Glossary

Germ Cell Tumors – Tumors comprised of germ cells or cells ordinarily residing inside of the gonads (ovary and testes). GCTs arising outside of the gonads are felt to represent developmental anomalies.

Glial fibrillary acidic protein – a marker for glial differentiation. It is present in astrocytomas and other neural tumors with glial elements.

Germinomatous germ cell tumor – a pure germinoma tumor.

Germinal Matrix. The germinal matrix is the site of proliferation neuronal and glial precursors in the developing brain. It is located under the lateral ventricles floors’ ependymal wall.

Germinal matrix intraventricular hemorrhage – Bleeding into the ventricular system resulting from hemorrhage within the germinal matrix. It is felt to be due to rupture of delicate vascular vessels within the germinal matrix resulting from hypoxic ischemic injury and death to those vessels’ cell walls. The resulting hemorrhage then ruptures into the ventricles, spreading throughout the system in a variable degree.

Gross Motor Function Classification System.  A 5-level classification system that describes and classifies a child’s functional abilities and limitations in addition to their need for assistive and mobility devices.

Gross Motor Function Measure.  An assessment tool used to assess changes in motor function over time and/or as a result of a treatment

Germinal matrix hemorrhage – Germinal matrix hemorrhage – Bleeding into the periventricular germinal matrix of the brain. It is felt to be due to rupture of delicate vascular vessels within the germinal matrix resulting from hypoxic ischemic injury and death to those vessels’ cell walls. The resulting hemorrhage can then ruptures into the ventricles (germinal matrix intraventricular hemorrhage), spreading throughout the system in a variable degree.

Gram negative – refers to a bacteria which does not take up crystal violet dye. In typical staining protocol the bacteria appear pink due ot a counter stain.

The Goel-Harms Technique or Connstruct. A technique for fusing the C1 level of the cervical spine (neck) to C2 level of the cervical spine.  It uses posts screwed into the solid bone lateral to the spine’s canal on both sides at the first and second level of the spine (C1 and C2).  The posts are then joined together with a rod on each side to fix or fuse the C1 level to the C2 level, preventing movement between the two.