesand enzymes,
into the body. There are two main types
of glands: endocrine and exocrine.
Endocrine glandsdo not have ducts and
release their secretions directly into the
bloodstream; examples include the
pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands.
Exocrine glandshave ducts and release
their secretions either on to the surface
of the skin (sebaceous glands) or into a
hollow structure such as the mouth or
digestive tract (salivary glands).
Lymph nodesare sometimes referred
to as glands, particularly when they are
enlarged (see glands, swollen). Strictly
speaking, this is incorrect usage because
lymph nodes do not secrete chemical
substances.
glandersAn infection of horses caused
by the bacterium PSEUDOMONAS MALLEI.
In rare cases, it is transmitted to
humans, causing symptoms including
fever and general aches and pains.
Ulcers may develop where bacteria
entered the skin; if bacteria enters the
lungs, pneumoniamay occur. In severe
cases, septicaemiamay follow. Treat-
ment is with antibiotics.
glands, swollenEnlargement of the
lymph nodesas a result of inflammation
and/or proliferation of white blood cells
within them. Swollen lymph nodes are a
common symptom, especially in chil-
dren, and are usually caused by a minor
infection or an allergic reaction (see
allergy). Rarer causes include Hodgkin’s
disease and other forms of lymphoma.
glandular feverSee infectious mono-
nucleosis.
glansThe head of the penis.disease and is usually the result of a
build-up of plaquearound the base of
the teeth. Toxinsproduced by bacteria
in the plaque irritate the gums, causing
them to become infected, swollen, ten-
der, and red-purple in colour. Gingivitis
can also result from injury to the
gums, usually through rough tooth-
brushing or flossing. Pregnant women
and people with diabetes mellitusare
especially susceptible.
Good oral hygieneis the main means
of preventing and treating gingivitis.
Untreated, it may damage gum tissue,
which may leadto chronic periodontitis.
Acute ulcerative gingivitis may develop in
people with chronic gingivitis, especi-
ally those with lowered resistance to
infection (see gingivitis, acute ulcerative).
gingivitis, acute ulcerativePainful
infection and ulceration of the gums
due to abnormal growth of bacteria that
usually exist harmlessly in small num-
bers in gum crevices. Predisposing factors
include poor oral hygiene, smoking,
throat infections, and emotional stress.
In many cases the disorder is preceded
by gingivitisor periodontitis. The condi-
tion is uncommon, primarily affecting
people aged 15–35.
The gums become sore and bleed at
the slightest pressure. Crater-like ulcers
develop on the gum tips between teeth,
and there may be a foul taste in the
mouth, bad breath, and swollen lymph
nodes. Sometimes, the infection spreads
to the lips and cheek lining (see noma).
A hydrogen peroxidemouthwash can
relieve the inflammation. Scalingis then
performed to remove plaque. In severe
cases, the antibacterial drug metronida-
zolemay be given to control infection.
gingivostomatitisWidespread inflam-
mation of the mouth and gums, most
often due to a viral infection, particu-
larly herpes simplex. The condition can
also be due to a bacterial infection or
an adverse reaction to a prescribed
drug. (See also cold sore.)
ginkgo An extract from the maidenhair
tree GINKGO BILOBA, claimed to be helpful
in circulatory disorders, reduced circu-
lation in the brain, senility, depression,
and premenstrual syndrome. Possible
side effects are spasms and cramps.
GINGIVITIS, ACUTE ULCERATIVE GLANS
G
GINKGO BILOBA LEAVESGINKGO