Natural Medicine and Health Glossary - A guide to terminology.

NATURAL MEDICINE AND HEALTH GLOSSARY "B"

Term	Synonyms	Definition
B cell		A type of lymphocyte that works as part of the immune system by producing antibodies to fight infection.
Background retinopathy	Nonproliferative retinopathy	Early stage of diabetic retinopathy; usually does not impair vision.
Bacteria		Small microorganisms that may cause infection.
Bacterial infection		An infection caused by bacteria (micro-organisms which attack the immune system). Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics.
Bacteriuria	Bacteruria	The presence of significant numbers of bacterial germs in a specimen of urine examined by culture or microscopic examination (visible bacteriuria); if there are noaccompanying symptoms or signs of urinary tract infection, and no pyuria, there may be more harm than benefit in treating nonpregnant women with antibiotics.
Bactericidal		A substance that destroys bacteria.
Bag of Waters		A lay person's term for the amniotic sac and amniotic fluid.
Baldness	Alopecia	There are many types of baldness, each with a different cause. Baldness can be localized to the front and top of the head, such as in male pattern baldness; patchy, such as in alopecia areata; or involve the entire head, such as in alopecia capitis totalis.
Balsam		A resinous semi-solid mass or viscous liquid exuded from a plant, which can be either a pathological or physiological product.
Balsamic		A soothing medicine or application having the qualities of a balsam.
Band cell		A variety of neutrophil which appears in the blood in states of acute bacterial infection.
Banding (of hemorrhoids)		The surgical obliteration by constriction of the abnormal veins.
Barium enema		Lower gastrointestinal (GI) series. A diagnostic procedure in which x-rays are taken after barium sulfate is introduced into the patient by enema. The barium sulfate helps to outline the colon and rectum so that they show up clearly in the x-rays.
Barium meal		Upper GI series. A diagnostic procedure in which the x-rays are taken after the patient swallows barium sulfate. The barium sulfate helps to outline the upper GI tract so that it shows up clearly in the x-rays.
Barium solution		A liquid containing barium sulfate, which shows up on x-rays. It outlines organs of the body so they can be seen on x-ray film.
Barrel chest		An altered shape of the chest cage in some people with emphysema.
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 cell carcinoma		The most common form of skin cancer, often associated with sun exposure
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.
Basal rate		Refers to a continuous supply of low levels of insulin, as in insulin pump therapy.
Basic cardiac life support		Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or combined artifical ventilationand cardiac massage.
Batrachophobia		The fear of reptiles.
Bechic		A substance which releives or cures coughs
Benign		Harmless; not progressive or recurrent.
Benign breast conditions		Noncancerous changes in the breast. Benign breast conditions can cause pain, lumpiness, nipple discharge, and other problems.
Benign prostatic hypertrophy	Benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH	A noncancerous condition in which the prostate swells and pushes against the urethra and the bladder, blocking the flow of urine
Benign tumor		A noncancerous growth that does not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body.
Beta blocker		A substance that blocks or inhibits the action of beta receptors of the sympathetic nervous system (e.g., propranolol, metoprolol, atenolol).
Beta cell		A type of cell in the pancreas in areas called the islets of Langerhans. Beta cells make and release insulin, a hormone that controls the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood.
Beta cell transplantation		Surgically placing the beta (islet) cells from the pancreas of one person into the pancreas of another. Beta cells make the insulin that the body needs to use glucose for energy. Although transplanting beta cells may one day help people with diabetes, it is still in the research stage.
Beta human chorionic gonadotrophin		A hormone produced by the placenta and released into the mother's blood, and consequently a sensitive indicator of early pregnancy.
Beta-blockers	Beta-adrenergic blocking agents	Prescribed to treat heart disorders and high blood pressure.
Bicarbonate, sodium		An alkaline molecule, generated in the body from carbon dioxide, and functioning as a reservoir to adjust for increases in acidity from metabolic activity
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.
Biennial		A plant which completes its life cycle in two years, without flowering in the first year.
Bifrontal craniotomy		A surgical approach in which the frontal sinuses are entered from the backwall, which is removed in the process, leaving the sinuses cranialised, that is, in continuity with the cranial cavity containing the brain.
Bifurcation		The division of a channel into two.
Bile		Bitter-tasting fluid produced by the liver and temporarily stored in the gallbladder before discharge into the small intestine where it facilitates the digestion of fats.
Bilious		A condition caused by an excessive secreation of bile.
Biliary tract		Left, right and common hepatic, cystic, and common bile ducts.
Biliary, of vomiting		Yellow or green colouration, due to the presence of bile produced by the liver
Bilirubin		Orange or yellowish pigment that is the result of breakdown of red blood cells. Excess of bilirubin in the blood produces jaundice.
Biofeedback		Behavior training program that teaches a person how to control certain autonomic reactions such as heart rate, blood pressure, skin temperature and muscular tension.
Biological Response Modifiers	BRMS	Natural and man-made substances that help control the immune system in its fight against cancer.
Biological therapy		Use of biologicals (substances produced by our own cells) or biological response modifiers (substances that affect the patient's defense systems) to stimulate the body's immune (defense) system. Often used in the treatment of cancer. Also called immunotherapy.
Biopsy		The surgical removal of tissue for examination.
Biosynthetic human insulin		A man-made insulin that is very much like human insulin.
Biotherapy	Immunotherapy.	Treatment that uses natural and man-made substances that can stimulate or restore the body's immune system to fight disease more effectively.
Biphasic insulin		A type of insulin that is a mixture of intermediate- and fast-acting insulin.
Birth defect		A congenital (present at birth) disorder varying from minor cosmetic irregularities to life-threatening disorders.
Birthing center		A place designed and equipped for women giving birth. Some are in hospitals, others are totally separate facilities.
Birthing room		A room for labor and birth (instead of a delivery room, which is similar to a surgical facility).
Bisexual		A person who has sexual desires for persons of either sex.
Bitter		A tonic component which stimulates the appetite and promotes the secreation of saliva and gastric juices by exciting the taste buds.
Bitters		Remedies with a bitter taste. Used as a tonic or appetizer.
Bladder		Membranous sac that holds secretions, such as the urinary bladder that collects urine before its elimination.
Blalock-Taussig procedure		A partially corrective operation that improves the condition of patients with certain cyanotic heart diseases.
Blast phase		Refers to advanced chronic myelogenous leukemia. In this phase, the number of immature, abnormal white blood cells in the bone marrow and blood is extremely high. Also called blast crisis.
Blasts		Immature blood cells.
Blennophobia		The fear of slime.
Blenorrhoea		The abnormally free secreation and discharge of mucous, sometimes from the genitals.
Blepharitis		An inflammation of the eyelids.
Blood		The blood is the fluid in the body that contains red and white cells as well as platelets, proteins, plasma and other elements. It is transported throughout the body by the circulatory system.
Blood count	Complete blood count, CBC	The number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in a sample of blood.
Blood cultures		Samples of blood tested for the presence of micro-organisms, typically bacteria which might be causing septicemia.
Blood gases		The content of oxygen, carbon dioxide and associated biochemical components in a sample of blood, usually arterial.
Blood glucose	Blood sugar, Plasma glucose, Serum glucose	The concentration of glucose (sugar) in the blood.
Blood glucose meter	Blood glucose monitor	A machine that helps test how much glucose (sugar) is in the blood. A specially coated strip containing a fresh sample of blood is inserted in the machine, which then measures the level of glucose in the blood sample and shows the result on a digital display. Some meters have a memory component that can store results from multiple tests.
Blood glucose monitoring		A way of testing how much glucose (sugar) is in the blood. A drop of blood, usually taken from the fingertip, is placed on the end of a chemically coated paper strip which changes color according to how much glucose is in the blood. Blood testing is more accurate than urine testing in monitoring blood glucose levels because it shows what the current level of glucose is, rather than what the level was an hour or so previously.
Blood pressure		The force of the blood against the walls of the artery.
Blood sugar	Blood glucose	Necessary element in blood to sustain life. The blood level of glucose is determined by insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas. When the pancreas no longer satisfies this function, the disease Diabetes Mellitus results.
Blood Urea Nitrogen	BUN	A waste product of the kidneys which provides a measure of kidney function or dehydration. Increased levels of BUN in the blood may indicate early kidney damage.
Blood vessels		Tubes that act like a system of roads or canals to carry blood to and from all parts of the body. The three main types of blood vessels are arteries, veins, and capillaries. The heart pumps blood through these vessels so that the blood can carry with it oxygen and nutrients that the cells need or take away waste that the cells do not need.
Blood-brain barrier		A protective network of blood vessels and cells that filters blood flowing to the brain.
Blood-sampling devices		A small instrument for pricking the skin with a fine needle to obtain a sample of blood to test for glucose (sugar).
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 flap		A window created by the temporary surgical displacement of a section of bone, which remains attached along one edge to provide a blood-supply during the procedure.
Bone marrow		The tissue located in the bones where blood is manufactured.
Bone marrow aspiration		The removal of a small sample of bone marrow (usually from the hip) through a needle for examination under a microscope to see whether cancer cells are present.
Bone marrow biopsy		The removal of a small piece of bone and bone marrow (usually from the hip) through a large needle. The sample is examined under a microscope to see whether cancer cells are present.
Bone marrow transplant		The procedure in which a patient's bone marrow is destroyed by chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy and replaced either with donated bone marrow or the patient's own marrow which has been collected and stored prior to chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.
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.
Bone scan, isotope		Photographic imagery of the distribution in the bones of a previously injected radioactive biological which is concentrated by pathological activity.
Borderline diabetes		A term no longer used. See : Impaired glucose tolerance.
Bowel	small intestine, large intestine, colon	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 artery		An artery on the inside of the arm, midway between the elbow and the shoulder, which carries blood away from the heart.
Brachydactyly		Short fingers.
Brachytherapy		Internal radiation treatment achieved by implanting radioactive material directly into the tumor or very close to it. Sometimes called "internal radiation therapy."
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		The portion of the brain that connects the hemispheres with the spinal cord. Consists of medulla oblongata, pons and midbrain.
Brain stem giloma		A type of brain tumor.
Brand name drug		A drug carrying a trademark name designated by its manufacturer.
Braxton-Hicks contractions	false labor	Intermittent uterine contractions that occur periodically during pregnancy. They are more frequent toward the end of pregnancy; sometimes they are referred to as "false labor".
Breast self-exam	BSE	A method for checking one's own breasts for changes in the way they look or the way they feel.
Breech presentation		During birth, the baby is positioned with feet or buttocks toward the cervix.
Bridge teeth		False teeth that replace one or more missing teeth supported by a metal framework.
Brittle diabetes	Labile diabetes, Unstable diabetes	An inappropriate term used when a person's blood glucose level often swings very quickly from high to low and from low to high.
Bronchi	bronchial tubes	The main breathing tubes leading from the trachea into the lungs.
Bronchial brushings		Tissue collected by frictionning a surgical sampler against the lining of thetwo major airways.
Bronchial secretions		Fluid produced by the lining of the major major airways.
Bronchial washings		Tissue collected by irrigating the lining of the two major airways.
Bronchiectasis		Abnormal, large bronchial tubes caused by chronic infections.
Bronchiole		One of the small subdivisions of a bronchus or bronchial tube.
Bronchiolitis		Inflammation, usually due to infection by the Respiratory Syncytial Virus, of the smallest airways of an infant, when severe leading to failure of oxygen and carbon dioxideexchange and potentially fatal.
Bronchitis		An inflammation of the bronchial tubes.
Bronchodilator		Medicine used to dilate (open) the airways.
Bronchogenic		A tumor arising from the bronchi of the lung.
Bronchoscope		A thin, flexible instrument used to view the air passages of the lung.
Bronchoscopy		A procedure in which an instrument is passed into the airway to look at the lung structures and/or obtain specimens.
Bronchoscopy, fiberoptic		Visualisation of the main tubes of the lungs, by means of a flexible lighted instrument introduced through the vocal cords and windpipe.
Bronchospasm		Muscles closing down around the bronchial tubes, making the airways smaller.
Bronze Diabetes		A genetic disease of the liver in which the body takes in too much iron from food. Also called "hemocromatosis."
Bruise		A discolored area that occurs when blood vessels beneath the skin are broken and blood escapes.
Bruit		Sound produced by the flow of blood through a narrowed vessel.
Buccal mucosa		The inner lining of the cheeks and lips.
Bulb		Modified plant bulb with scaly leaves that grows beneath the soil.
Bulging, central		Of an intervertebral disc, a distortion of the annulus fibrosus, indicating early degeneration short of failure to contain the nucleus pulposus.
Bulimia		An insatiable appetite, often interrupted by periods of anorexia. Bulimia is a psychological disorder that can be accompanied by self-induced vomiting.
Bullous		Characterized by blistering, such as in second-degree burn.
BUN	Blood urea nitrogen	A measure primarily of the urea level in blood. Urea is cleared by the kidney and diseases which compromises the function of the kidney will frequently lead to increased blood levels.
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).
Bunion		A localized painful swelling at the base of the big toe. It is frequently associated with inflammation. It can be related to inflammation of the nearby bursa (bursitis) or degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis).
Burkitt's Lymphoma		A type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that most often occurs in young people between the ages of 12 and 30. The disease usually causes a rapidly growing tumor in the abdomen.
Bursa		Fluid-filled sac near or involving a joint or bony prominence that helps to reduce friction between a tendon or bone or between bone and skin during movement.
Bypass		A surgical technique in which the flow of blood or another body fluid is redirected around a blockage

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