| B CELL: |
A type of lymphocyte that works as part of the immune system
by producing antibodies to fight infection. |
| BAG OF WATERS: |
A lay person's term for the amniotic sac and amniotic fluid. |
| BALLISMUS: |
Wide flinging or jerking movements of the extremities. |
| BARRETT'S ESOPHAGUS: |
A change in the cells of the tissue that lines the bottom of the esophagus.
The esophagus may become irritated when the contents of the stomach back
up (reflux). Reflux that happens often over a period of time can lead to
Barrett's esophagus. |
| BASAL CELLS: |
Small, round cells found in the lower part, or base, of the epidermis. |
| BASAL GANGLIA: |
A group of structures at the base of the cerebral hemispheres, concerned
with involuntary control of movement, among other functions. |
| BART'S TEST: |
Prenatal blood test for Down Syndrome. |
| BICUSPID TOOTH: |
One of four teeth in the adult mouth having two points; located between
the canine and molar. |
| BICUSPID VALVE: |
A heart valve having two cusps. |
| BILATERAL: |
On both sides. |
| BILE: |
A yellow-green fluid made by the liver. Bile is stored in the gallbladder.
It passes through the common bile duct into the duodenum, where it helps
digest fat. |
| BILIARY TRACT: |
Left, right and common hepatic, cystic, and common bile ducts. |
| BILIRUBIN: |
Orange or yellowish pigment that is the result of breakdown of red
blood cells. Excess of bilirubin in the blood produces jaundice. |
| BINAURAL: |
Using, pertaining to or involving the function of both ears. |
| BINOVULAR: |
Originating from two separate eggs. |
| BIOPSY: |
Removal of a portion (sample) of tissue for pathological examination
or diagnostic study. |
| BLADDER: |
Membranous sac that holds secretions, such as the urinary bladder that
collects urine before its elimination. |
| BLEPHARITIS: |
Inflammation of eyelid. |
| BOLUS: |
Large amount at once. |
| BONE: |
Bone is the substance that forms the skeleton of the body. It is composed
chiefly of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. It also serves as a
storage area for calcium, playing a large role in calcium balance in the
blood. |
| BONE DENSITY: |
Bone density is the amount of bone tissue in a certain volume of bone.
It can be measured using a special x-ray called a quantitative computed
tomogram. |
| BONE MARROW: |
The soft material found in the hollow centre of long bones. |
| BONE SCAN: |
A technique to create images on bones on a computer screen or on film.
A small amount of radioactive material is injected and travels through
the bloodstream. It collects in the bones, especially in abnormal areas
of the bones, and is detected by a scanner. |
| BOWEL: |
Small or large intestine. The small intestine is sometimes called the
small bowel. The large intestine is also called the colon. |
| BOWEL OR INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION: |
May be due to mechanical causes or paralytic ileus. |
| BRACHIAL: |
Referring to the arm. |
| BRACHIAL ARTERY: |
An artery on the inside of the arm, midway between the elbow and the
shoulder, which carries blood away from the heart. |
| BRADYCARDIA: |
A slow heart rate, usually defined as less than 60 beats per minute. |
| BRAIN: |
The brain is that portion of the central nervous system that is located
within the skull. It functions as a primary receiver, organizer and distributor
of information for the body. It has two (right and left) halves called
"hemispheres." |
| BRAIN STEM: |
Portion of the brain that connects the hemispheres with the spinal
cord. Consists of medulla oblongata, pons and midbrain. |
| BRONCHIAL TUBES: |
1. The main breathing tubes leading from the trachea into the lungs.
2. The large air tubes leading to the lungs. One tube is called a bronchus,
both tubes are called bronchi. |
| BRONCHIOLES: |
The tiny branches of air tubes in the lungs. |
| BRUISE: |
A bruise or "contusion" is an traumatic injury of the soft tissues
which results in breakage of the local capillaries and leakage of red blood
cells. In the skin it can be seen as a reddish-purple discoloration which
does not blanch when pressed upon. When it fades it becomes green and brown
as the body metabolizes the blood cells in the skin. It is best treated
with local application of a cold pack immediately after injury. |
| BRUXISM: |
Repetitive grinding of the teeth. |
| BUCCAL MUCOSA: |
The inner lining of the cheeks and lips. |
| BULBAR: |
Relating to the medulla oblongata which is part of the brain stem. |
| BULLOUS: |
Characterized by blistering, such as in second-degree burn. |
| BUNDLE-BRANCH BLOCK: |
Condition in which portions of the heart's conduction
system become defective and unable to conduct the electrical signal normally
(can be right or left bundle-branch block). |
| BUPTHALMOS: |
Enlargement of the eye ball due to increased pressure and failure of
the drainage system. |
