Sleep Disorders Glossary - G

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid/GABA

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid is also known as GABA. It is an amino acid neurotransmitter (C4H9NO2) in the brain. GABA is considered to be involved in muscle relaxation, sleep, diminished emotional reaction and sedation. GABA is released in the greatest amount from the cerebral cortex during slow wave sleep.

Genioglossus muscle

Genioglossus muscle is the muscle that attaches from the back of the tongue to a region on the back of the chin and serves to advance, retract and depress the tongue. It is the fan-shaped extrinsic muscle that forms the majority of the body of the tongue.

Genioglossus Tongue Advancement/ Genioglossus Advancement

Genioglossus tongue advancement or Genioglossus Advancement is a surgical treatment sometimes used for sleep apnea or snoring. It is a surgical operation that detaches the genioglossus muscle from its insertion point and reattaches it in a more advanced position in order to pull the back of the tongue forward, enlarging the air space behind the tongue.

Glossectomy

Glossectomyis the surgical removal of all or part of the tongue, used to open the lower airway or to remove cancerous tissue.

Gastroesphageal Reflux Disease [GERD]

GERD, also known as acid reflux, is an acronym that stands for Gastroesophageal reflux disease. It is a condition in which the liquid content of the stomach regurgitates (backs up, or refluxes) into the esophagus. The liquid can inflame and damage the lining of the esophagus although this occurs in a minority of patients.