b
1. As a subscript, refers to blood. 2. Abbreviation for bis [L.],
twice; barn.
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B
1. Symbol for boron; for aspartic acid or asparagine when it is
unclear which of the two amino acids is present; for bromouridine;
second substrate in a multisubstrate enzyme-catalyzed reaction. 2.
As a subscript, refers to barometric pressure.
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B bile
Bile from the gallbladder.
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B cell
An immune system cell that creates antibodies.
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B cell receptors
A complex comprising a membrane-bound immunoglobulin molecule and
two associated signal-transducing α and β chains.
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B chain
1. The longer polypeptide component of insulin containing 30 amino
acyl residues, beginning with a phenylalanyl residue
(NH2-terminus); insulin consists of a B chain linked to an A chain
by two disulfide bonds; the amino acid composition of the B chain
is a function of species. 2. The light chain of an immunoglobulin.
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B fibers
Myelinated fibers autonomic nerves, with a diameter of 2 mcm or
less, conducting at a rate of 3-15 meters per second.
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B lymphocyte
A white blood cell that comes from bone marrow. As part of the
immune system, B lymphocytes make antibodies and help fight
infections. Also called B cell.
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B wave
The initial positive deflection in the electroretinogram, possibly
arising from the inner nuclear layer of the retina.
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B.D.S.
Abbreviation for Bachelor of Dental Surgery.
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B.D.Sc.
Abbreviation for Bachelor of Dental Science.
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B.E.S.T.
Chiropractic variation of self-healing and Polarity Therapy
developed in 1974 by M.T. Morter, Jr., M.A., D.C. Its theory posits
Innate Intelligence: an "internal force" that totally regulates
health. Also called Morter Bio Energetic Synchronization Technique,
Morter B.E.S.T., Morter B.E.S.T. Technique. Originally called "bio
energetics."
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b.i.d.
Abbreviation for L. bis in die, twice a day.
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B.i.d.
Abbreviation for bis in die.
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b.p.
Abbreviation for boiling point; base pair.
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B19 virus
A human parvovirus associated with arthritis and arthralgia and a
number of specific clinical entities, including erythema
infectiosum and aplastic crisis in the presence of hemolytic
anemia.
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B3 antigen
A protein found on some tumor cells.
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B6 bronchus sign
In lung radiology, appearance of an air bronchogram of the superior
segmental bronchus of the lower lobe because of segmental
atelectasis or consolidation.
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Babbitt metal
An alloy of antimony, copper, and tin; used occasionally in
dentistry.
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Babcock tube
A tube in which milk, after treatment with sulfuric acid, is
centrifuged and its fat content then determined in a graduated
neck.
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Babes nodes
Collections of lymphocytes in the central nervous system found in
rabies.
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Babesia
The economically most important genus of the protozoan family
Babesiidae; characterized by multiplication in host red blood cells
to form pairs and tetrads; it causes babesiosis (piroplasmosis) in
most types of domestic animals, and two species cause disease in
splenectomized or normal people; vectors are ixodid or argasid
ticks.
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Babesia divergens
The cause of bovine babesiosis in western and central Europe;
vector tick is Ixodes ricinus; it has caused human babesiosis in
splenectomized patients in Europe; also found in reindeer.
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Babesia microti
A malaria-like protozoan naturally parasitizing certain rodents
(Peromyscus and Microtus spp.) in North America; human cases have
been reported in the U.S. The local tick vector is Ixodes
scapularis, the numbers and infection levels of which have greatly
increased in recent years with the increase in the deer population,
which serves as an abundant blood source for I. scapularis.
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Babesiidae
A family of protozoan parasites (class Sporozoea, order
Piroplasmida) occurring in the red blood cells of various mammals.
The organisms, which are piriform, round, or oval, reproduce by
schizogony to form tetrads or by binary fission to form pairs in
the red blood cells; transmission is effected by ticks. The family
includes the genera Babesia, Echinozoon, and Entopolypoides;
Aegyptianella, formerly included, is now thought to be a
rickettsia.
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Babesiosis
An infectious disease caused by a species of Babesia, transmitted
by ticks. Animal hosts include cattle, sheep, deer, and dogs.
Subclinical human infection may be common but symptomatic disease
occurs only sporadically and in limited geographic distribution.
Immunodeficient and asplenic people are at higher risk of
infection. Clinical features of the disease include fever, chills,
and hemolysis with hemoglobinuria and jaundice. Severe disease may
be complicated by cardiac and renal failure, respiratory distress
syndrome, and CNS involvement. As in animals, human morbidity and
mortality increase with age.
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Babinski sign
1. Extension of the great toe and abduction of the other toes
instead of the normal flexion reflex to plantar stimulation,
considered indicative of corticospinal tract involvement
("positive" Babinski). 2. In hemiplegia, weakness of the platysma
muscle on the affected side, as is evident in such actions as
blowing or opening the mouth. 3. When the patient is lying supine,
with arms crossed on the front of the chest, and attempts to assume
the sitting posture, the thigh on the side of an organic paralysis
is flexed and the heel raised, whereas the limb on the sound side
remains flat. 4. In hemiplegia, the forearm on the affected side
turns to a pronated position when placed in a position of
supination.
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Babinski syndrome
The combination of cardiac, arterial, and central nervous system
manifestations of late syphilis.
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Babinski's reflex
Also known as the plantar reflex; the movement of the big toe
upward instead of downward; used to test injury to, or diseases of,
the upper motor neurons.
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Baby
An infant; a newborn child.
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Baby B.E.S.T.
Adaptation of B.E.S.T. to infants.
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Baccate
Berrylike.
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Baccelli sign
An obsolete sign: good conduction of the whisper in nonpurulent
pleural effusions.
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Bacciform
Berry-shaped.
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Bach flower essences
The subtle essences of wildflower blossoms drawn out by the sun and
retained in water. The system of using these essences to
purportedly heal a patient through the personality was developed by
an English physician, Dr. Edward Bach.
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Bach flower therapy
Bach flower therapy uses essential oils extracted from various
flowers to purportedly heal emotional and psychological states of
being. The Bach Flower Essences are a system of 38 Flower Essences
that corrects emotional imbalances, by restoring negative emotions
with positive. Also called Bach flower essence method, Bach flower
essence system.
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Bachman test
A skin test for trichinosis in which an extract of Trichinella
larvae is suspended in saline and injected intradermally. An
immediate wheal-and-flare reaction or a delayed response indicates
infection.
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Bachmann bundle
Division of the theoretic anterior internodal tract that continues
into the left atrium providing a specialized path for interatrial
conduction. The anatomic reality of this structure has been
disputed.
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Bachman-Pettit test
A modification of the Kober test for the detection of estradiol and
similar estrogenic hormones in the urine.
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Bacillaceae
A family of aerobic or facultatively anaerobic, spore-forming,
ordinarily motile bacteria (order Eubacteriales) containing
gram-positive rods. These organisms are chemoheterotrophic. Some
species are pathogenic. Ordinarily two genera, Bacillus and
Clostridium, are included. The type genus is Bacillus.
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Bacillar
Shaped like a rod; consisting of rods or rodlike elements.
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Bacillary angiomatosis
1. An infection of immunocompromised patients by a newly recognized
bacterium, Bartonella henselae, characterized by fever,
granulomatous cutaneous nodules, and peliosis hepatis in some
cases. Skin biopsy shows vascular proliferation and infiltration of
vessel walls by neutrophils and clumps of organisms seen with
Warthin-Starry silver staining. 2. Infectious disease characterized
by fever and granulomatous cutaneous lesions. There are two forms.
In one, associated with Bartonella henselae, cat bites and
scratches are predisposing; lymph nodes and viscera may be
involved, and bacillary peliosis of liver and spleen can occur. A
separate form, associated with B. quintana, is linked with
conditions of poor hygiene (louse infestation, poverty, poor or no
housing); subcutaneous and bone lesions are more predominant.
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Bacillary dysentery
Infection with Shigella dysenteriae, S. flexneri, or other
organisms.
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Bacillemia
The presence of bacilli in the circulating blood.
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Bacilli
Plural of bacillus.
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Bacilliform
Rod-shaped.
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Bacillin
An antibiotic substance produced by Bacillus subtilis.
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Bacillomyxin
An antibiotic active against certain pathogenic fungi obtained from
cultures of Bacillus subtilis.
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Bacillosis
A general infection with bacilli.
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Bacilluria
The presence of bacilli in the urine.
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Bacillus
1. A vernacular term used to refer to any member of the bacterial
genus Bacillus. 2. Term used to refer to any rod-shaped bacterium.
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Bacillus anthracis
A bacterial species that causes anthrax in humans, cattle, swine,
sheep, rabbits, guinea pigs, and mice; contains virulence plasmids
associated with capsule and toxin production.
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Bacillus brevis
A bacterial species found in soil, air, dust, milk, and cheese;
some strains produce the antibiotic gramicidin or tyrocidin.
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Bacillus Calmette Guoen
The Bacille Calmett-Guerin (BCG) vaccine is a drug that activates
the body's immune system.
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Bacillus cereus
A bacterial species that causes emetic and diarrheal types of food
poisoning in humans; can cause infections in humans and other
mammals and a highly destructive infection of the traumatized eye.
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Bacillus circulans
A bacterial species found in soil that has been incriminated in
human infections including septicemia, mixed abscess infections,
and wound infections.
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Bacillus hemolyticus
Former name for Clostridium haemolyticum.
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Bacillus histolyticus
Former name for Clostridium histolyticum.
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Bacillus megaterium
A saprophytic bacterial species of experimental interest; strains
produce bacteriocins (megacins).
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Bacillus polymyxa
A bacterial species found in soil, water, milk, feces, and decaying
vegetables; some strains produce the antibiotic polymyxin.
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Bacillus pumilis
A usually saprophytic species of bacteria that has been associated
with food poisoning and rarely with abscess or bowel fistula
formation.
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Bacillus sphaericus
A bacterial species that is an insect pathogen and that has been
associated with occasional human and other mammalian infections,
especially in immunocompromised hosts; human infections have
included meningitis, endocarditis, and food poisoning.
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Bacillus subtilis
A bacterial species found in soil and decomposing organic matter;
some strains produce the antibiotic subtilin, subtenolin, or
bacillomycin; it has been associated with human infections
primarily of immunocompromised patients, and with food poisoning.
It is the type species of the genus Bacillus.
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Bacillus thuringiensis
A bacterial species that is an insect pathogen used for vector
control that has been implicated in human and mammalian infections.
In the laboratory it may be misdiagnosed as a strain of Bacillus
cereus.
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Bacitracin
An antibacterial antibiotic polypeptide of known chemical structure
isolated from cultures of an aerobic, gram-positive, spore-bearing
bacillus (member of the Bacillus subtilis group); active against
hemolytic streptococci, staphylococci, and several types of
gram-positive, aerobic, rod-shaped organisms; usually applied
locally. Zinc bacitracin is also available.
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Back
1. Posterior aspect of trunk, below neck and above buttocks. 2.
Vertebral column with associated muscles (erector spinae and
transversospinalis) and overlying integument.
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Back mutation
Reversion of a gene to an ancestral form due to further mutation to
the original codon or one coding for the same amino acid.
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Back pressure
Pressure exerted upstream in the circulation as a result of
obstruction to forward flow, as when congestion in the pulmonary
circulation results from stenosis of the mitral valve or failure of
the left ventricle.
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Back table procedure
Procedure performed on an organ that has been removed from a
patient before it is replaced.
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Back tooth
A tooth posterior to the canines.
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Back vertex power
The effective power of a lens as measured from a surface toward the
eye; a standard for measurement of ophthalmic lenses.
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Backache
Nonspecific term used to describe back pain; generally refers to
pain below the cervical level.
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Back-action plugger
An instrument for condensing gold foil or amalgam in areas that
cannot be reached directly.
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Backboard splint
A board splint with slots for fixation of the body by straps;
shorter ones are used for neck injuries, longer ones for back
injuries.
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Backbone
The bones, muscles, tendons, and other tissues that reach from the
base of the skull to the tailbone. The backbone encloses the spinal
cord and the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. Also called spine,
spinal column, and vertebral column.
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Backcross
The mating between an animal that is homozygous at a locus of
interest and an animal that is heterozygous, commonly from the same
ancestral stock.
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Backflow
The reversal of the normal flow of a fluid or current.
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Background
Instrument response in the absence of a sample.
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Background level
The concentration (usually low) at which a substance or agent is
present or occurs at a particular time and place in the absence of
a specific hazard under investigation; an example is the background
level of ionizing radiation.
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Background radiation
Irradiation from environmental sources, including the earth's
crust, the atmosphere, cosmic rays, and ingested radionuclides.
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Backing
In dentistry, a metal support that serves to attach a facing to a
prosthesis.
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Backprojection
In computed tomography or other imaging techniques requiring
reconstruction from multiple projections, an algorithm for
calculating the contribution of each voxel of the structure to the
measured ray data, to generate an image; the oldest and simplest
method of image reconstruction.
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Backscatter
In radiology, radiation deflected by scattering processes at angles
greater than 90 degrees to the original direction of the beam of
radiation.
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Backtracking
The backward movement of RNA polymerase along the DNA template to a
state more stable than that encountered when some base pairs
disrupt the attachment of the 3′ end from the active transcription
site.
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Backward curvature
Curvature in which a more distal or caudad part is deviated
posteriorly with respect to the coronal anatomic plane.
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Backward heart failure
A concept (formerly considered mutually exclusive with forward
heart failure) that maintains that the phenomena of congestive
heart failure result from passive engorgement of the veins caused
by a "backward" rise in pressure proximal to the failing cardiac
chambers.
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Backwash ileitis
Involvement of the terminal ileum by the inflammatory and
ulcerative changes seen in chronic ulcerative colitis;
distinguished from involvement of ileum and proximal colon by
regional (granulomatous) enteritis (Crohn disease of terminal ileum
and proximal colon).
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Baclofen
An analogue of γ-aminobutyric acid administered orally or
intrathecally as a muscle relaxant and antispastic in the treatment
of spasticity of spinal origin, including multiple sclerosis and
spinal cord injury. It is also used intrathecally to treat
spasticity of cerebral origin, including as trauma to the brain or
cerebral palsy.
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Bacon anoscope
An instrument resembling a rectal speculum, with a long slit on one
side and a light source opposite.
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BACOP
A cancer chemotherapy regimen consisting of bleomycin, Adriamycin
(doxorubicin), cyclophosphamide, Oncovin (vincristine), and
prednisone.
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Bacteremia
The presence of viable bacteria in the circulating blood; may be
transient following trauma such as dental or other iatrogenic
manipulation or may be persistent or recurrent as a result of
infection.
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Bacteria
Any of the unicellular prokaryotic microorganisms of the class
Schizomycetes, which vary in terms of morphology, oxygen and
nutritional requirements, and motility, and may be free-living,
saprophytic, or pathogenic in plants or animals.
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Bacterial
Relating to bacteria.
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Bacterial allergy
1. Type I hypersensitivity allergic reaction caused by bacterial
allergens. 2. The delayed type of skin test (type IV
hypersensitivity reaction), so called because of its early
association with bacterial antigens (the tuberculin test).
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Bacterial antagonism
The inhibition of one bacterium by another.
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Bacterial capsule
A layer of slime of variable composition that covers the surface of
some bacteria with loosely associated capsules; capsulated cells of
pathogenic bacteria are usually more virulent than cells without
capsules because the former are more resistant to phagocytic
action.
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Bacterial cast
A cast in the urine composed of bacteria.
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Bacterial dysentery
Bacillary dysentery, Japanese dysentery. Infection with Shigella
dysenteriae, Shigella flexneri, or other organisms.
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Bacterial encephalitis
Encephalitis of bacterial etiology.
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Bacterial endarteritis
Implantation and growth of bacteria with formation of vegetations
on the arterial wall, such as may occur in a patent ductus
arteriosus or arteriovenous fistula.
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Bacterial endocarditis
An infection of the endocardium. This is a thin membrane that
covers the inner surface of the heart muscles and valves. Infection
occurs when bacteria attach to the endocardium and grow.
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Bacterial esophagitis
Rare cause of esophagitis in immunocompromised patients with
hematologic malignancies complicated by severe granulocytopenia;
may also occur after bone marrow transplantation, diabetic
ketoacidosis, and in patients with AIDS. Characterized by
difficulty swallowing, endoscopic appearance ranging from normal
mucosa to ulcers associated with erythema, plaques,
pseudomembranes, or hemorrhage; diagnosis confirmed by mucosal
biopsy and culture.
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Bacterial food poisoning
A term commonly used to refer to conditions limited to enteritis or
gastroenteritis (excluding the enteric fevers and the dysenteries)
caused by bacterial multiplication itself or by a soluble bacterial
exotoxin.
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Bacterial growth
Growth of a bacterial culture either by increase in cell material
or cell number.
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Bacterial hemolysin
Any hemolytic agent elaborated by various species of bacteria, or
by certain strains within a species.
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Bacterial interference
The condition in which colonization by one bacterial strain
prevents colonization by another strain.
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Bacterial meningitis
An infection and inflammation of the meninges. The meninges are the
membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Bacterial
meningitis can cause death within hours.
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Bacterial peliosis
Bacterial infection of hemorrhagic cysts of the liver, spleen, or
lymph nodes, seen in immunocompromised patients; caused by
Bartonella henselae.
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Bacterial pericarditis
Pericarditis produced by bacterial infection.
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Bacterial photosynthesis
A primitive form of photosynthesis observed in some bacteria using
only one photosystem and some reducing agent other than water.
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Bacterial plaque
In dentistry, a mass of filamentous microorganisms and a large
variety of smaller forms attached to the surface of a tooth that,
depending on bacterial activity and environmental factors, may give
rise to caries, calculus, or inflammatory changes in adjacent
tissue.
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Bacterial pneumonia
Infection of the lung with any of a large variety of bacteria,
especially Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus).
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Bacterial toxin
A toxic substance, made by bacteria, that can be modified to kill
specific tumor cells without harming normal cells.
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Bacterial translocation
The movement of bacteria or bacterial products across the
intestinal membrane to emerge either in the lymphatics or the
visceral circulation.
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Bacterial vaginosis
A mild infection of the vagina.
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Bacterial vegetations
Lesions of bacterial endocarditis that form anywhere on the
endocardium but preferentially on higher pressure and injured areas
and particularly valves. They may also appear on arterial intima
and in a patent ductus arteriosus and other areas of shunt inside
and outside the heart.
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Bacterial virus
A virus that "infects" bacteria; a bacteriophage.
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Bactericholia
Bacteria in bile.
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Bactericidal
An agent that kills bacteria.
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Bactericide
An agent that destroys bacteria.
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Bacterid
1. A recurrent or persistent eruption of discrete sterile pustules
of the palms and soles, thought to be an allergic response to
bacterial infection at a remote site. 2. A dissemination of a
previously localized bacterial skin infection.
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Bacterio-
Bacteria.
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Bacterioagglutinin
An antibody that agglutinates bacteria.
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Bacteriochlorin
The basic structure of the bacteriochlorophylls.
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Bacteriocidin
Antibody having bactericidal activity.
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Bacteriocin
A protein toxin produced and released by bacteria to inhibit the
growth of similar bacteria.
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Bacteriocinogenic plasmids
Bacterial plasmids responsible for the elaboration of bacteriocins.
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Bacteriocins
Proteins produced by certain bacteria that have bacteriocinogenic
plasmids and that exert a lethal effect on closely related
bacteria; in general, bacteriocins have a narrower range of
activity than antibiotics and are more potent.
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Bacteriofluorescin
A fluorescent material produced by bacteria.
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Bacteriogenic
Caused by bacteria.
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Bacteriogenic agglutination
The clumping of cells as a result of effects of bacteria or their
products.
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Bacteriogenous
1. Producing bacteria. 2. Of bacterial origin or causation.
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Bacterioid
1. Resembling bacteria. 2. Intracellular forms of Rhizobium spp. in
the root nodules of leguminous plants.
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Bacteriologic
Relating to bacteria or to bacteriology.
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Bacteriologist
One who primarily studies or works with bacteria.
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Bacteriology
The branch of science concerned with the study of bacteria.
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Bacteriolysin
Specific antibody that combines with bacterial cells (antigen) and,
in the presence of complement, causes lysis or dissolution of the
cells.
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Bacteriolysis
The dissolution of bacteria, by means of enzymes, hypotonic
solutions, or specific antibody and complement.
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Bacteriolytic
Pertaining to lytic destruction of bacteria; manifesting the
ability to cause dissolution of bacterial cells.
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Bacteriolytic serum
An antiserum (bacteriolysin) that sensitizes a bacterium to the
lytic action of complement.
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Bacteriolyze
To cause the digestion or solution of bacterial cells.
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Bacteriopexy
Immobilization of bacteria by phagocytic cells.
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Bacteriophage
A virus with specific affinity for bacteria. Bacteriophages have
been found in association with nearly all groups of bacteria,
including the Cyanobacteria; like other viruses they contain either
(but never both) RNA or DNA and vary in structure from the
seemingly simple filamentous bacterial virus to relatively complex
forms with contractile "tails"; their relationships to the host
bacteria are highly specific and, as in the case of temperate
bacteriophage, may be genetically intimate. Bacteriophages are
named after the bacterial species, group, or strain for which they
are specific, corynebacteriophage, coliphage; a number of families
are recognized and have been assigned provisional names:
Corticoviridae, Cystoviridae, Fuselloviridae, Inoviridae,
Leviviridae, Lipothrixviridae, Microviridae, Myoviridae,
Plasmaviridae, Podoviridae, Styloviridae, and Tectiviridae.
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Bacteriophage immunity
The state induced in a bacterium by lysogenization, the lysogenic
bacterium being insusceptible to further lysogenization or to a
lytic cycle by a superinfecting bacteriophage, in contradistinction
to bacteriophage resistance.
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Bacteriophage plaque
A clear circular zone in an otherwise confluent growth of bacteria
on an agar surface resulting from bacterial lysis by bacterial
viruses.
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Bacteriophage resistance
Resistance of a bacterial mutant to infection by a bacteriophage to
which the parent (wild-type) strain is susceptible.
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Bacteriophage typing
A microbiologic procedure, of epidemiologic importance, for
distinguishing types within a seemingly homogeneous bacterial
species or strain by the use of type-specific bacteriophage.
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Bacteriophagia
Lysis of bacteria by a bacteriophage.
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Bacteriophagology
The study of bacteriophages.
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Bacteriopheophorbin
Deesterified bacteriopheophorbide, derived from bacteriochlorin.
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Bacteriophytoma
Abnormal growth in plant tissues produced by bacteria.
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Bacterioprotein
One of the proteins within the cells of bacteria; these substances
vary in their character and properties.
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Bacteriopsonin
An opsonin that may be an antibody and activated complement complex
bound to bacteria rendering them susceptible to phagocytic cells.
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Bacteriosis
A localized or generalized bacterial infection.
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Bacteriospermia
Bacteria in the semen or ejaculate.
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Bacteriostasis
An arrest or retardation of growth of bacteria.
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Bacteriostat
Any agent that inhibits or retards bacterial multiplication.
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Bacteriostatic
Preventing multiplication of bacteria.
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Bacteriotoxic
Poisonous or toxic to bacteria.
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Bacteriotropic
Turning toward or moving in the direction of bacteria; having an
affinity for bacteria.
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Bacteriotropic substance
Opsonin or other substance that alters bacterial cells in such a
manner that they are more susceptible to phagocytic action.
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Bacteriotropin
A constituent of the blood, usually a specific antibody, opsonin,
that combines with bacterial cells and renders them more
susceptible to phagocytes.
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Bacterium
A unicellular prokaryotic microorganism that usually multiplies by
cell division and has a cell wall that provides a constancy of
form; they may be aerobic or anaerobic, motile or nonmotile, and
free living, saprophytic, commensal, parasitic, or pathogenic.
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Bacteriuria
Presence of bacteria in the urine.
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Bacteroid
Resembling bacteria.
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Bacteroidaceae
A family of obligate anaerobic (microaerophilic species may occur),
non-spore-forming bacteria (order Eubacteriales) containing
gram-negative rods that vary in size from minute, filterable forms
to long, filamentous, branching forms; pronounced pleomorphism may
occur. Motile and nonmotile species occur; motile cells are
peritrichous. Body fluids are frequently required for growth. Most
species ferment carbohydrates, often with the production of acid;
gas may be produced in glucose or peptone media. These organisms
occur primarily in the lower intestinal tracts and mucous membranes
of warm-blooded animals. They may be pathogenic. The type genus is
Bacteroides.
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Bacteroides
A genus that includes many species of obligate anaerobic,
non-spore-forming bacteria (family Bacteroidaceae) containing
gram-negative rods. Both motile and nonmotile species occur; motile
cells are peritrichous. Some species ferment carbohydrates and
produce combinations of succinic, lactic, acetic, formic, or
propionic acids, sometimes with short-chained alcohols; butyric
acid is not a major product. Those species that do not ferment
carbohydrates produce from peptone either trace to moderate amounts
of succinic, formic, acetic, and lactic acids or major amounts of
acetic and butyric acids with moderate amounts of alcohols and
isovaleric, propionic, and isobutyric acids. They are part of the
normal flora of the intestinal tract and to a lesser degree, the
respiratory and urogenital cavities of humans and animals; many
species formerly classified as Bacteroides have been reclassified
as belonging to the genus Prevotella. Many species can be
pathogenic. The type species is Bacteroides fragilis.
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Bacteroides bivius
A species usually isolated from urogenital and abdominal infections
and linked to pelvic inflammatory disease.
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Bacteroides capillosus
A bacterial species isolated from human cysts and wounds, the
mouth, and feces, and from the intestinal tracts of some animals.
Its properties differ from those of most Bacteroides species;
future reclassification is likely.
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Bacteroides distasonis
Bacterial species that is part of the normal human fecal flora; an
occasional cause of intraabdominal infections.
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Bacteroides fragilis
A bacterial species found in human and animal intestinal tracts.
Although it represents only about 10-20% of Bacteroides species
found in the colon, it is the primary species associated with
intraabdominal abscesses and other subdiaphragmatic infections in
humans, including peritonitis, rectal abscess, abdominal surgical
wounds, and urogenital tract infection. Its capsule is capable of
inducing abscess formation independently; characteristically, this
species produces a β-lactamase that inactivates β-lactam
antibiotics such as the penicillin and cephalosporin groups; it is
the type species of the genus, Bacteroides.
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Bacteroides furcosis
Former name for Anaerorhabdus furcosa.
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Bacteroides nodosus
A bacterial species that causes foot rot in sheep and goats; it can
be found in the human intestinal tract and has been associated with
human infections; this organism has many properties different from
other species of Bacteroides, and its final classification is
uncertain.
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Bacteroides oralis
Former name of Prevotella oralis.
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Bacteroides oris
Former name of Prevotella oris.
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Bacteroides pneumosintes
Former name for Dialister pneumosintes.
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Bacteroides praeacutus
A species isolated from the intestinal tracts of infants and
adults, gangrenous lesions, lung abscesses, and blood.
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Bacteroides putredinis
A species isolated from feces, cases of acute appendicitis, and
abdominal and rectal abscesses; also from foot rot of sheep and
from farm soil. Its properties are divergent from most Bacteroides
species.
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Bacteroides splanchnicus
A species in the indole-positive group, found in normal human
colonic flora, and occasionally in human specimens with unique
metabolic properties that include production of large amounts of
N-butyric acid; it appears to be closely related to the genus
Porphyromonas.
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Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron
A bacterial species found in the intestinal tract; second only in
its genus to Bacteroides fragilis as a cause of human
subdiaphragmatic infections.
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Bacteroides ureolyticus
A species isolated from infections of the respiratory and
intestinal tracts, and from the buccal cavity, intestinal tract,
urogenital tract, and blood after a dental extraction. It is
closely related to Campylobacter species.
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Bacteroidosis
Rarely used term for an infection with Bacteroides.
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Bactocill
Trademark for a preparation of oxacillin sodium.
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Bactrim
The trade name for cotrimoxazole and sulfamethoxizole, an
antibacterial agent particularly useful for urinary infections.
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Bactroban
Trademark for preparations of mupirocin.
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Baculiform
Rod-shaped.
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Baculoviridae
A family of viruses that multiply only in arthropods; its
rod-shaped virions measure 30-35 nm by 250-400 nm; genomes are of
double stranded, supercoiled DNA (90-160 kb). Baculovirus-derived
vectors are frequently used to express foreign genes in insect
cells.
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Baculovirus
A virus that infects insect cells; used extensively in expression
systems for recombinant proteins that require eukaryotic processing
systems.
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Baculum
A heterotopic bone developed in the fibrous septum between the
corpora cavernosa and above the urethra, forming the skeleton of
the penis in all insectivores, bats, rodents, carnivores, and
pinnipeds, and in nonhuman primates. Called also os penis and os
priapi.
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BADLs
Abbreviation for basic activities of daily living.
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BAEP
Abbreviation for brainstem auditory evoked potential.
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BAER
The brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) test measures
responses in brain waves that are stimulated by a clicking sound to
check the central auditory (hearing) pathways of the brainstem.
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Baer law
The general organ characteristics found in all members of a group
appear earlier in embryogenesis than the special organ
characteristics that distinguish specific members of the group;
this law is the predecessor of the recapitulation theory.
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Baermann concentration
Preparation that relies on the principle that active nematode
larvae will migrate from a fresh fecal specimen through several
layers of gauze into tap water from which the larvae can be
recovered by centrifugation.
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Baeyer theory
The theory that carbon bonds are set at fixed angles (109° 28′) and
that those carbon rings are most stable that least distort those
angles; for this reason, planar rings composed of 5 or 6 carbon
atoms (cyclopentane, benzene) are more common than rings containing
less than 5 or more than 6 carbon atoms.
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Bag
A pouch, sac, or receptacle.
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Bag of waters
Colloquialism for the amniotic sac containing amniotic fluid.
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Bag valve mask
An airway apparatus used to cover the patient's nose and mouth and
begin ventilating the lungs mechanically by squeezing a reservoir
of oxygen or air.
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Bagassosis
Extrinsic allergic alveolitis following exposure to sugar-cane
fiber dust (bagasse); has been attributed to inhalation of spores
of soil fungi and, particularly, thermophilic actinomycetes.
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Baggenstoss change
Distention of pancreatic acini by proteinaceous secretion, seen in
dehydration.
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Bagging
Manual respiration for a patient having breathing trouble that uses
a handheld squeeze bag attached to a face mask.
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Bagolini test
A test for retinal correspondence with the subject observing a
figure through two striated lenses.
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Ba-gua
1. One of the tools used in feng shui to help determine preferred
locations, in the home or office, for certain functions, such as
wealth, health fame, love, and more. 2. Also known as eight-gua and
is the result of the ancient Chinese binary system.
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Baguazhang
"Art" developed by Dong Hai-Chuan, a Chinese, during the mid-1800s.
It boils down to walking in a circle but encompasses at least a
dozen "stepping techniques," such as the "chicken step," the
"elephant step," the "snake step," and the "mud walking step."
Purportedly, it can improve "cultivation" of Qi (chi) and conduces
to uniting "man," heaven, and earth. Also called circle walking,
circle walking method, circle walking technique, Pa Kua Chang, Pa
Kua Zhang, Taoist Circular Motion of Meditation and Tendon
Changing, Taoist circular walking practice.
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Baillarger lines
Two laminae of white fibers that course parallel to the surface of
the cerebral cortex and are visible as the stria of the internal
pyramidal layer in cortical layer V (outer line) and the stria of
the internal granular layer in cortical layer IV (inner line) that
appear in myelin-stained sections cut perpendicularly to the
surface; the line of Gennari in the calcarine cortex represents the
outer of these lines.
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Bailliart ophthalmodynamometer
An instrument used to measure the blood pressure of the central
retinal artery; of value in diagnosing occlusion of the proximal
carotid artery.
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Bainbridge reflex
An increase in heart rate caused by a rise in pressure of the blood
in the right atrium due to increased flow and/or pressure in the
great veins at its entrance.
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Bain-marie
Double-saucepan: upper half for cooking sauces, lower half holds
hot water.
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Baked tongue
The dry blackish tongue noted when patients with typhoid fever or
other disorders are allowed to become dehydrated.
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Baker acid hematein
An acidic solution of oxidized hematoxylin used on frozen sections
for staining phospholipids.
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Baker pyridine extraction
Hot pyridine treatment of tissues fixed in dilute Bouin fixative,
used to extract phospholipids from tissues as a control in the
histochemical staining of this material.
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Baker's cyst
An accumulation of joint fluid that forms behind the knee.
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Baker's eczema
An allegic eruption on the hands and arms of bakers due to reaction
to flour, yeast, or other substances handled by bakers, or to the
grain itch mite.
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Bakkenoide G
An antiplatelet compound found in coltsfoot.
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BAL
Abbreviation for British anti-Lewisite; bronchoalveolar lavage.
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Balamuth aqueous egg yolk infusion medium
Used to detect the presence of intestinal amebae, primarily
Entamoeba histolytica.
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Balamuthia
A genus of amoebae of the order Leptomyxida. B. mandrillaris is the
cause of primary amebic meningoencephalitis in both
immunocompromised and previously healthy patients; some cases are
fatal.
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Balance
1. A weighing device, especially one consisting of a rigid beam
horizontally suspended by a low-friction support at its center,
with identical weighing pans hung at either end, one of which holds
an unknown weight while the effective weight in the other is
increased by known amounts until the beam is level and motionless.
2. A state of equilibrium or parity characterized by cancellation
of all forces by equal opposing forces. 3. A stable mental or
psychological state; emotional stability. 4. The difference in
magnitude between opposing forces or influences. 5. Equality of
mass and net electric charge of reacting species on each side of an
equation. 6. Equality with respect to the net number of reduced
symbolic quantities on each side of an equation. 7. In traditional
Chinese medicine, the state of good health-also called
harmony-which results from the vibrant and harmonious interaction
of yin and yang energies.
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Balance sign
The presence of a dull percussion note in both flanks, constant on
the left side but shifting with change of position on the right,
said to indicate ruptured spleen; the dullness is due to the
presence of fluid blood on the right side but coagulated blood on
the left.
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Balance study
A nutritional balance study involves the measurement of the intake
of a specific nutrient as well as the elimination of that nutrient
in urine, feces, sweat, etc. If intake is greater than loss of a
particular nutrient the individual is said to be in "positive
balance." If intake is less than loss, an individual is said to be
in "negative balance" for the nutrient of interest.
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Balance theory
In social psychology, a theory that assumes that steady and
unsteady states can be specified for cognitive units (a person and
his or her attitudes or acts) and that such units tend to seek
steady states (balance); balance exists when both parts of a unit
are evaluated the same, but disequilibrium arises when both parts
are not evaluated the same, which causes either cognitive
reevaluation of the parts or their segregation.
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Balance therapy
"Scientific medical system" developed by Arcadi Beliavtsev, the
"spiritual father" of Face Modeling. Balance Therapy apparently
encompasses herbalism, homeopathy, and kyo-jitsu.
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Balanced anesthesia
A technique of general anesthesia based on the concept that
administration of a mixture of small amounts of several neuronal
depressants (narcotics and inhalational agents) maximizes the
advantages, but not the disadvantages of, the individual components
of the mixture.
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Balanced diet
A diet containing the essential nutrients with a reasonable ration
of all the major food groups.
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Balanced health
Offshoot of applied kinesiology taught by The Academy of Systematic
Kinesiology, in Britain. "Treatment" may include chakra
"corrections."
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Balanced occlusion
The simultaneous contacting of the upper and lower teeth on the
right and left and in the anterior and posterior occlusal areas in
centric and eccentric positions within the functional range; used
primarily in reference to the mouth, but also arranged and observed
on articulators, developed to prevent a tipping or rotating of the
denture bases in relation to the supporting structures.
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Balanced polymorphism
A unilocal trait in which two alleles are maintained at stable
frequencies because the heterozygote is more fit than either of the
homozygotes.
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Balanced translocation
Translocation of the long arm of an acrocentric chromosome to
another chromosome; an individual with a balanced translocation has
a normal diploid genome and is clinically normal but has a
chromosome count of 45 and as a result of asymmetric meiosis may
have children lacking the genes on the translocated segment or have
them in trisomy.
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Balanced vasodilator
A therapeutic agent (nitrate compounds) that provides both preload
and afterload reduction through its vasodilatory effects, rather
than either alone.
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Balancing contact
1. The contacts between upper and lower dentures on the balancing
or mediotrusive side for the purpose of stabilizing the dentures.
2. The contacts between upper and lower dentures at the opposite
side from the working or laterotrusive side (anteroposteriorly or
laterally) for the purpose of stabilizing the dentures. 3. The
contacts between upper and lower natural or artificial teeth at the
opposite side from the working or laterotrusive side.
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Balancing side
In dentistry, the nonfunctioning side from which the mandible moves
during the working bite.
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Balancing side condyle
In dentistry, the mandibular condyle on the side away from which
the mandible moves in a lateral excursion.
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Balanic
Pertaining to the glans penis or glans clitoridis.
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Balanites aegyptiaca
A genus of tree growing in North Africa and areas around the
eastern Mediterranean, with berries that contain an active
principle that is deadly to mollusks, miracidia, cercariae,
tadpoles, and fish; used as a prophylactic against schistosomiasis
by adding it to drinking water.
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Balanitic epispadias
Proximal position of meatus on dorsum of glans penis.
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Balanitis
Inflammation of the glans penis or clitoris.
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Balanitis diabetica
Glanular inflammation in diabetic patients related to urinary
infection or concomitant posthitis.
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Balanitis xerotica obliterans
Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus of the glans penis, which may result
in meatal stenosis.
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Balano-
Indicating relationship to the glans penis or to the glans
clitoridis.
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Balanoplasty
Plastic surgery of the glans penis.
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Balanoposthitis
Inflammation of the glans penis and prepuce.
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Balanopreputial
Pertaining to the glans penis and the prepuce.
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Balantidiasis
Infection by protozoa of the genus Balantidium; in humans and many
other vertebrates, B. coli may cause diarrhea and dysentery, with
ulceration of the colon mucosa.
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Balantidiosis
Infection by protozoa of the genus Balantidium; in humans and many
other vertebrates, B. coli may cause diarrhea and dysentery, with
ulceration of the colon mucosa.
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Balantidium coli
A very large parasitic ciliate species, usually 50-80 mcm in
length, reaching up to 200 mcm in pigs, found in the cecum or large
intestine, swimming actively in the lumen; usually harmless in
humans but may invade and ulcerate the intestinal wall, producing a
colitis resembling amebic dysentery.
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Balantidium suis
A species originally considered distinct from the human ciliate
parasite, Balantidium coli, but now considered synonymous with it;
nonpathogenic in swine.
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BALB
Abbreviation for binaural alternate loudness balance test.
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Balbani ring
An extremely large puff at a band of a polytene chromosome.
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Bald
Having no hair, or a decrease in the amount of hair of the scalp.
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Baldness
Hair loss, alopecia. Excessive loss of hair on the scalp or other
parts of the body.
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Balint syndrome
This cerebral disorder has three major components: optic ataxia, or
the impairment of visually-guided hand movements; ocular apraxia,
or the inability to project voluntary gaze to certain points in the
peripheral fields despite intact eye movements; and
simultanagnosia, or visual inattention to objects in the periphery
of the visual field; due to bilateral lesions in the
parietooccipital region.
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Balkan frame
An overhead frame, supported on uprights attached to the bedposts
or to a separate stand, from which a splinted limb is slung in the
treatment of fracture or joint disease.
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Balkan nephropathy
Interstitial chronic nephritis of unknown etiology, originally
described as an endemic disease in the Balkans, characterized by
insidious onset, scanty urinary findings, anemia, and acidosis.
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Ball
1. A round mass. 2. In veterinary medicine, a large pill or bolus.
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Ball and socket abutment
An abutment connected to a fixed partial denture by a ball and
socket-shaped nonrigid connector.
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Ball and socket joint
A multiaxial synovial joint in which a more or less extensive
sphere on the head of one bone fits into a rounded cavity in the
other bone, as in the hip joint.
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Ball of the foot
The padded portion of the sole, which overlies the heads of the
metatarsals, on which the weight rests when the heel is raised.
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Ball operation
Division of the sensory nerve trunks supplying the anus, for relief
of pruritus ani.
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Ball thrombus
An unattached, spherical antemortem thrombus found in the left or
right atrium usually in certain cases of mitral stenosis.
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Ball valve
Any of a variety of prosthetic cardiac valves comprising a ball
within a retaining cage affixed to the orifice; when appropriately
sized, used in aortic, mitral, or tricuspid position.
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Ball valve action
Intermittent blockage of a tube or outlet of a cavity by some
object or material that permits passage in one direction but not in
the other.
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Ball variance
Swelling and changes in shape and consistency of the ball in a
ball-valve prosthesis, especially in one replacing the aortic
valve.
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Ballast
1. Material of doubtful value itself used to stabilize something
(maritime practice). 2. Something largely without intrinsic value.
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Ballerina-foot pattern
A vigorous posteromedial contraction of the left ventricle coupled
with convexity anteriorly sometimes resulting from poor contraction
of the opposing anterior wall; it is the most frequent dyssynergy
observed in the prolapsed mitral valve leaflet syndrome (even with
a normal anterior wall) and produces a configuration of
angiographic dye in the right anterior oblique projection
resembling a ballerina's foot.
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Ballism
Violent flinging dyskinetic movements caused by contractions of the
proximal limb muscles as a result of destruction of the subthalamic
nucleus or its fiber connections, sometimes affecting only one side
of the body (hemiballismus). Also called ballismus.
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Ballismus
Violent flinging dyskinetic movements caused by contractions of the
proximal limb muscles as a result of destruction of the subthalamic
nucleus or its fiber connections, sometimes affecting only one side
of the body (hemiballismus). Also called ballism.
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Ballistic
1. Jerking or twitching; pertaining to or characterized by
ballismus. 2. Pertaining to or caused by projectiles. 3.
Ballistics: The scientific study of the motion of projectiles in
flight.
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Ballistocardiogram
The tracing made by a ballistocardiograph.
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Ballistocardiograph
An apparatus for recording the movements of the body caused by
cardiac contractions and associated blood flow; it has been used to
determine cardiac output and other aspects of cardiac function.
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Ballistocardiography
The graphic recording, by means of a ballistocardiograph, of the
recoil movements of the body which result from motion of the heart
and blood.
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Ballistophobia
Morbid fear of a projectile or missile.
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Ballistospore
A fungal spore that is forcibly discharged upon maturity; seen in
some basidiomycetes.
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Balloon
1. A sac that can be inserted into a body cavity or tube and
distended with air or gas. 2. To distend with air, gas, or fluid.
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Balloon atrioseptostomy
Tearing or enlarging the foramen ovale by pulling a balloon-bearing
catheter across the atrial septum for the purpose of augmenting
interatrial mixing of blood in the treatment of cyanotic congenital
heart disease.
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Balloon catheter
A catheter used in arterial embolectomy or to float into the
pulmonary artery.
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Balloon cell
1. An unusually large degenerated cell with pale-staining
vacuolated or reticulated cytoplasm, as in viral hepatitis or in
degenerated epidermal cells in herpes zoster. 2. A large form of
nevus cell with abundant nonstaining cytoplasm, formed by vacular
degeneration of melanosomes.
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Balloon cell nevus
A nevus in which many of the cells are large, with clear cytoplasm.
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Balloon counter pulsation
A form of circulatory assistance in which a balloon inflates in the
aorta during diastole to improve diastolic pressure and deflates
during systole to reduce left ventricular afterload.
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Balloon septostomy
Septostomy performed by cardiac catheterization with the use an of
inflated balloon pulled across the interatrial septum through the
foramen ovale; used in cases of transposition of the great vessels
and tricuspid atresia.
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Balloon sickness
A form of altitude sickness occurring in someone as a result of
ascent in a balloon.
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Ballooning
Distending any cavity of the body with air, gas, or fluid; it may
be pathological such as with an aneurysm or done for therapeutic
purposes.
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Ballooning degeneration
An obsolete term for cells that are infected with certain viruses,
resulting in conspicuous swelling of the cell and cytoplasmic
vacuolation.
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Balloon-tip catheter
A single- or double-lumen tube with a balloon at its tip that can
be inflated or deflated without removal after installation; the
balloon can be inflated to facilitate passage of the tube through a
blood vessel (propelled by the bloodstream) or to occlude the
vessel in which the tube alone would allow free flow; such
catheters are used to enter the pulmonary artery to facilitate
hemodynamic measurements.
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Ballotable
Capable of showing ballottement.
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Ballottement
1. A palpatory maneuver to test for a floating object. 2. A former
maneuver used to check a pregnancy by pushing up the head or breech
of a fetus by fingers inserted into the vagina, so as to cause the
floating fetus to rise and fall again like a heavy body in water.
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Ballpoint pen technique
A technique to measure the induration of intradermal tuberculin
tests; a ballpoint pen is used to draw two opposing lines on the
skin beginning 1-2 cm away from the dermal reaction site on
opposite sides, stopping as the induration edge is felt. The
distance between the proximal ends of the lines is the reported
extent of induration.
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Ball-valve thrombus
Ball thrombus intermittently occluding the mitral or tricuspid
orifice.
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Balm
A soothing or healing medicine applied to the skin.
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Balm of Gilead
An oleoresin from Commiphora opobalsamum (family Burseraceae),
probably the myrrh of the Bible; used in perfumery.
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Balneotherapeutics
Immersion of part or all of the body in mineral water as a form of
therapy.
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Balneotherapy
The treatment of illness by baths e.g., mud baths.
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Balnetar
Trademark for a preparation of coal tar.
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Balsalazide disodium
A prodrug of mesalamine, to which it is converted by enzymatic
action in the colon, used as an anti-inflammatory in the treatment
of ulcerative colitis; administered orally.
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Balsam
The resin of a tree that is healing and soothing, for example,
myrrh.
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Balsam of Peru
A thick, dark brown liquid balsam obtained from Toluifera pereirae
(family Leguminosae), 60% of which is the oily cinnamein; used as a
healing application to wounds.
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Balsamic
A substance that contains resins and benzoic acid and is used to
treat colds and abrasions.
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BALT
Abbreviation for bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue.
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Baltic myoclonus disease
One of the familial light sensitive myoclonic epilepsies. Unlike
Lafora body polymyoclonus, where inclusion bodies are seen in the
brain cells, the prognosis is often favorable. Probably an
autosomal recessive disorder.
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Baltimore, David
Born 1938. American biologist; co-winner, with Renato Dulbecco and
Howard Temin, of the Nobel prize for medicine or physiology in 1975
for discoveries concerning the interaction between tumor viruses
and the genetic material of host cells and the role of reverse
transcriptase.
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Bamberger albuminuria
Obsolete term for hematogenous albuminuria that is sometimes
observed during the later phases of advanced anemia.
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Bamberger sign
1. Jugular pulse in tricuspid insufficiency. 2. Dullness on
percussion at the angle of the scapula, clearing up as the patient
leans forward, indicating pericarditis with effusion.
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Bambermycins
An antibacterial antibiotic complex containing at least four
components, with two (the A and C components) predominating;
produced by various species of Streptomyces, as well as
synthetically; used as a feed additive or food supplement for pigs,
poultry, and calves. Also called moenomycins.
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Bamboo hair
Hair with regularly spaced nodules along the shaft caused by
intermittent fractures with invagination of the distal hair into
the proximal portion, with intervening lengths of normal hair,
giving the appearance of bamboo; seen in Netherton syndrome;
autosomal recessive trait.
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Bamboo spine
In radiology, the appearance of the thoracic or lumbar spine with
ankylosing spondylitis.
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BAN
Abbreviation for British Approved Name, an official nonproprietary
name approved by the British Pharmacopoeia Commission.
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Banana sign
The abnormal curvature of the cerebellum noted on ultrasound
imaging in a fetus with Arnold-Chiari malformation.
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Bancap
Trademark for a combination preparation of butalbital and
acetaminophen.
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Bancroftian
Named for Joseph Bancroft, English physician in Australia,
1836-1894, as bancroftian filariasis.
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Bancroftian filariasis
Filariasis caused by Wuchereria bancrofti.
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Bancroftiasis
Infection with Wuchereria bancrofti.
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Bancroftosis
Infection with Wuchereria bancrofti.
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Band
1. An object or appliance that confines or restricts while allowing
a limited or desired degree of movement. 2. In dentistry, a thin
metal hoop that horizontally encircles the crown or root of a
natural tooth. 3. A strip that holds together or binds two or more
separate objects or parts; for anatomical structures, see frenulum,
taenia, trabecula, and vinculum. 4. An elongated area with parallel
or roughly parallel borders that is distinct from the surrounding
surface by its color, texture, or other characteristics, such as a
chromosome band.
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Band cell
Any cell of the granulocytic (leukocytic) series that has a nucleus
that could be described as a curved or coiled band, no matter how
marked the indentation, if it does not completely segment the
nucleus into lobes connected by a filament.
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Band of Kaes-Bechterew
Band of horizontal myelinated fibers in the most superficial part
of the third layer of the isocortex.
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Bandage
1. A strip or roll of gauze or other material for wrapping or
binding any part of the body. 2. To cover by wrapping with a strip
of gauze or other material.
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Bandage contact lens
A contact lens placed on the cornea to cover a defect.
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Bandaletta
1. A small band. 2. A small bandlike anatomical structure.
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Bandha
Body lock formed by pulling internal muscles.
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Banding
1. The process of differential staining of (usually) metaphase
chromosomes of cells to reveal the characteristic patterns of bands
that permit identification of individual chromosomes and
recognition of missing segments; each of the 22 pairs of human
chromosomes and the X and Y chromosomes has an identifying banding
pattern. 2. Placement of a constrictive or restrictive ligature
about a vessel or viscus.
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Bandpass filter
A device that allows a limited range of frequencies to pass.
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Band-shaped keratopathy
A horizontal, gray, interpalpebral opacity of the cornea that
begins at the periphery and progresses centrally; occurs in
hypercalcemia, chronic iridocyclitis, and Still disease.
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Bandwidth
In MRI, the range of frequencies or wavelengths received for a
given image, inversely related to signal:noise ratio; it must be
sufficient or wraparound artifact will occur.
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Bane
A poison or blight.
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Bang's disease
Also known as brucellosis, a rare bacterial disease that causes
intermittent fevers. It is primarily passed among animals, but
people can acquire this disease from domesticated animals. It
results in flu-like symptoms, and may cause long-lasting symptoms.
There are only about 100-200 cases of brucellosis in humans in the
United States each year.
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Bank
Any facility for storage of viable preserved tissue, blood, or
medical supplies for future study or use.
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Bankart lesion
A tear of the anterior glenoid labrum accompanying detachment of
the inferior glenohumeral ligament from the glenoid margin.
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Bannwarth syndrome
Neurologic manifestations of Lyme disease, also called chronic
lymphocytic meningitis and tick-borne meningopolyneuritis.
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Banti syndrome
Chronic congestive splenomegaly that occurs primarily in children
as a sequel to hypertension in the portal or splenic veins, usually
as a result of thrombosis in those veins; anemia, splenomegaly, and
irregular episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding are usually
observed, with ascites, jaundice, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia
developing in various combinations.
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Bar
1. A unit of pressure equal to 1 megadyne (106 dyne) per cm2 in the
CGS system, 0.9869233 atmosphere, or 105 Pa (N/m2) in the SI. 2. A
metal segment of greater length than width that serves to connect
two or more parts of a removable partial denture. 3. A segment of
tissue or bone that unites two or more similar structures. 4. In
veterinary medicine, the ridged structure on the sole of the horse
hoof that connects the wall of the hoof with the sole adjacent to
the frog, one bar to each side of the frog. It forms the lateral
wall of the paracuneal groove (lateral sulcus) of the frog at the
heel.
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Bar clasp
1. A clasp the arms of which are bar-type extensions from major
connectors or from within the denture base; the arms pass adjacent
to the soft tissues and approach the point of contact on the tooth
in a gingivoocclusal direction. 2. A clasp consisting of two or
more separate arms located opposite each other on the tooth; the
bar arms arise from the framework or from a connector and may
traverse the soft tissue; one arm (bar), the retentive arm, usually
terminates in the infrabulge (gingival convergence) area of the
tooth; the other, the reciprocal arm, usually terminates on the
suprabulge (occlusal convergence) area.
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Bar clasp arm
A clasp arm that has its origin in the denture base or major
connector; it consists of the arm that traverses but does not
contact the gingival structures, and a terminal end that approaches
its contact with the tooth in a gingivoocclusal direction.
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Baragnosis
Loss of ability to appreciate the weight of objects held in the
hand, or to differentiate objects of different weights. When the
primary senses are intact, caused by a lesion of the contralateral
parietal lobe.
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Barany caloric test
A test for vestibular function, made by irrigating the external
auditory canal with cool and warm water; this thermal stimulation
of the vestibular apparatus results in nystagmus and past-pointing;
in vestibular disease, the response may be reduced or absent.
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Barany sign
In cases of ear disease, in which the vestibule is healthy,
injection into the external auditory canal of water below the body
temperature will cause rotatory nystagmus toward the opposite side;
when the injected fluid is above the body temperature the nystagmus
will be toward the injected side; if the labyrinth is diseased or
nonfunctional there may be diminished or absent nystagmus.
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Barba
1. The beard. 2. A hair of the beard.
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Barbed broach
A root canal instrument set with barbs; used for removing a dental
pulp, pulp tissue remnants, or dentinal debris.
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Barber's pilonidal sinus
Pilonidal sinus occurring in barbers, usually in the web between
the fingers, due to the burying of exogenous hairs by the alternate
loosening and tightening of tissues of the hand by the manipulation
of scissors.
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Barbiero
Brazilian term for the bloodsucking hemipteran triatomid bug,
Panstrongylus megistus, an important vector of Chagas disease,
caused by Trypanosoma cruzi.
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Barbital
A hypnotic and sedative; available as barbital sodium (soluble
barbital), with the same uses; often used as a buffer.
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Barbiturates
A group of central nervous system depressants derived from
barbituric acid. Formerly used as sedatives, barbiturates have been
largely replaced by safer drugs such as benzodiazepines.
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Barbituric acid
A crystalline dibasic acid from which barbital and other
barbiturates are derived; has no sedative action.
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Barbiturism
Chronic poisoning by any of the derivatives of barbituric acid;
symptoms, which are indistinct, include cutaneous eruption
accompanied by chills, fever, and headache.
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Barbotage
A method of spinal anesthesia in which a portion of the anesthetic
solution is injected into the cerebrospinal fluid, which is then
aspirated back into the syringe and reinjected.
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Barbula hirci
The hairs growing from the tragus, antitragus, and incisura
intertragica of the auricle of men after age 27 years.
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Barcoo vomit
Attacks of nausea and vomiting accompanied by bulimia affecting
those living in the interior of the southern part of Australia.
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Bardet-Biedl syndrome
Mental retardation, pigmentary retinopathy, polydactyly, obesity,
and hypogenitalism; autosomal recessive inheritance.
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Bardinet ligament
The posterior band of the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow.
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Bare area of (diaphragmatic surface of) liver
The area on the posterosuperior (diaphragmatic) surface of the
liver, bordered by the coronary ligament but itself devoid of
peritoneum, so that the diaphragm and liver lie in direct contact
and adhere.
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Bare area of diaphragm
Portion of the abdominal surface of the diaphragm corresponding to
(in contact with) the bare area of the liver, where the two
structures are in direct contact without intervening peritoneum,
bordered by the coronary ligament.
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Bare area of pericardium
Left portion of the sternocostal aspect of the pericardium, which
is not overlapped by parietal pleura (left pleural sac) or lung due
to their cardiac notches; consequently this is a favorable site for
pericardial puncture (for pericardiocentesis).
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Bare area of stomach
The part of posterior surface of the fundus of the stomach between
the two diverging layers of the gastrophrenic ligament that is not
covered by peritoneum.
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Bare lymphocyte syndrome
Absence of HLA antigens on peripheral mononuclear cells, which may
result in immunodeficiency.
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Barefoot shiatsu
A variation of shiatsu promoted by Patrick McCarthy and Shizuko
Yamamoto. The use of feet and toes for massage distinguishes
barefoot shiatsu from traditional shiatsu.
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Barefoot shiatsu massage
A variation of shiatsu practiced by Viola M. Timbers, R.N., B.A.,
of New York City. It features pressing on "meridians" with hands,
elbows, knees, and feet.
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Baresthesiometer
An instrument for measuring the pressure sense.
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Bariatric
Relating to bariatrics.
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Bariatrics
That branch of medicine concerned with the prevention and control
of obesity and allied diseases.
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Baric
Relating to barometric pressure (as in isobar) or to weight
generally.
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Baricity
The weight of one substance compared with the weight of an equal
volume of another substance at the same temperature.
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Baritosis
A form of pneumoconiosis caused by barite or barium dust.
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Barium
A metallic, alkaline, divalent earth element; atomic no. 56, atomic
wt. 137.327. Its insoluble salts are often used in radiology as
contrast media.
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Barium chloride
Formerly used as a heart tonic and for varicose veins; extremely
toxic.
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Barium enema
The administration of barium in enema form for radiographic study
of the lower intestinal tract. Barium sulfate suspension used as an
enema (introduction of a fluid into the rectum and colon) to
increase visibility of an X-ray during a colon exam. Also called
contrast enema.
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Barium hydroxide
A caustic compound combined with calcium hydroxide in a carbon
dioxide absorbent; used in anesthetic circuits.
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Barium meal
Oral administration of barium sulfate suspension for radiographic
study of the upper gastrointestinal tract (British usage).
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Barium oxide
It is caustic, forming the strong base, Ba(OH)2, in water; used as
a dehydrating agent.
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Barium solution
A liquid containing barium sulfate that is used in X-rays to
highlight parts of the digestive system.
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Barium sulfate
Given as a suspension orally, rectally, or through a tube, for
radiographic demonstration of a part of the gastrointestinal tract.
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Barium swallow
A series of X-rays of the esophagus. The X-ray pictures are taken
after the person drinks a solution that contains barium. The barium
coats and outlines the esophagus on the X-ray. Also called an
esophagram and upper GI series.
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Bark
The envelope or covering of the roots, trunk, and branches of
plants.
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Barkan membrane
A theoretic tissue covering the trabecular meshwork; thought to
obstruct aqueous humor outflow and be responsible for congenital
glaucoma.
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Barkan operation
Goniotomy for congenital glaucoma under direct observation of the
anterior chamber angle.
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Barkman reflex
Contraction of the ipsilateral rectus muscle in response to a
stimulus applied to the skin below a nipple.
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Barkow ligaments
The anterior and posterior portions of the fibrous capsule of the
elbow joint.
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Barlow maneuver
Test for hip instability, with dislocation occurring with flexion,
adduction, and posterior force.
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Barlow syndrome
Late apical systolic murmur or (so-called "mid-late") systolic
click, or both, due to billowing of the anterior and/or posterior
(mural) mitral valvular leaflet into the left atrial cavity (also,
floppy valve syndrome); electrocardiographically, ST-T changes in a
posteroinferior distribution resembling those of myocardial
ischemia often coexist for unknown reasons; rhythm disturbances may
coexist with this syndrome without demonstrable pathogenetic
relationship.
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Barlow's syndrome
Infantile scurvy.
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Barmah Forest virus
A species of Alphavirus that has caused outbreaks of polyarthritis
in humans in Australia; transmitted by mosquitoes.
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Barn
A unit of area for effective cross-section of atomic nuclei with
respect to atomic projectiles; equal to 10−24 cm2.
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Barnchiomotor nuclei
Collective term for those motoneuronal nuclei of the brainstem (n.
ambiguus, facial motor nucleus, and motor nucleus of the
trigeminus) that develop from the branchiomotor column of the
embryo and innervate striated muscle fibers (muscles of
mastication, facial musculature, pharynx, and vocal cord muscles)
associated with the branchial arches. (The term pharyngeal arch is
commonly used in humans because gills do not appear during
development in this species.)
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Barnes curve
A curve corresponding in general with Carus curve, being the
segment of a circle whose center is the promontory of the sacrum.
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Barnes dystrophy
Rare form of muscular dystrophy in which formerly overly strong
muscle weakens and atrophies.
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Barnes zone
The lower fourth of the pregnant uterus, attachment of the placenta
to any part of which may cause dangerous hemorrhage.
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Baro-
Weight, pressure.
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Barodontalgia
Pain in the soft tissue resulting from a disequilibrium in the
air-filled spaces around a tooth caused by ascent or descent into
places with differentiatial barometric pressure.
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Barognosis
Ability to appreciate the weight of objects, or to differentiate
objects of different weights.
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Barograph
A device that gives a continuous record of barometric pressure.
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Barometric pressure (PB)
The absolute pressure of the ambient atmosphere, varying with
weather, altitude, etc.; expressed in millibars (meteorology) or mm
Hg or torr (respiratory physiology); at sea level, 1 atmosphere
(atm, 760 mm Hg or torr) is equivalent to: 14.69595 lb/in2, 1013.25
millibars, 1013.25 × 106 dynes/cm2, and, in SI units, 101,325
pascals (Pa).
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Barophilic
Thriving under high environmental pressure; applied to
microorganisms.
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Baroreceptor
1. In general, any sensor of pressure changes. 2. Sensory nerve
ending in the wall of the atrium of the heart, vena cava, aortic
arch, and carotid sinus, sensitive to stretching of the wall
resulting from increased pressure from within and functioning as
the receptor of central reflex mechanisms that tend to reduce that
pressure.
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Baroreflex
A reflex triggered by stimulation of a baroreceptor.
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Baroscope
An instrument measuring changes in atmospheric pressure.
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Barosinusitis
Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the paranasal sinuses caused
by pressure difference within the sinus relative to ambient
pressure, secondary to obstruction of the sinus ostium and
occurring during descent in altitude.
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Barostat
A pressure-regulating device or structure, such as the
baroreceptors of the carotid sinus and aortic arch, when connected
to effectors providing negative feedback.
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Barotaxis
Reaction of living tissue to changes in pressure.
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Barotitis media
Also known as eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD), which occurs when
there is a difference between the air pressure inside and outside
the middle ear. It involves discomfort in the ear and temporary
hearing problems.
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Barotrauma
The pain or discomfort that is felt when there is a difference in
air pressure between the outside environment and the inside of the
body. This discomfort may be experienced when flying in an airplane
or scuba diving.
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Barre sign
When a patient with a pyramidal tract lesion is lying prone, and
the affected leg is passively flexed 90° at the knee, the patient
cannot maintain the lower leg in a vertical position; instead, it
drops into full extension.
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Barrel chest
A chest permanently resembling the shape of a barrel, with
increased anteroposterior diameter, roughly equaling the lateral
diameter; usually with some degree of kyphosis; may be seen in
cases of emphysema.
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Barrel distortion
Irregular image produced when peripheral magnification is greater
than axial magnification.
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Barren
Unable to produce a pregnancy.
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Barrett epithelium
Columnar esophageal epithelium seen in Barrett syndrome.
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Barrett syndrome
Chronic peptic ulceration of the lower esophagus, which is lined by
columnar epithelium, resembling the mucosa of the gastric cardia,
acquired as a result of long-standing chronic esophagitis;
esophageal stricture with reflux, and adenocarcinoma, also have
been reported. Associated with a 30-to-40 fold increased risk of
adenocarcinoma.
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Barrett's esophagus
A complication of chronic esophagitis, which is inflammation of the
esophagus. Characterized by a change in the cells lining the
esophagus. Normal cells are flat-shaped (squamous) cells, while
Barrett's esophagus cells are shaped like a column. This cell
change is called metaplasia. It is a premalignant phase that may
eventually result in cancer of the esophagus.
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Barrier
1. An obstacle or impediment. 2. In psychiatry, a conflictual agent
that blocks behavior that could help resolve a personal struggle.
3. In psychotherapy, anything that acts as an impediment to the
insight, constructive change, healing, and growth of a patient (an
unhealthy or primitive defense mechanism; secondary gain;
conflicted ambivalence; unconscious motivation derived from
residual conflict from an earlier developmental stage;
stubbornness; lack of ability to detach, observe, or analyze).
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Barrier contraceptive
A mechanical device designed to prevent spermatozoa from
penetrating the cervical os; usually used in combination with a
spermicidal agent, vaginal diaphragm.
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Bar-sleeve attachments
Fixed bar joints or rigid bar units used for splinting abutments
with removable sleeves or clips within the partial denture for
supporting and/or retaining the prosthesis.
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Bart syndrome
A form of epidermolysis bullosa with blistering of the extremities
and intertriginous areas, congenital localized absence of skin,
erosions of the mouth, and dystrophic nails; there is often
spontaneous improvement with no residual scarring; autosomal
dominant inheritance, caused by mutation in the collagen type VII
gene (COL7A1) on chromosome 3p.
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Barth hernia
A loop of intestine between a persistent vitelline duct and the
abdominal wall.
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Barth syndrome
An X-linked syndrome characterized by poor growth, neutropenia,
cardiomyopathy, and excess excretion of 3-methylglutaconic acid in
the urine; some patients also show skeletal muscle weakness.
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Bartholin anus
Obsolete term for opening of aqueduct of midbrain.
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Bartholin cyst
A cyst arising from the major vestibular gland or its ducts.
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Bartholin cystectomy
Removal of a cyst of a major vestibular gland.
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Bartholin duct
1. Ducts of one of the major salivary glands, the sublingual gland.
2. Ducts of the Bartholin glands of the male and female urethras.
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Bartholinitis
Inflammation of a vulvovaginal (Bartholin) gland.
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Bartholin's abscess
An accumulation of pus that forms a lump in one of the
mucus-producting Bartholin's glands, which are located on each side
of the vaginal opening at the innermost part of the labia. This
swelling is hot to touch, sensitive, and painful.
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Barton bandage
A figure-of-8 bandage supporting the mandible inferiorly and
anteriorly; used in mandibular fracture.
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Barton forceps
An obstetric forceps with one fixed curved blade and a hinged
anterior blade for application to a high transverse head.
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Barton fracture
Fracture of the distal radius with volar subluxation or dislocation
of the radiocarpal joint.
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Bartonella
A genus of bacteria found in humans and in arthropod vectors; grows
slowly in artificial media and may be recovered from blood cultures
from infected patients; may be seen intracellularly in tissues and
erythrocytes. Bartonella is a minute, gram-negative, coccobacillary
organism, which may appear curved; it can cause an indolent, poorly
defined, progressive disease in immunocompromised patients,
including those with HIV infections.
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Bartonella anemia
Anemia occurring in infection with Bartonella bacilliformis and
characterized by an acute febrile anemia of rapid onset and high
mortality. Occurs in central Andean mountains of northern South
America; vector is phlebotomine sandfly, Lutzomyia.
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Bartonella bacilliformis
A species found in the blood and epithelial cells of lymph nodes,
spleen, and liver in Oroya fever of which it is the cause and in
blood and eruptive elements in verruga peruana; probably also found
in sandflies (Phlebotomus verrucarum); known to be established only
on the South American continent and perhaps in Central America; it
is the type species of the genus Bartonella.
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Bartonella henselae
A bacterial species that causes catscratch disease in people with
normal immunity and bacillary angiomatosis in people with AIDS.
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Bartonella quintana
Formerly the type species of the genus Rochalimaea, this organism
causes trench fever and in AIDS patients is associated with
septicemia and endocarditis; arthropod vector is Pediculus humanus,
the body lose.
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Bartonellaceae
A family of bacteria that currently includes the genus Bartonella.
Based on S16 rRNA studies, the former genera of Rochalimaea and
Grahamella have been merged with the genus Bartonella, retaining
their species names.
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Bartonellosis
A disease caused by infection with a species of bacteria belonging
to the genus Bartonella.
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Bartter syndrome
A renal disorder due to a defect in active chloride reabsorption in
the loop of Henle; characterized by primary juxtaglomerular cell
hyperplasia with secondary hyperaldosteronism, hypokalemic
alkalosis, hypercalciuria, elevated renin or angiotensin levels,
normal or low blood pressure, and growth retardation; edema is
absent. Autosomal recessive inheritance, caused by mutation in
either the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter gene (SLC12A1) on chromosome 15q
or the K(+) channel gene (KCNJ1) on 11q.
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Bartter's syndrome
A group of symptoms and signs including an enlargment of the kidney
cells, alkalosis associated with reduced potassium (hypokalemic
alkalosis) and increased production of the hormone aldosterone.
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Baruch law
The effect of any hydriatric procedure is in direct proportion to
the difference between the temperature of the water and that of the
skin; when the temperature of the water is above or below that of
the skin the effect is stimulating; when the two temperatures are
the same the effect is sedative.
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Baruria
Rarely used term for excretion of urine that has an unusually high
specific gravity, greater than 1.025 to 1.030.
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Bary-
Heavy.
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Barye
The CGS unit of pressure, equal to 1 dyne/cm2 or 10−6 bar.
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Baryta water
A saturated aqueous solution of barium hydroxide; used as an
alkaline reagent.
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Baryto-
Prefix indicating the presence of barium in a mineral.
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Basad
In a direction toward the base of any object or structure.
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Basal
1. Situated nearer the base of a pyramidal organ in relation to a
specific reference point; opposite of apical. 2. In dentistry,
denoting the floor of a cavity in the grinding surface of a tooth.
3. Denoting a standard or reference state of a function, as a basis
for comparison. More specifically, denoting the exact conditions
for measurement of basal metabolic rate; basal conditions do not
always denote a minimum value, metabolic rate in sleep is usually
lower than the basal rate but is inconvenient for standard
measurement.
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Basal age
Highest mental age level of the Stanford-Binet intelligence scale
at which all items are passed.
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Basal anesthesia
Parenteral administration of one or more sedatives to produce a
state of depressed consciousness short of a general anesthesia.
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Basal body
An elongated centriolar structure situated at the base of each
cilium at the apical margin of a cell.
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Basal body temperature
The temperature at rest, usually obtained on arising in the
morning, without any influences that might increase it; can give
indirect evidence of ovulation.
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Basal cell
A small, round cell found in the lower part (or base) of the
epidermis, the outer layer of the skin.
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Basal cell adenoma
A benign tumor of major or minor salivary glands or other organs
composed of small cells showing peripheral palisading.
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Basal cell carcinoma
A type of skin cancer that arises from the basal cells, small round
cells found in the lower part (or base) of the epidermis, the outer
layer of the skin.
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Basal cell hyperplasia
Increase in the number of cells in an epithelium resembling the
basal cells.
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Basal cell nevus
A hereditary disease noted in infancy or adolescence, characterized
by lesions of the eyelids, nose, cheeks, neck, and axillae,
appearing as uneroded flesh-colored papules, some becoming
pedunculated, and histologically indistinguishable from basal cell
epithelioma; also noted are punctate keratotic lesions of the palms
and soles; the lesions usually remain benign, but in some cases
ulceration and invasion occur and are evidence of malignant change;
autosomal dominant inheritance; caused by mutation in the human
PTCH, the homologue of the "patched gene" of Drosophila. PTCH is
found on chromosome 9q22.
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Basal cell nevus syndrome
A genetic condition that causes unusual facial features and
disorders of the skin, bones, nervous system, eyes, and endocrine
glands. People with this syndrome have a higher risk of basal cell
carcinoma. Also called Gorlin syndrome and nevoid basal cell
carcinoma syndrome.
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Basal crest of cochlear duct
Sharp extension of the central portion of the spiral ligament that
continues as the basilar membrane.
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Basal diet
1. A diet having a caloric value equal to the basal heat production
and sufficient quantities of essential nutrients to meet basic
needs. 2. In experiments in nutrition, a diet complete and adequate
except for a single constituent (a vitamin, mineral, or amino
acid), the nutritional value of which is to be determined, is
omitted for a period and the effects observed; the subject is
observed for a second period during which the ingredient being
studied is added to the diet.
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Basal encephalocele
A defect in the skull floor with the herniation of brain tissue
sometimes associated with coloboma of optic nerve.
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Basal ganglia
Originally, all the large masses of gray matter at the base of the
cerebral hemisphere; as currently used, the striate body (caudate
and lentiform nuclei); cell groups functionally associated with the
striate body, such as the subthalamic nucleus and substantia nigra
are frequently, but incorrectly grouped as part of the basal
nuclei/ganglia.
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Basal joint reflex
Opposition and adduction of the thumb with flexion at its
metacarpophalangeal joint and extension at its interphalangeal
joint, when firm passive flexion of the third, fourth, or fifth
finger is made; the reflex is normally present but absent in
pyramidal lesions.
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Basal lamina
An amorphous extracellular layer applied to the basal surface of
epithelium and also investing muscle cells, fat cells, and Schwann
cells; thought to be a selective filter and to serve both
structural and morphogenetic functions. Its principal component is
a layer (consisting mostly of type IV collagen) called the lamina
densa, which has a dense appearance under the electron microscope.
On either side of the lamina densa are two less dense layers,
called the lamina rarae.
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Basal lamina of choroid
The transparent, nearly structureless inner layer of the choroid in
contact with the pigmented layer of the retina.
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Basal lamina of ciliary body
The inner layer of the ciliary body, continuous with the basal
layer of the choroid and supporting the pigment epithelium of the
ciliary retina.
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Basal lamina of cochlear duct
The membrane extending from the bony spiral membrane to the basilar
crest of the cochlea; it forms the greater part of the floor of the
cochlear duct separating the latter from the scala tympani, and it
supports the organ of Corti.
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Basal lamina of neural tube
The anterior (ventral) division of the lateral walls of the neural
tube in the embryo; it contains neuroblasts giving rise to somatic
and visceral motor neurons.
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Basal laminar drusen
Small, round, translucent lesions measuring 25-75 mcm in diameter,
which represent nodular thickening of the basement membrane of the
retinal pigment epithelium, often with an overlying focal
detachment of the retinal pigment epithelium from Bruch membrane.
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Basal linear drusen
Deposits of long-spaced collagen located between the plasma
membrane and basement membrane of the retinal pigment epithelium.
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Basal membrane of semicircular duct
The basal membrane underlying the epithelium of the semicircular
duct.
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Basal metabolic rate
The rate of metabolism when the body is at rest.
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Basal metabolism
Oxygen used by a subject during minimal physiologic activity while
awake; an obsolete test determined by measuring oxygen consumption
of a fasting subject at complete bodily and mental rest and a room
temperature of 20°C.
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Basal nuclei
Nucleus of the cerebral hemisphere that originally included the
caudate and lenticular nuclei, the claustrum, and the amygdaloid
body (complex); functionally the term basal nuclei now specifies
the caudate and lenticular nuclei; adjacent cell groups
(subthalamic nucleus; substantia nigra and partes compacta and
reticulata) having important connections with the basal nuclei have
frequenty, but incorrectly, been described as being part of this
cell group; amygdaloid complex now known to be part of the limbic
system.
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Basal nucleus of Ganser
A large group of large cells in the innominate substance, ventral
to the lentiform nucleus.
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Basal part
Portion of a structure which forms its base-the bottom part or part
opposite the apex of the structure-or a branch serving that portion
of the structure; e.g. the basal part of the lungs (formed by the
four basal bronchopulmonary segments of each side) served by basal
parts of the right and left pulmonary arteries.
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Basal ration
Minimal diet containing only essential components.
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Basal seat area
That portion of the oral structures available to support a denture.
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Basal skull fracture
A fracture involving the base of the cranium.
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Basal sphincter
The thickening of the circular muscular coat at the base of the
ileal papilla at the terminal ileum.
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Basal striations
Vertical infranuclear striations caused by the infolding of plasma
membrane and mitochondria; seen in kidney tubules and certain
intralobular salivary ducts known as striated ducts.
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Basal substantia
Basal structures associated with the amygdaloid complex and its
connections; includes the basal nucleus (nucleus basalis) also
called the nucleus of Ganser, the sublenticular extended nucleus
(pars sublenticularis amygdalae), and bed nucleus of the stria
terminalis (nucleus stria terminalis).
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Basal surface
The surface of the denture of which the detail is determined by the
impression and which rests on the basal seat.
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Basal tuberculosis
Tuberculosis of the basilar portions of the lungs.
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Basal vein
A large vein originating from the confluence of veins from the
orbital cortex (anterior cerebral veins) and the area of the
insular cortex [deep middle cerebral vein (vena media profunda
cerebri), insular veins (venae insulares )], and passing caudally
and dorsally along the medial surface of the temporal lobe,
eventually emptying into the great cerebral vein. The basal vein
receives tributaries from structures along its course; these
include vein of olfactory gyrus (vena gyri olfactori), inferior
thalamostriate veins (venae thalamostriatae inferiores), inferior
ventricular vein (vena ventricularis inferior), inferior choroid
vein (vena choroidea inferior), and peduncular veins (venae
pedunculares).
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Basaloid
Resembling that which is basal, but not necessarily basal in origin
or position.
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Basaloid cell
A cell, usually of the epidermis, resembling a basal cell.
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Base
1. The lower part or bottom; the part of a pyramidal or conic
structure opposite the apex (heart); the foundation. 2. pharmacy
the chief ingredient of a mixture. 3. chemistry an electropositive
element (cation) that unites with an anion to form a salt; a
compound ionizing to yield hydroxyl ion. 4. Nitrogen-containing
organic compounds (purines, pyrimidines, amines, alkaloids, and
ptomaines) that act as Brønsted bases. 5. Cations, or substances
forming cations. 6. A substance the pH of which is over 7.0, in
contrast to an acid.
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Base composition
The proportions of the four bases (adenine, cytosine, guanine, and
thymine or uracil) present in DNA or RNA; usually expressed as the
percentage (mol %) of G plus C.
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Base deficit
A decrease in the total concentration of blood buffer base,
indicative of metabolic acidosis or compensated respiratory
alkalosis.
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Base excess
A measure of metabolic alkalosis, usually predicted from the
Siggaard-Andersen nomogram; the amount of strong acid that would
have to be added per unit volume of whole blood to titrate it to pH
7.4 while at 37°C and at a carbon dioxide pressure of 40 mmHg.
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Base hospital
A hospital unit located in a military or recreational encampment;
usually of small size and limited facilities, for immediate care of
illnesses and injuries.
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Base increase at low levels
A hearing aid signal-processing strategy to gradually raise the
amplification of low frequencies at low-intensity levels.
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Base material
Any substance from which a denture base may be made (shellac,
acrylic resin, vulcanite, polystyrene, metal).
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Base metal
A metal that is readily oxidized, iron, copper.
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Base metal alloy
An alloy with a noble metal content less than 25% by weight.
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Base of arytenoid cartilage
The part of the arytenoid cartilage that articulates with the
cricoid cartilage and from which the muscular process extends
laterally and the vocal process projects anteriorly.
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Base of brain
The inferior surface of the brain, primarily the brainstem, when
seen from below; commonly extended to include the inferior surface
of the adjacent parts of the cerebral hemisphere and external
features of the diencephalon (optic chiasm, infundibulum, and
mammillary body).
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Base of cochlea
The enlarged part of the cochlea that is directed posteriorly and
medially and lies close to the internal acoustic meatus; planar
surface underlying the basal turn of the cochlea.
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Base of heart
That part of the heart that lies opposite the apex, formed mainly
by the left atrium but to a small extent by the posterior part of
the right atrium; it is directed backward and to the right and is
separated from the vertebral column by the esophagus and aorta.
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Base of lung
The lower concave part of the lung that rests on the convexity of
the diaphragm.
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Base of mandible
The rounded inferior border of the body of the mandible.
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Base of metacarpal
The expanded proximal extremity of each metacarpal that articulates
with one or more of the distal row of carpal bones.
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Base of metatarsal
The expanded proximal extremity of each metatarsal bone; it
articulates with one or more of the distal row of tarsal bones.
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Base of modiolus of cochlea
The part of the modiolus surrounded by the basal turn of the
cochlea; it faces the lateral end of the internal acoustic meatus.
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Base of patella
The superior border of the patella, opposite its apex, to which the
tendon of the rectus femoris attaches.
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Base of phalanx
The expanded proximal end of each phalanx in the hand or foot that
articulates with the head of the next proximal bone in the digit.
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Base of phalanx of foot
Proximal, concave, articulating end of the bones of the toes.
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Base of phalanx of hand
Proximal, concave, articulating end of the bones of the fingers.
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Base of prostate
The broad upper surface of the prostate contiguous with the bladder
wall.
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Base of renal pyramid
The outer broad part of a renal pyramid, opposite the apical
papilla, which lies next to the cortex.
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Base of sacrum
The upper end of the sacrum that articulates with the body of the
fifth lumbar vertebra in the midline plus the superior aspects of
the alae on either side.
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Base of stapes
The flat portion of the stapes to which the limbs attach that fits
in the oval window.
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Base pair
The complex of two heterocyclic nucleic acid bases, one a
pyrimidine and the other a purine, brought about by hydrogen
bonding between the purine and the pyrimidine; base pairing is the
essential element in the structure of DNA proposed by J. Watson and
F. Crick in 1953; usually guanine is paired with cytosine (G·C),
and adenine with thymine (A·T) or uracil (A·U).
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Base units
The fundamental units of length, mass, time, electric current,
thermodynamic temperature, amount of substance, and luminous
intensity in the International System of Units (SI); the names and
symbols of the units for these quantities are meter (m), kilogram
(kg), second (s), ampere (A), kelvin (K), mole (mol), and candela
(cd).
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Baseball finger
Also known as mallet finger, which occurs when the extensor tendon
to the distal joint of the finger is stretched or torn. The
extensor tendon is on the top of the finger. The distal joint is
the last joint near the tip of the finger.
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Basedoid
Rarely used term denoting a condition resembling Graves disease
(Basedow disease), but without toxic symptoms.
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Basedow goiter
Colloid goiter that becomes hyperfunctional after the ingestion of
excess iodine.
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Basedow pseudoparaplegia
Weakness of the thigh muscles in thyrotoxicosis; may occur suddenly
and cause the patient to fall.
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Basedowian
Rarely used to denote terms described by or attributed to K.
Basedow.
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Baseline fetal heart rate
The average heart rate for a particular fetus during the diastolic
phase of uterine contractions.
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Baseline tonus
Intrauterine pressure between contractions during labor.
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Baseline variability of fetal heart rate
The beat-to-beat changes in fetal heart rate as recorded on a
graph.
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Basement
A cavity or space partly or completely separated from a larger
space above it.
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Basement membrane
An amorphous extracellular layer closely applied to the basal
surface of epithelium and also investing muscle cells, fat cells,
and Schwann cells; thought to be a selective filter and to serve
both structural and morphogenetic functions; it is composed of
three successive layers (lamina lucida, lamina densa, and lamina
fibroreticularis), a matrix of collagen (of which type IV is unique
to the lamina densa of this membrane), and several glycoproteins.
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Baseplate
A temporary form representing the base of a denture; used for
making record of maxillomandibular (jaw) relationships and the
arrangement of teeth.
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Baseplate wax
A hard pink wax used in dentistry for making occlusion rims.
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Base-stacking
An arrangement of DNA or RNA bases in which the bases lie on top of
each other.
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Basi-
Base; basis.
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Basialis
Relating to a basis or the basion.
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Basialveolar
Relating to both basion and alveolar points; denoting especially
the basialveolar length, or the shortest distance between these two
points.
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Basibregmatic axis
A line extending from the basion to the bregma.
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Basic
Relating to a base.
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Basic activities of daily living
Those activities that concern personal care ( brushing one's teeth,
bathing, other forms of self-care).
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Basic amino acid
An amino acid containing a second basic group (usually an amino
group), lysine, arginine, ornithine.
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Basic co-centering
Form of co-centering.
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Basic concepts Gestalt therapy
A form of Gestalt therapy in which the emphasis is on experiencing
present occurrences rather than on talking about recollections.
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Basic dyes
Dyes which ionize in solution to give positively charged ions or
cations; the auxochrome group is an amine which can form a salt
with an acid like HCl; solutions are usually slightly acidic;
examples include basic fuchsin and toluidine blue O.
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Basic electrical rhythm
A slow wave of depolarization of smooth muscle from the fundus to
the pylorus that coordinates gastric peristalsis and emptying.
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Basic exotropia
Exotropia in which the strabismus is the same for near and far
vision.
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Basic fibroblast growth factor
bFGF. A hormone that stimulates the growth of blood vessels.
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Basic fuchsin
A triphenylmethane dye the dominant component of which is
pararosanilin; an important stain in histology, histochemistry, and
bacteriology.
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Basic fuchsin-methylene blue stain
A stain for intact epoxy sections; semithick sections of
plastic-embedded tissues have nuclei stained purple; collagen,
elastic lamina, and connective tissue are stained blue;
mitochondria, myelin, and lipid droplets are stained red;
cytoplasm, smooth muscle cells, axoplasm, and chrondroblasts are
stained pink.
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Basic life support
Emergency cardiopulmonary resuscitation; control of bleeding;
treatment of shock, acidosis, and poisoning; stabilization of
injuries and wounds; and basic first aid.
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Basic oxide
A base anhydride; an oxide of an electropositive element or
radical; it can combine with water to form a base.
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Basic personality type
1. A person's unique, covert, or underlying personality
propensities, whether behaviorally manifest or overt. 2.
Personality characteristics of an individual person that are also
shared by most members of a social group.
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Basic polarity counseling
Part of Polarity Therapy. Basic Polarity counseling borrows from
bioenergetics, Gestalt and neurolinguistic programming. Its
purported focus is the "body/mind relationship."
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Basic protein
A protein rich in basic amino acids; histones.
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Basic reproductive number
The average number of people to whom a given illness is transmitted
by anyone else with that illness.
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Basic reproductive rate
Measurement of the number of infections produced, on average, by an
infectious person at an early stage in the propagation of an
epidemic when virtually all members of the population are
susceptible to infection.
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Basic salt
A salt in which there are one or more hydroxyl ions not replaced by
the electronegative element of an acid; Fe(OH)2Cl.
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Basic stain
A dye in which the cation is the colored component of the dye
molecule that binds to anionic groups of nucleic acids (PO4Ξ) or
acidic mucopolysaccharides (chondroitin sulfate).
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Basicity
1. The valence or combining power of an acid, or the number of
replaceable atoms of hydrogen in its molecule. 2. The
characteristic(s) of being a chemical base.
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Basicranial
Relating to the base of the skull.
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Basidiobolus
A genus of fungi belonging to the class Zygomycetes. Basidiobolus
haptosporus has been isolated from cases of zygomycosis
(entomophthoramycosis basidiobolae) in humans, especially in
Indonesia, tropical Africa, and Southeast Asia.
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Basidiomycetes
One of the four major classes of fungi, characterized by a
spore-bearing organ (basidium), usually a single clavate cell,
which bears basidiospores after karyogamy and meiosis. The class
comprises the smuts, rusts, mushrooms, and puffballs. Excluding
mycotoxins, there is only one human pathogen, the basidiomycetous
stage of Cryptococcus neoformans.
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Basidiomycota
A phylum of fungi characterized by a spore-bearing organ, the
basidium, that is usually a clavate cell that bears basidiospores
after karyogamy and meiosis. Some mycologists have raised the class
Basidiomycetes to the phylum or division level.
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Basidiospore
A fungal spore borne on a basidium, characteristic of the class
Basidiomycetes.
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Basidium
A cell or spore-bearing organ usually club-shaped that is
characteristic of the Basidiomycota. It bears basidiospores
externally after karyogamy and meiosis. It is composed of a swollen
terminal cell situated on a slender stalk, and gives rise to
slender filaments (sterigmata), usually four in number, from the
ends of which the basidiospores are developed.
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Basifacial
Relating to the lower portion of the face.
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Basifacial axis
A line drawn from the subnasal point to the midpoint of the
sphenoethmoidal suture.
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Basilar
Relating to the base of a pyramidal or broad structure.
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Basilar angle
An angle formed by the intersection at the basion of lines coming
from the nasal spine and the nasal point.
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Basilar artery
Formed by union of the intracranial portions of the two vertebral
arteries; runs along the clivus in the subarachnoid space from the
lower to the upper border of the pons, where it bifurcates into the
two posterior cerebral arteries; branches, anterior inferior
cerebellar artery, pontine arteries, mesencephalic arteries,
superior cerebellar artery, and posterior cerebral artery.
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Basilar bone
The developmental basilar process of the occipital bone that unites
with the condylar portions around the fourth or fifth year,
becoming the basilar part of occipital bone.
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Basilar cartilage
The cartilage filling the foramen lacerum.
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Basilar crest of cochlear duct
An inward projection of the spiral ligament of the cochlea to which
is attached the basilar membrane forming the floor of the cochlear
duct.
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Basilar impression
An invagination of the base of the skull into the posterior fossa
with compression of the brainstem and cerebellar structures into
the foramen magnum.
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Basilar index
Ratio between the basialveolar line and the maximum length of the
cranium, according to the formula: (basialveolar line × 100)/length
of cranium.
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Basilar leptomeningitis
Inflammation of the arachnoid at the base of the brain; often found
in chronic meningitis of tuberculous, luetic, or mycotic origin.
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Basilar meningitis
Meningitis at the base of the brain, due usually to tuberculosis,
syphilis, or any low-grade chronic granulomatous process; may
result in an internal hydrocephalus.
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Basilar migraine
A migraine accompanied by transient brainstem signs (vertigo,
tinnitus, perioral numbness, diplopia) thought to be due to
vasospastic narrowing of the basilar artery.
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Basilar papilla
The auditory sense organ of birds, amphibians, and reptiles;
homologous to the organ of Corti in mammals.
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Basilar part of occiital bone
The wedgelike portion of the occipital bone that lies anterior to
the foramen magnum and joins with the body of the sphenoid bone.
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Basilar part of pons
The large bulbous portion of the pons seen on the ventral portion
of the brainstem and ventral to the medial lemniscus in a cross
section: contains longitudinally oriented fibers (corticospinal,
corticopontine, corticoreticular, and others) and the transversely
oriented pontocerebellar fibers.
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Basilar pontine sulcus
A median groove on the ventral surface of the pons varolii in which
lies the basilar artery.
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Basilar prognathism
The concave facial profile, or forward position of the chin,
resembling mandibular prognathism, created by the prominence of the
bone of the mandible at the chin or menton.
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Basilar venous plexus
A venous plexus on the clivus, connected with the cavernous and
petrosal sinuses and the internal vertebral (epidural) venous
plexus.
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Basilar vertebra
The lowest lumbar vertebra.
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Basilateral
Relating to the base and one or more sides of any part.
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Basilic vein
Arises from the ulnar side of the dorsal venous network of the
hand; it curves around the medial side of the forearm (as the
basilic vein of forearm), communicates with the cephalic vein via
the median cubital vein, and passes up the medial side of the arm
to join the axillary vein.
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Basilicus
Denoting a prominent or important part or structure.
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Basillic vein of forearm
That part of the basilic vein coursing between hand and median
cubital vein.
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Basin
A receptacle for fluids.
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Basinasal
Relating to the basion and the nasion; denoting especially the
basinasal length, or the shortest distance between the two points.
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Basinasal line
A line connecting the basion and the nasion.
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Basioccipital
Relating to the basilar process of the occipital bone.
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Basioglossus
The portion of the hyoglossus muscle that originates from the body
of the hyoid bone.
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Basion
The middle point on the anterior margin of the foramen magnum,
opposite the opisthion.
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Basipetal
1. In a direction toward the base. 2. Pertaining to asexual
conidial production in fungi, in which successive budding of the
basal conidium forms in an unbranched chain with the youngest at
the base.
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Basiphobia
Morbid fear of walking.
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Basis pedunculi
The base of the midbrain consisting of the crus cerebri and
substantia nigra.
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Basisphenoid
Relating to the base or body of the sphenoid bone; denoting the
independent center of ossification in the embryo that forms the
posterior portion of the body of the sphenoid bone.
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Basitemporal
Relating to the lower part of the temporal region.
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Basivertebral
Relating to the body of a vertebra.
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Basivertebral veins
Veins in the spongy substance of the bodies of the vertebrae,
emptying into the anterior internal vertebral venous plexus.
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Basket
1. A basketlike arborization of the axon of cells in the cerebellar
cortex, surrounding the cell body of Purkinje cells. 2. Any
basketlike device or structure.
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Basket cell
1. A neuron enmeshing the cell body of another neuron with its
terminal axon ramifications. 2. A myoepithelial cell with branching
processes that occurs basal to the secretory cells of certain
salivary gland and lacrimal gland alveoli.
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Basket endosteal implant
A perforated endosteal dental implant the body of which is in the
form of one or more contiguous cylinders.
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Basket nucleus
Nuclear structure that may be seen in Iodamoeba bütschlii cysts and
occasionally in trophozoites; in stained preparations, fibrils may
be seen running between the karyosome and the chromatin granules.
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Basle Nomina Anatomica
The name adopted in 1895 in Basel, Switzerland (French spelling,
Basle) by members of the German Anatomical Society that met to
compile a Latin nomenclature of anatomic terms. Revisions of the
resulting nomenclature were published at intervals until, in 1955
in Paris, the international membership of the Congress of
Anatomists adopted a modification of the Basle Nomina Anatomica
terminology. That modification dropped the reference to the
original meeting place.
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Basmati rice
A long-grained scented rice originating in the foothills of
Himalayas in India.
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Basoerythrocyte
A red blood cell that manifests changes of basophilic degeneration,
such as basophilic stippling, punctate basophilia, or basophilic
granules.
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Basoerythrocytosis
An increase of red blood cells with basophilic degenerative
changes, frequently observed in diseases characterized by prolonged
hypochromic anemia.
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Basolateral
Basal and lateral; specifically used to refer to one of the two
major cytologic divisions of the amygdaloid complex.
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Basometachromophil
Staining metachromatically with a basic dye.
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Basophil
A type of white blood cell that is involved in allergic reactions.
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Basophil adenoma
A tumor of the adenohypophysis in which the cell cytoplasm stains
with basic dyes, often producing ACTH.
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Basophil granule
A granule that stains readily with a basic dye.
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Basophilia
1. A condition in which there are more than the usual number of
basophilic leukocytes in the circulating blood (basophilic
leukocytosis) or an increase in the proportion of parenchymatous
basophilic cells in an organ (in the bone marrow, basophilic
hyperplasia). 2. A condition in which basophilic erythrocytes are
found in circulating blood, as in certain instances of leukemia,
advanced anemia, malaria, and plumbism. 3. The reaction of immature
erythrocytes to basic dyes whereby the cells appear blue or contain
bluish granules. 4. Beta adenohypophysis.
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Basophilic
Denoting tissue components having an affinity for basic dyes.
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Basophilic degeneration
Blue staining of connective tissues when hematoxylin-eosin stain is
used; found in such conditions as solar elastosis.
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Basophilic leukemia
A form of granulocytic leukemia in which there are unusually great
numbers of basophilic granulocytes in the tissues and circulating
blood; in some instances, the immature and mature basophilic forms
may represent from 40 to 80% of the total numbers of white blood
cells.
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Basophilic leukocyte
A polymorphonuclear leukocyte characterized by the presence of
numerous large, coarse, metachromatic granules (dark purple or
blue-black when treated with Wright or similar stains) that usually
fill the cytoplasm and may almost mask the nucleus; these
leukocytes are unique in that they do not usually occur in
increased numbers as the result of infectious disease, and their
phagocytic qualities are probably not significant; the granules,
which contain numerous primary mediators, including heparin and
histamine, may degranulate in response to hypersensitivity
reactions and can be of significance in general inflammation;
leukocytes can also synthesize and release, ab ovo, secondary
mediators from arachidonic acid precursors in their membranes.
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Basophilic leukocytosis
The presence of an abnormally large number of basophilic
granulocytes in the blood.
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Basophilic leukopenia
A decrease in the number of basophilic granulocytes in the
circulating blood (difficult to evaluate, owing to the small and
variable number normally present).
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Basoplasm
That part of the cytoplasm that stains readily with basic dyes.
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Basosquamous carcinoma
A carcinoma of the skin which in structure and behavior is
considered transitional between basal cell and squamous cell
carcinoma The term should not be used for the much more common
keratotic variety of basal cell carcinoma, in which the tumor cells
are of basal type but contain small foci of abrupt keratinization.
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Bass increase at low levels
A level-dependent frequency response program for hearing aids that,
at low (relatively quiet) input levels only, amplifies lower
frequency sounds more than it does higher frequency sounds.
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Bassen-Kornzweig syndrome
A rare, inherited disease characterized by the inability to fully
absorb dietary fats through the gut. It results in fatty stools,
diarrhea, failure to thrive in infancy, and problems with nerves.
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Bassini herniorrhaphy
A herniorrhaphy for an indirect inguinal hernia repair; after
reduction of the hernia, the sac is twisted, ligated, and cut off,
then a new inguinal floor is made by uniting the edge of the
internal oblique muscle to the inguinal ligament, placing the cord
on this, and covering it with the external oblique muscle.
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Bassler sign
In chronic appendicitis, pinching the appendix between the thumb
and the iliacus muscle causes sharp pain.
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Bassora gum
A gum from Iran and Turkey, resembling tragacanth, acacia, and the
gummy exudate of cherry and plum trees; used in making storax.
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Bassorin
The insoluble portion (60-70%) of tragacanth that swells to form a
gel; it contains complex methoxylated acids.
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Bastedo sign
An obsolete sign: in chronic appendicitis, pain and tenderness in
the right iliac fossa on inflation of the colon with air.
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Basti
Enema.
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Bat
A member of the mammalian order Chiroptera.
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Batch analyzer
A discrete automated chemical analyzer in which the instrument
system sequentially performs a single test on each of a group of
samples.
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Batch culture
A technique for large-scale production of microbes or microbial
products in which, at a given time, the fermenter is stopped and
the culture is worked up.
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Bateman Health System
Combination of Qigong and yoga developed by Allan Bateman and
promoted by the Bateman Institute for Health Education, in
Manhattan (New York City).
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Bath
1. Immersion of the body or any of its parts in water or any other
yielding or fluid medium, or application of such medium in any form
to the body or any of its parts. 2. Apparatus used in giving a bath
of any form, qualified according to the medium used, the
temperature of the medium, the form in which the medium is applied,
the medicament added to the medium, or according to the part
bathed. 3. Fluid used for maintenance of metabolic activities or
growth of living organisms, cells derived from body tissue.
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Bath pruritus
Itching produced by inadequate rinsing off of soap or by overdrying
of skin from excessive bathing.
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Bathing trunk nevus
A darkly pigmented, disfiguring, often hairy patch of skin (nevus)
present at birth, which may cover an extremely large area of the
body. Sometimes the nevus covers most of the trunk, the upper arms,
and thighs.
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Bathmotropic
Influencing the excitability of muscular tissue, especially cardiac
muscle. Response to a stimulus that increases nervous and muscular
irritability.
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Batho-
Depth.
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Bathochromic
Denoting the shift of an absorption spectrum maximum to a longer
wavelength. Opposite of hypsochromic.
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Bathoflore
An atom or group of atoms that, by its presence in a molecule,
shifts the latter's fluorescent radiation in the direction of
longer wavelength, or reduces the fluorescence.
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Bathophobia
Morbid fear of deep places or of looking into them.
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Bathy-
Depth.
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Bathyanesthesia
Loss of deep sensibility, from muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones,
and joints.
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Bathycardia
A condition in which the heart occupies a lower position than
normal but is fixed there, as distinguished from cardioptosia.
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Bathyesthesia
General term for all sensation from the tissues beneath the skin,
muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones, and joints.
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Bathyhyperesthesia
Exaggerated sensitiveness of deep structures, muscular tissue.
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Bathyhypesthesia
Impairment of sensation in the structures beneath the skin, muscle
tissue.
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Batimastat
An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called
angiogenesis inhibitors. Batimastat is a matrix metalloproteinase
inhibitor.
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Batista procedure
Surgical reduction of one or both ventricles when they are
excessively dilated.
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Batrachotoxin
A neurotoxin from the Colombian arrow poison frogs (Phyllobates
spp.). It is nontoxic when ingested. If it is injected or if ulcers
are present, it will cause an irreversible increase in permeability
of sodium ions in nerve membrane, producing paralysis.
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Bat's wing pattern
On a frontal x-ray image, bilaterally symmetric, coalescent,
ill-defined opacities confined to the central part of the lungs.
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Batten disease
The most common form of a group of rare disorders known as neuronal
ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs). Batten disease is an inherited
genetic disorder that causes a buildup of lipopigments in the
body's tissue. Batten disease refers to the juvenile form of NCL,
but the other forms of NCL can also be referred to as Batten
disease.
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Batten-Mayou disease
Cerebral sphingolipidosis, late infantile, and juvenile types.
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Battered child syndrome
The clinical presentation of child abuse: various injuries to the
skeleton, soft tissues, or organs of a child sustained as a result
of repeated mistreatment or beating, usually by the person
responsible for the child's care.
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Battered spouse syndrome
Physical, psychological, and emotional injuries in a person
subjected to abuse by a spouse or domestic partner; usually
associated with alcoholism in the abusing spouse.
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Battery
A group or series of tests administered for analytic or diagnostic
purposes.
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Battle fatigue
A term used to denote psychiatric illness consequent to the
stresses of battle.
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Battle incision
A paramedian incision through the anterior and posterior rectus
sheaths with medial retraction of the intact rectus abdominis.
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Battle sign
Postauricular ecchymosis in cases of fracture of the base of the
skull.
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Battledore placenta
A placenta in which the umbilical cord is attached at the placental
margin; so called because of the fancied resemblance to the racquet
(racket) used in battledore, a precursor to badminton.
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Bauer chromic acid leucofuchsin stain
A stain for glycogen and fungi using chromic acid as an oxidizing
agent of polysaccharides, followed by Schiff reagent; glycogen and
fungi cell walls appear deep red.
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Bauer syndrome
Aortitis and aortic endocarditis as a little-recognized
manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis.
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Bauer-Kirby test
A standardized test for microbiologic susceptibility performed by
transferring a standardized pure culture of the organism of
interest onto a sensitivity plate (Petri dish with Mueller-Hinton
agar) and observing growth in the presence of discs containing
antibiotics.
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Baume scale
A hydrometer scale for determining the specific gravity of liquids
heavier and lighter than water, respectively: for liquids lighter
than water, divide 140 by 130 plus the Baumé degree; for liquids
heavier than water, divide 145 by 145 minus the Baumé degree.
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Baumes symptom
Pain behind the sternum in angina pectoris.
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Baumgarten veins
Nonobliterated remnants of the vena umbilicalis.
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Bauxite pneumoconiosis
A condition due to the occupational inhalation of bauxite fumes
emitted during the manufacture of alumina abrasives; characterized
by cough, shortness of breath, a combined obstructive and
restrictive breathing pattern, and impairment of diffusing
capacity.
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Bay
1. In anatomy, a recess containing fluid. 2. Especially, the
lacrimal bay.
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BAY 12-9566
An investigational drug that prevents the growth of new blood
vessels to a tumor.
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Bayes theorem
The impacts of new data on the evidential merits of competing
scientific hypotheses are compared by computing for each the
product of the antecedent plausibility (the prior probability) and
the likelihood of the current data given that hypothesis (the
conditional probability) and rescaling them so that their total is
unity (the rescaled values being posterior probabilities).
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Bayesian hypothesis
An array of surmised values of a parameter to be severally explored
in the light of a current set of data, with logical symmetry being
preserved among all. The merits of each hypothesis entertained are
based on quantity, the prior probability. The probability of the
data conditional on the hypothesis is computed as the conditional
probability for each; the product of the two for each hypothesis is
the joint probability, and the ratio of each joint probability to
the sum of all the joint probabilities is the posterior probability
for that hypothesis. Unlike the Neyman-Pearson test of hypotheses,
the answer is a statement about the hypothesis, not about the
sample conditional on the hypothesis. No hypothesis is preferred or
prevails by default.
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Bayley Scales of Infant Development
A psychological test used to measure the developmental progress of
infants over the first 2-1/2 years of life; consists of three
scales: mental, motor, and behavior record.
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Baylisascariasis
The disease caused by nematode parasites of the genus
Baylisascaris; migrating larvae of the raccoon parasite B.
procyonis can cause a severe disease of the central nervous system
in a variety of wild and domestic animal species and, rarely, in
humans; human disease has been manifested as either a fatal
eosinophilic meningoencephalitis or a diffuse unilateral subacute
neuroretinitis.
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Baylisascaris
A genus of ascarid nematodes found in the intestine of mammals.
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Baylisascaris procyonis
A large roundworm commonly found in raccoons; has been the cause of
human visceral larva migrans and ocular larva migrans, following
accidental ingestion of embryonated Baylisascaris procyonis eggs in
feces of infected raccoons.
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Bayonet
An instrument having a blade or nib that is offset and parallel to
the shaft.
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Bayonet apposition
Relationship of two fracture fragments that lie next to each other
rather than in end-to-end contact.
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Bayonet forceps
Forceps with offset blades, such as those for use through an
otoscope.
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Bayonet hair
A spindle-shaped developmental defect occurring at the tapered end
of the hair.
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Bayou virus
A species of Hantavirus in the United States causing hantavirus
pulmonary syndrome; transmitted by the rice rat.
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Bazett formula
A formula for correcting the observed QT interval in the
electrocardiogram for cardiac rate (R-R interval): corrected QT =
Q-T sec/√RR sec.
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BBB
Abbreviation for blood-brain barrier; bundle-branch block.
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BBBD
Abbreviation for blood-brain barrier disruption. The use of drugs
to create openings between cells in the blood-brain barrier. The
blood-brain barrier is a protective network of blood vessels and
tissue that protects the brain from harmful substances, but can
also prevent anticancer drugs from reaching the brain. Once the
barrier is opened, anticancer drugs may be infused into an artery
that goes to the brain, in order to treat brain tumors.
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BBC
Abbreviation for bromobenzylcyanide.
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BBC3
Abbreviation for Bcl2-binding component 3.
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BBT
Abbreviation for basal body temperature.
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B-cell coreceptor
A complex of three proteins associated with the B-cell receptor
(CR2, CD19, and TAPA-1).
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B-cell differentiation/growth factors
Various substances, usually obtained from the supernatant of T-cell
cultures, such as interleukins-4, -5, and -6. These substances are
necessary for B-cell growth, maturation, and differentiation into
plasma cells or B-memory cells.
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BCG
Abbreviation for bacille Calmette-Guérin; ballistocardiograph.
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BCG solution
A form of biological therapy for superficial bladder cancer. A
catheter is used to place the BCG solution into the bladder. The
solution contains live, weakened bacteria (bacillus
Calmette-Guérin) that activate the immune system. The BCG solution
used for bladder cancer is not the same thing as BCG vaccine, a
vaccine for tuberculosis.
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BCG vaccine
The Bacille Calmett-Guerin (BCG) vaccine is a vaccine against
tuberculosis that activates the body's immune system.
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BCL-2
An oncogene that inhibits apoptosis.
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BCL-2 antisense
An experimental drug that may kill cancer cells by blocking the
production of a protein that makes cancer cells live longer.
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Bcl-6
A protein that marks germinal center-cell differentiation and
regulates lymphocyte differentiation and immune response. Bcl-6
gene rearrangements and Bcl-6 protein expression are frequent in
nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma and suggest a
germinal center-derived B-cell origin for Barrett esophagitis.
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BDC
Abbreviation for Bellini duct carcinoma. A rare type of kidney
cancer that grows and spreads quickly. It begins in the duct of
Bellini in the kidney.
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Bdellin
One of a group of protease inhibitors from the leech.
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Bdellovibrio
Genus of aerobic, motile, gram-negative bacteria, obligately
parasitic, or other gram-negative bacteria; occurring in soil and
water around the world.
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B-DNA
A form of DNA in which the helix is right-handed and the overall
appearance is long and thin.
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Be
Symbol for beryllium.
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BE
Abbreviation for barium enema.
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B-E amputation
Abbreviation for below-the-elbow amputation.
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Beaded
1. Marked by numerous small rounded projections, often arranged in
a row like a string of beads. 2. Applied to a series of
noncontinuous bacterial colonies along the line of inoculation in a
stab culture. 3. Denoting stained bacteria in which more deeply
stained granules occur at regular intervals in the organism.
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Beading
1. Numerous small rounded projections, often in a row like a string
of beads. 2. The rounded elevation along the border of the tissue
surface of the major connectors of a maxillary dental prosthesis.
3. Protection of the formed borders of final impressions for a
dental prosthesis done by placement of wax sticks or a
plaster-pumice combination adjacent to the borders prior to forming
the master cast.
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Beak
1. The nose of pliers used in dentistry for contouring and
adjusting wrought or cast metal dental appliances. 2. Sometimes
used to describe a beak-shaped anatomic structure.
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Beak sign
Appearance of the distal esophagus, on a contrast esophagram, in
achalasia; also used to describe the proximal pyloric canal on
upper GI series in congenital pyloric stenosis.
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Beaker
A thin glass vessel, with a lip (beak) for pouring, used as
containers for liquids.
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Beale cell
A bipolar ganglion cell of the heart with one spiral and one
straight prolongation.
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Beam
1. Any bar the curvature of which changes under load; in dentistry,
frequently used instead of "bar." 2. A collimated emission of light
or other radiation, such as an x-ray beam.
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Bean
The flattened seed, contained in a pod, of various leguminous
plants. Beans of pharmacologic significance are alphabetized by
specific name.
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Bearing
A supporting point or surface.
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Bearing down
Expulsive effort of a parturient woman in the second stage of
labor.
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Bearing-down pain
A uterine contraction accompanied by straining and tenesmus;
usually appearing in the second stage of labor.
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Beat
1. To strike; to throb or pulsate. 2. A stroke, impulse, or
pulsation, as of the heart or pulse. 3. Activity of a cardiac
chamber produced by catching a stimulus generated elsewhere in the
heart. 4. The perception of a third tone when two tones of slightly
different frequencies are presented. 5. One of a series of
regularly pulsating tones created by the periodic mutual
reinforcement of two simultaneously sounding tones that differ
slightly in frequency.
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Beat-to-beat variability of fetal heart rate
Variability of fetal heart rate measured in changes in the QRS-QRS
interval from heart beat to heart beat; measured with electronic
internal fetal heart rate monitors.
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Beau lines
Transverse grooves on the fingernails following severe febrile
disease, malnutrition, trauma, myocardial infarction, or other
disorders.
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Beauveria
A genus of fungi (class Hyphomycetes). Beauvaria bassiana is
pathogenic for insects, holds promise in the biologic control of
insects, and has produced infection in humans.
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Becanthone hydrochloride
A schistosomicide.
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Bechic
Tending to relieve a cough.
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Bechterew sign
Paralysis of automatic facial movements, the power of voluntary
movement being retained.
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Bechterew-Mendel reflex
Plantar flexion of the toes caused by percussion of the dorsum of
the foot; present in a pyramidal lesion.
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Beck depression index
Instrument testing 21 characteristics of depression; mood,
pessimism, social withdrawal, sleep disturbance, weight loss, and
preoccupation with health. A score higher than 21 indicates
significant depression.
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Beck method
A permanent opening into the stomach made from its greater
curvature.
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Becker disease
An obscure South African cardiomyopathy leading to rapidly fatal
congestive heart failure and idiopathic mural endomyocardial
disease.
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Becker nevus
A nevus first seen as an irregular pigmentation of the shoulders,
upper chest, or scapular area, gradually enlarging irregularly and
becoming thickened and hairy.
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Becker phenomenon
Increased retinal artery pulsations seen in aortic regurgitation.
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Becker stain for spirochetes
A stain applied to thin films fixed in formaldehyde-acetic acid;
preparations are treated successively with tannin, carbolic acid,
and carbol fuchsin.
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Becker's muscular dystrophy
An inherited disorder characterized by slowly progressive muscle
weakness of the legs and pelvis.
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Beckmann apparatus
Apparatus for the accurate measurement of melting points and
boiling points in connection with molecular weight determinations.
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Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome
An overgrowth syndrome characterized by exomphalos, macroglossia,
and gigantism, often with neonatal hypoglycemia; there is an
association with hemihypertrophy Wilms tumors and adrenocortical
cancer. Autosomal dominant inheritance, with most cases sporadic;
influenced by genomic imprinting and uniparental disomy; caused by
change in the P57 (KIP2) gene locus on chromosome 11p.
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Beclard hernia
A hernia through the opening for the saphenous vein.
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Beclard triangle
Area bounded by the posterior border of the hyoglossus muscle, the
posterior belly of the digastric, and the greater horn of the hyoid
bone.
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Becquerel
The SI unit of measurement of radioactivity, equal to 1
disintegration per second; 1 Bq = 0.027 × 10−9 Ci.
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Becquerel rays
Obsolete term for radiation given off by uranium and other
radioactive substances; these include α, β, and γ rays.
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Bed
1. In anatomy, a base or structure(s) that support(s) another
structure. 2. A piece of furniture used for rest, recuperation, or
treatment.
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Bed of breast
Structures against which the posterior surface of the breast lies;
includes mainly the pectoralis major muscle, but also some serratus
anterior and external abdominal oblique muscle; extends from second
to sixth rib, and from parasternal to anterior axillary lines.
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Bed of stomach
The structures against which the posteroinferior surface of the
stomach lies, and from which it is separated, for the main part, by
the omental bursa; includes diaphragm, left suprarenal gland, upper
part of left kidney, splenic artery, anterior aspect of pancreatic
body and tail, left colic flexure, and transverse mesocolon.
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Bed rest
Maintenance of the recumbent position, in bed, to minimize activity
and help recovery from disease; formerly used extensively in the
treatment of tuberculosis, myocardial infarction, and other
diseases.
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Bed sores
Also known as a pressure sore, it is a lesion that develops on the
skin and underlying tissues due to unrelieved pressure usually over
a bony prominence. The skin and tissues rely on an adequate blood
supply for oxygen and nutrients. When tissues are compressed for an
extended period (even two hours), blood supply can be cut off,
leading to development of a sore.
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Bed wetting
An involuntary urination during sleep in children over age five.
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Bedlam
1. Pejorative colloquialism for a mental hospital or institution.
2. A place or scene of wild or riotous behavior. 3. A disturbing
uproar.
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Bednar aphthae
Traumatic ulcers located bilaterally on either side of the
midpalatal raphe in infants.
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Bee
An insect of the genus Apis; the honeybee, A. mellifica, is the
source of honey and wax.
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Bee toxin
The toxin delivered by a bee sting; contains three active
principles: biogenic amines, active peptides, and certain
hydrolytic enzymes.
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Beechwood sugar
D-xylose.
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Beechwood tar
A thick, oily, dark brown liquid with the odor of creosote; largely
used as a source of creosote.
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Beer knife
A triangular knife with a sharp point and one sharp edge, formerly
used for incision for cataract.
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Beer law
The intensity of a color or of a light ray is inversely
proportional to the depth of liquid through which it is
transmitted; it is concluded that the absorption depends on the
number of molecules in the path of the ray.
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Beer-Lambert law
The absorbance of light is directly proportional to the thickness
of the media through which the light is being transmitted
multiplied by the concentration of absorbing chromophore; A = εbc
where A is the absorbance, ε is the molar extinction coefficient, b
is the thickness of the solution, and c is the concentration.
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Beers criteria
A set of pharmacologic features that make certain drugs
particularly hazardous for patients over 65 years of age. A list of
such drugs was first published in 1991 and has been periodically
revised by specialists in geriatrics.
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Beeswax pastilles
A natural substance used as a thickener in healing balms, salves,
and creams.
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Beet sugar
D-sucrose.
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Beet-tongue
Appearance of the tongue in pellagra, in which intense erythema
appears, first at the tip, then along the edges, and finally over
the dorsum; there may be pain and increased elevation; the shiny
appearance results from edema, not atrophy, except in chronic
pellagra.
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Beeturia
Urinary excretion of betacyanin after ingestion of beets, found in
most iron deficient, and in some otherwise normal people.
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Beevor sign
1. When a patient with a spinal cord lesion in the lower thoracic
region lies supine and attempts to flex the neck and upper trunk,
the umbilicus moves cephalad, due to weakness of the lower
abdominal muscles. 2. With functional limb disorders, the
antagonist and the agonist muscles both contract on attempted
movement.
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Behavior
1. Any response emitted by or elicited from an organism. 2. Any
mental or motor act or activity. 3. Specifically, parts of a total
response pattern.
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Behavior chain
Related behaviors in a series in which each response serves as a
stimulus for the next response.
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Behavior disorder
General term used to denote mental illness or psychological
dysfunction, specifically those mental, emotional, or behavioral
subclasses for which organic correlates do not exist.
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Behavior therapy
A therapy based on the concept that physical rather than mental
events control overt behavior; such behavior is analyzed and
selected behavior is then modified using specific techniques
focusing on stimuli, conditioning, and learning, so as to improve
health and functioning.
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Behavioral
Pertaining to behavior.
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Behavioral epidemic
An epidemic originating in behavioral patterns (in contrast to
invading microorganisms); examples include medieval dancing mania,
episodes of crowd panic.
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Behavioral genetics
The study of heritable factors in behavioral patterns, as by
pedigree analysis, biochemical abnormality, or karyotypic analysis.
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Behavioral health
An interdisciplinary field dedicated to promoting a philosophy of
health that stresses individual responsibility in the application
of behavioral and biomedical science knowledge and techniques to
the maintenance of health and prevention of illness and dysfunction
by a variety of self-initiated individual and shared activities.
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Behavioral kinesiology
BK. Brand of applied kinesiology developed by psychiatrist John
Diamond, M.D., author of Behavioural Kinesiology: How to Activate
Your Thymus and Increase Your Life Energy (Harper and Row, 1979).
Therein, he defined BK as "an integration of psychiatry,
psychosomatic medicine, kinesiology, preventive medicine, and the
humanities."
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Behavioral manifestation
A manifestation characterized by defects in personality structure
and attendant behavior with minimal anxiety and little or no sense
of distress, indicative of a psychiatric disorder; occasionally
encephalitis or head injury will produce the clinical picture that
is more properly diagnosed as chronic brain disorder with
behavioral manifestations.
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Behavioral medicine
An interdisciplinary field concerned with the development and
integration of behavioral and biomedical science knowledge and
techniques relevant to health and illness, and to its application
to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.
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Behavioral observation audiometry
A method of observing the motor responses of young children to test
sound intensities to determine the hearing threshold.
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Behavioral pathogen
Those personal habits and lifestyle behaviors associated with an
increased risk of physical illness and dysfunction.
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Behavioral sciences
A collective term for those disciplines or branches of science,
such as psychology, sociology, and anthropology, which derive their
theories, concepts, and approaches from the observation and study
of the behavior of living organisms.
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Behaviorism
A branch of psychology that formulates, through systematic
observation and experimentation, the laws and principles that
underlie the behavior of humans and animals; its major
contributions have been in the areas of conditioning and learning.
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Behaviorist
An adherent of behaviorism.
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Behavioristic psychology
A branch of psychology that uses behavioral approaches such as
desensitization and flooding in contrast to counseling and other
psychodynamic approaches to the treatment of psychological
disorders.
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Behçet syndrome
A syndrome characterized by simultaneously or successively
occurring recurrent attacks of genital and oral ulcerations
(aphthae) and uveitis or iridocyclitis with hypopyon, often with
arthritis; a phase of a generalized disorder, occurring more often
in men than in women, with variable manifestations, including
dermatitis, erythema nodosum, thrombophlebitis, and cerebral
involvement.
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Behcet's disease
A rare, chronic disorder involving inflammation of blood vessels
throughout the body. It is marked by recurrent oral and genital
ulcers and eye inflammation.
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Behenic acid
A constituent of most fats and fish oils; large amounts are found
in jamba, mustard seed, rapeseed oils, and cerebrosides.
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Behind-the-ear hearing aid
Hearing aid that rests on the medial aspect of the pinna.
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Behr syndrome
Characterized by bilateral optic atrophy with temporal field
defects, nystagmus, ataxia, spasticity, and mental retardation;
probably autosomal recessive inheritance.
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Behring law
Parenteral administration of serum from an immunized person
provides a relative, passive immunity to that disease (prevents it,
or favorably modifies its course) in a previously susceptible
person.
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BEI
Abbreviation for butanol-extractable iodine.
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Beilby layer
Disorganized molecular surface layer of a highly polished metal
produced by a series of abrasives of decreasing coarseness.
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Belemnoid
Dart-shaped.
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Bell clapper deformity
A testis and epididymis free of the usual posterior attachment of
the tunica vaginalis such that the tunic inserts high on the
spermatic cord leaving the gonad more likely to undergo torsion.
This deformity often results in a horizontal lie of the testis.
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Bell law
The ventral spinal roots are motor, the dorsal are sensory.
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Bell muscle
A band of muscular fibers, forming a slight fold in the wall of the
bladder, running from the uvula to the opening of the ureter on
either side, bounding the trigonum.
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Bell phenomenon
Reflex upper deviation of the eye on attempted eye closure; seen
with several disorders, including facial mononeuropathies,
Guillain-Barré syndrome, and myasthenia gravis.
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Bell stage
Third stage of tooth development, wherein the cells form the inner
enamel epithelium, the stratum intermedium, the stellate reticulum,
and the outer enamel epithelium; the enamel organ assumes a bell
shape.
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Belladonna
Atropa belladonna (family Solanaceae); a perennial herb with dark
or yellow purple flowers and shining purplish-black berries; the
leaves (0.3% belladonna alkaloids) and root (0.5% belladonna
alkaloids) orginally were sources of atropine scopalamine and
related alkaloids, which are anticholinergic. Belladonna is used as
a powder (0.3% belladonna alkaloids, calculated as hyoscyamine) and
tincture in the treatment of diarrhea, asthma, colic, and
hyperacidity.
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Belladonna tincture
A green hydroalcoholic mobile liquid containing the alkaloids
atropine and scopolamine and other substances extracted from the
leaves of Atropa belladonna, the botanic source for these
anticholinergic drugs. The tincture allows for gradual titration of
dose by counting drops of the preparation ingested. Formerly widely
used in ulcer therapy or the symptomatic treatment of diarrhea,
alone or in combination with antacids and insoluble clays.
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Belladonnine
An artificial alkaloid derived from atropine by warming with
hydrochloric acid.
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Bell-crowned
Denoting a tooth the crown of which has a cross-sectional diameter
much greater than that of the neck.
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Bellini duct carcinoma
Abbreviated as BDC. A rare type of kidney cancer that grows and
spreads quickly. It begins in the duct of Bellini in the kidney.
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Bellini ligament
A fasciculus from the ischiofemoral portion of the greater
articular fibrous capsule of the hip that extends to the greater
trochanter.
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Bellmetal resonance
In cases of a large pulmonary cavity or of pneumothorax, a clear
metallic sound obtained by striking a coin, held against the chest,
by another coin, or by flicking the chest wall with one's
fingernail; the sound is heard on auscultating the chest wall on
the same side anteroposteriorly.
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Bellows murmur
A blowing murmur.
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Bell's palsy
A condition that causes a loss of control of the facial muscles.
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Bell-shaped crown
The crown of a tooth that has an exaggerated occlusogingival
contour; human deciduous molars exemplify the form.
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Belly
1. The abdomen. 2. The wide fleshy part of a muscle. 3. Popularly,
the stomach or womb.
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Belly bean diet
"Weight loss" program promoted in 1990 and 1991 that involved: (a)
consuming three "nutritionally balanced," low-fat meals daily with
a total caloric value between 1,000 and 2,000; (b) drinking an
additional 5 to 6 glasses of water daily; (c) snacking between
meals on First Fitness Belly Beans™, a "100% all-natural"
candy-like "appetite control drug" that allegedly contained a
"highly potentized homeopathic appetite control formulation"; and
(d) continuing to eat Belly Beans after attainment of "desired
weight."
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Bellyache
Colloquialism for abdominal pain, usually colicky.
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Belonephobia
Morbid fear of needles, pins, and other sharp-pointed objects.
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Belpharitis
Inflammation of the eyelid. Ulcerative or nonulcerative
inflammation of the edges of the eyelids involving hair follicles
and glands that open onto the surface
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Belsey fundoplication
Partial (270°) fundoplication performed via thoracotomy.
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Belt test
An obsolete test: firm upward pressure on the lower part of the
abdomen will remove the feeling of discomfort in cases of
enteroptosia.
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Bemegride
A CNS stimulant formerly used as an analeptic in intoxications due
to barbiturates and other CNS depressant drugs.
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Bence Jones cylinders
Slightly irregular, relatively smooth, rod-shaped or cylindric
bodies of fairly tenacious, viscid proteinaceous material in the
fluid of the seminal vesicles.
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Bence Jones myeloma
Multiple myeloma in which the malignant plasma cells excrete only
light chains of one type (either κ or λ); lytic bone lesions occur
in about 60% of the cases, and light chains (Bence Jones protein)
occur in the urine; amyloidosis and severe renal failure are more
common than in multiple myeloma.
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Bence Jones protein
A small protein made by plasma cells (white blood cells that
produce antibodies). It is found in the urine of most people with
multiple myeloma (cancer that begins in plasma cells).
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Bence Jones proteinuria
Presence of Bence Jones proteins in the urine, usually indicative
of a neoplastic process such as Bence Jones myeloma (multiple
myeloma), amyloidosis, or Waldenström macroglobulinemia.
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Bence Jones reaction
The classic means of identifying Bence Jones protein, which
precipitates when urine (from patients with this type of
proteinuria) is gradually warmed to 45-70°C and redissolves when
the urine is heated to near boiling; as the specimen cools, the
Bence Jones protein precipitates in the indicated range of
temperature and redissolves as the temperature of the specimen
becomes less than 30-35°C.
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Bench surgery
That episode of a surgical procedure carried on outside the
patient's body (removal of cardiac tumors from the heart while that
organ is itself extracorporeal).
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Bench testing
Testing of a device against specifications in a simulated
(nonliving) environment.
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Benchmarking
Comparison of a person's laboratory results with that of other
organizations using defined system processes.
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Bender Visual Motor Gestalt test
A psychological test used by neurologists and clinical
psychologists to measure a person's ability to visually copy a set
of geometric designs; useful for measuring visuospatial and
visuomotor coordination to detect brain damage.
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Bending fracture
An injury in which a long bone or bones, usually the radius and
ulna, are bent (angulated) due to multiple microfractures, none of
which can be seen by x-ray imaging.
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Bends
Colloquialism for caisson sickness; decompression sickness.
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Beneceptor
A nerve organ or mechanism (ceptor) for the appreciation and
transmission of stimuli of a beneficial character.
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Benedek reflex
Plantar flexion of the foot caused by tapping the anterior margin
of the lower part of the fibula, while the foot is slightly
dorsiflexed.
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Benedict solution
An aqueous solution of sodium citrate, sodium carbonate, and copper
sulfate that changes from its normal blue color to orange, red, or
yellow in the presence of a reducing sugar such as glucose.
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Benedict test for glucose
A copper-reduction test for glucose in the urine, which involves
thiocyanate in addition to copper sulfate for qualitative or
quantitative use.
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Benedict-Hopkins-Cole reagent
Magnesium glyoxalate made from a mixture of oxalic acid and
magnesium used for testing proteins for the presence of tryptophan.
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Benedict-Roth apparatus
A device employed to measure the amount of oxygen used in quiet
breathing in the basal state for the estimation of the basal
metabolic rate; the subject rebreathes oxygen through soda lime
from a recording spirometer.
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Benedikt syndrome
Upsilateral oculomotor paralysis with contralateral tremor and
hemiparesis due to a lesion (most often infarct or tumor) involving
the red nucleus and corticospinal tract in the tegmentum of the
midbrain.
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Beneficence
The ethical principle of doing good.
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Benefit
Monies disbursed by a private insurance company or public entity
(e.g. Medicare, Medicaid) in settlement of a claim for medical
services provided.
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Benefits
Positive outcomes. For example, the benefits of massage are
experienced by recipients when the effects of massage support their
general health and well-being.
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Benign
Not cancerous; does not invade or spread to other parts of the
body.
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Benign albuminuria
A collective term for types that are not the result of pathologic
changes in the kidneys.
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Benign bone aneurysm
Obsolete term for aneurysmal bone cyst.
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Benign breast disease
A common condition marked by benign (noncancerous) changes in
breast tissue. These changes may include irregular lumps or cysts,
breast discomfort, sensitive nipples, and itching. These symptoms
may change throughout the menstrual cycle and usually stop after
menopause. Also called fibrocystic breast disease, fibrocystic
breast changes, and mammary dysplasia.
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Benign breast masses
Fluid-filled lumps in the breasts surrounded by a scar-like capsule
of tissue.
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Benign childhood epilepsy with rolandic or centrotemporal
spikes
A specific epilepsy syndrome beginning in childhood and remitting
in adolescence, characterized by nocturnal simple partial motor
seizures or generalized tonic-clonic seizures. EEG shows
centrotemporal spikes that are activated by sleep and an otherwise
normal EEG background.
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Benign congenital hypotonia
Nonprogressive hypotonia of unknown etiology in infants and
children; other known causes of hypotonia must be excluded.
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Benign dyskeratosis
Dyskeratosis that may occur in congenital and bullous diseases of
the skin.
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Benign essential tremor
A movement disorder most commonly characterized by shaking in the
hands. It may also cause shaking of the head, voice, arms, and
trunk, and less often, of the legs and feet.
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Benign exertional headache
Headache occurring with exertion or straining in the absence of any
intracranial disease.
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Benign familial chorea
A rare, nonprogressive movement disorder characterized by chorea
and athetosis appearing in early childhood, most commonly
manifested as gait ataxia and upper limb coordination. Intellect is
unaffected. Probably autosomal-dominance inheritance with
incomplete penetrance.
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Benign familial chronic pemphigus
Recurrent eruption of vesicles and bullae that become scaling and
crusted lesions with vesicular borders, predominantly of the neck,
groin, and axillary regions; autosomal dominant inheritance,
presenting in late adolescence or early adult life.
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Benign giant lymph node hyperplasia
Solitary masses of lymphoid tissue containing concentric
perivascular aggregates of lymphocytes, occurring usually in the
mediastinum or hilar region of young adults; similar changes have
been reported outside the mediastinum and, if associated with
interfollicular sheets of plasma cells, may progress to lymphoma or
plasmacytoma.
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Benign glycosuria
Glycosuria not associated with diabetes mellitus but resulting from
a low renal threshold for sugar.
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Benign hypertension
Hypertension that runs a relatively long and symptomless course.
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Benign infantile myoclonus
A seizure disorder of infancy in which myoclonic movements occur in
the neck, trunk, and extremities; the EEG is normal, and seizures
do not persist in children older than 2 years of age.
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Benign lymphocytoma cutis
A soft red to violaceous skin nodule often involving the head,
caused by dense infiltration of the dermis by lymphocytes and
histiocytes, often forming lymphoid follicles, separated from the
epidermis by a narrow noninfiltrating layer.
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Benign lymphoepithelial lesion
Benign tumorlike masses of lymphoid tissue in the parotid gland,
containing scattered small, mainly solid islands of epithelial
cells.
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Benign lymphoma of the rectum
Obsolete term for a rectal polyp composed of lymphoid tissue with
follicle formation, covered by mucosa.
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Benign neonatal convulsions
A familial, self-limited epilepsy, beginning at 2, 3, or 6 days of
age and resolving spontaneously by 6 months of age; autosomal
dominant inheritance.
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Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
A recurrent, brief form of positional vertigo occurring in
clusters; believed to result from displaced remnants of utricular
otoconia into the semicircular ducts, usually the posterior.
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Benign paroxysmal torticollis of infancy
Intermittent recurrent episodes of head tilt and torticollis,
usually associated with vomiting; most commonly appears between 2
and 8 months of age and resolves by age 3 years. May herald the
onset of migraine later in childhood.
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Benign positional vertigo
Brief attacks of paroxysmal vertigo and nystagmus that occur solely
with certain head movements or positions, with neck extension; due
to labyrinthine dysfunction.
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Benign proliferative breast disease
A group of noncancerous conditions that may increase the risk of
developing breast cancer. Examples include ductal hyperplasia,
lobular hyperplasia, and papillomas.
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Benign prostatic hyperplasia
Noncancerous growth of the prostate gland, making urination
difficult and uncomfortable.
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Benign prostatic hypertrophy
Abbreviated as BPH. A benign (noncancerous) condition in which an
overgrowth of prostate tissue pushes against the urethra and the
bladder, blocking the flow of urine. Also called benign prostatic
hyperplasia.
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Benign skin tumor
Also known as seborrheic keratosis, the presence of a benign
(non-cancerous) raised growth on the skin.
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Benign stupor
A stuporous syndrome from which recovery is the rule, as opposed to
malignant stupor.
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Benign tumor
A tumor that does not form metastases and does not invade and
destroy adjacent normal tissue.
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Bennett angle
The angle formed by the sagittal plane and the path of the
advancing condyle during lateral mandibular movement as viewed in
the horizontal plane.
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Bennett fracture
Fracture dislocation of the first metacarpal bone at the
carpal-metacarpal joint.
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Bennett movement
The bodily lateral movement or lateral shift of the mandible during
a laterotrusive movement.
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Bennhold Congo red stain
An amyloid stain useful for amyloid detection in pathologic tissue;
gives red staining of amyloid; also induces green birefringence to
amyloid under polarized light.
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Benserazide
An l-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (dopa decarboxylase)
inhibitor resembling carbidopa in action; given in combination with
levodopa as an antiparkinsonian regimen. The benserazide prevents
peripheral destruction of levodopa and thus reduces cardiovascular
side effects of treatment.
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Bensley specific granules
Granules in the cells of the islands of Langerhans in the pancreas.
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Bentiromide
A peptide used in a screening test for exocrine pancreatic
insufficiency and to monitor the adequacy of supplemental
pancreatic therapy.
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Bentiromide test
A test of pancreatic exocrine function that does not require
duodenal intubation; orally administered bentiromide is cleaved by
chymotrypsin within the lumen of the small intestine, releasing
p-aminobenzoic acid that is absorbed and excreted in the urine;
diminished urinary excretion of p-aminobenzoic acid suggests
pancreatic insufficiency.
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Bentonite
Native colloidal hydrated aluminum silicate; an absorbent clay
found in the western United States; it is sometimes used to treat
diarrhea and skin disorders and was used as a suspending agent in
lotions.
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Bentonite clay
An absorbent aluminum silicate clay formed from volcanic ash and
used in various adhesives, cements, and ceramic fillers; it is also
used to purportedly eliminate toxins from the body.
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Bentonite flocculation test
An obsolete flocculation test for rheumatoid arthritis in which
sensitized bentonite particles are added to inactivated serum; the
test is positive if half of the particles are clumped while the
other half remain in suspension.
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Benz-
Prefix denoting association with benzene.
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Benzaldehyde
A colorless oily liquid used as a flavoring agent and to make dyes,
perfumes, and pharmaceuticals. Benzaldehyde is chemically related
to benzene.
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Benzalkonium chloride
A mixture of alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chlorides in which the
alkyls are long-chain compounds (C8 to C18); a surface-active
germicide for many pathogenic nonsporulating bacteria and fungi.
Aqueous solutions of this agent have a low surface tension, and
possess detergent, keratolytic, and emulsifying properties that aid
penetration and wetting of tissue surfaces.
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Benzanthracene
A carcinogenic hydrocarbon.
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Benzene
A chemical that is used widely by the chemical industry, and is
also found in tobacco smoke, vehicle emissions, and gasoline fumes.
Exposure to benzene may increase the risk of developing leukemia.
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Benzene nucleus
The six conjugated carbon atoms of the benzene ring.
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Benzene ring
The closed-chain arrangement of the carbon and hydrogen atoms in
the benzene molecule.
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Benzethonium chloride
A synthetic quaternary ammonium compound, one of the cationic class
of detergents; germicidal and bacteriostatic.
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Benzidine
A p-diaminophenyl, previously used to detect stool blood and
agueous sulfates and as a reagent in special stains; now identified
as a carcinogen.
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Benzimidazole
1. A ring system composed of a benzene ring fused with an imidazole
ring; occurs in nature as part of the vitamin B12 molecule. 2. A
class of antihelmintic, often used to treat nematodes and cestodes.
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Benzisoxazole
Member of a family of compounds having a substituted benzene ring
attached to a ring with oxygen and nitrogen atoms. Several
therapeutic agents have been derived from this group of chemicals.
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Benzoate
A salt or ester of benzoic acid. The salts are often used as
pharmaceutical or food preservatives.
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Benzoated
Containing benzoic acid or a benzoate, usually sodium benzoate.
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Benzocaine
The ethyl ester of p-aminobenzoic acid; a topical anesthetic agent.
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Benzodiazepine
A drug used to treat anxiety or sleeping disorder, to relax
muscles, or to control seizure.
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Benzoic
Relating to or derived from benzoin.
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Benzoic acid
Occurring naturally in gum benzoin, it is used as a food
preservative, locally as a fungistatic, and orally as an
antiseptic. It is excreted rapidly as hippuric acid.
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Benzoin
A balsamic resin obtained from Styrax benzoin (family Styracaceae),
used as a stimulant expectorant, but usually by inhalation in
laryngitis and bronchitis; it retards rancidification of fats and
is used for this purpose in the official benzoinated lard.
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Benzoinated lard
Used as a lubricant, in the manufacture of soap, for oiling wool,
and as an illuminant. Formerly used as an ointment base.
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Benzomorphan
The parent compound of a series of analgesics that includes
pentazocine and phenazocine; it does not possess analgesic
properties itself.
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Benzonatate
An antitussive agent related chemically to tetracaine; thought to
act by depressing mechanoreceptors in the lungs.
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Benzopurpurin 4B
A red acid dye, formerly used as a stain and as an indicator
(changes from violet to red in the pH range 1.2-4.0).
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Benzothiadiazides
A class of diuretics that increases the excretion of sodium and
chloride and an accompanying volume of water, independent of
alterations in acid-base balance; most of the compounds in this
group are analogues of 1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-1,1-dioxide.
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Benzoyl
The benzoic acid radical that forms benzoyl compounds.
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Benzoyl chloride
A colorless liquid of pungent odor; a reagent for acylation
reactions.
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Benzoyl peroxide
Made by the interaction of sodium peroxide and benzoyl chloride;
used in oil as an application to ulcers and to burns and scalds, in
promoting the polymerization of dental resins, and as a keratolytic
in the treatment of acne.
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Benzoylecgonine
A metabolite of cocaine produced by hydrolysis; it can be detected
in urine.
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Benzpyrene
An environmental carcinogen found in jet fuel exhaust, cigarette
smoke, and charcoal broiled meats; a powerful enzyme inducer.
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Benztropine
A prescription drug is used to treat Parkinson's syndrome.
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Benzyl
The hydrocarbon radical, C6H5CH2-.
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Benzyl alcohol
Possesses local anesthetic and bacteriostatic properties.
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Benzyl benzoate
An agent that reduces the contractility of smooth muscular tissue,
possessing marked antispasmodic properties; used now as a
pediculicide and scabicide.
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Benzyl cinnamate
A constituent of Peru and Tolu balsam and of styrax.
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Benzylic
Relating to or containing benzyl.
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Benzylidene
The hydrocarbon radical, C6H5CH=.
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Benzylisoquinolines
A group of alkaloids found primarily in poppy plants
(Papaveraceae). The curare alkaloids are bisbenzylisoquinolines.
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Benzyloxycarbonyl
Amino-protecting radical used (as the chloride) in peptide
synthesis, yielding PhCH2OCO-NHR.
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BER
Abbreviation for basic electrical rhythm.
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Berard aneurysm
An arteriovenous aneurysm in the tissues outside the injured vein.
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Beraud valve
A small fold in the interior of the lacrimal sac at its junction
with the lacrimal duct.
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Berberine
A molecule found in goldenseal and other herbs and has a long
history of medicinal use in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.
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Bereavement
A state of sadness, grief, and mourning after the loss of a loved
one.
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Berg stain
A method for staining spermatozoa, using a carbol-fuchsin solution
followed by dilute acetic acid and methylene blue; spermatozoa are
stained a brilliant red and most other structures appear blue to
purple.
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Bergamottin
One of a group of chemicals found in grapefruit juice (collectively
called furanocoumarins), which inhibit CYP450 3A4.
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Berger space
The space between the patellar fossa of the vitreous and the lens.
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Berger's disease
Also known as IgA nephropathy, a kidney disease. This condition
prevents the kidneys from filtering waste. Deposits of the protein
immunoglobin A (IgA) build up inside the filters (glomeruli) within
the kidneys. When this happens, the glomeruli can't filter waste
and excess water from the blood.
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Bergman sign
1. A radiographic finding in which: 1) the ureter is dilated distal
to a ureteral obstruction and 2) a catheter, passed retrograde,
coils in the dilated ureter.
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Bergmann fibers
Filamentous glia fibers traversing the cerebellar cortex
perpendicular to the surface. These fibers are the processes of
Golgi epithelial cells.
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Bergmeister papilla
A small mass of glial tissue that forms during fetal life a
temporary conical investment of the hyaloid artery at its emergence
into the vitreous chamber; vestiges of it may persist as a
prepapillary membrane.
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Beriberi
Disease caused by deficiency of thiamine in the diet. Characterized
by neurologic, cerebral, and cardiovascular abnormalities. Symptoms
may include fatigue, edema, irritation, poor memory, sleep
disturbances, precordial pain, anorexia, abdominal discomfort, and
constipation.
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Beriberi heart
Heart disease due to thiamine deficiency that may be epidemic or
sporadic as characterized by cardiac metabolic damage and
myocardial failure, often of the "high output" type, with edema
(except in "dry" shoshin beriberi) and polyneuritis. The term is
derived from Singhalese, "I am unable."
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Beriplast P
A substance used in surgical wound healing to cause a blood clot to
form. It consists of blood-clotting factors found naturally in
human blood.
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Berkefeld filter
19th-Century earthenware bacterial filter.
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Berkelium
An artificial transuranium radioactive element; atomic no. 97,
atomic wt. 247.07.
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Berlin blue
A dye used for injection studies of blood vessels and lymphatics,
and in staining of siderocytes.
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Berlin edema
Retinal edema after blunt trauma to the globe.
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Berlin questionnaire
A series of questions, developed in 1996, concerning risk factors
for sleep apnea; considered by some clinicians to be highly
predictive of the presence of sleep apnea.
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Berloque dermatitis
A type of photosensitization resulting in deep brown pigmentation
on exposure to sunlight after application of bergamot oil and other
essential oils in perfumes and colognes.
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Bernard-Cannon homeostasis
The set of mechanisms responsible for the cybernetic adjustment of
physiologic and biochemical states in postnatal life.
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Bernard-Soulier syndrome
1. A coagulation disorder characterized by thrombocytopenia, giant
platelets, and a bleeding tendency. 2. An autosomal recessive
disorder of absent or decreased platelet membrane glycoproteins Ib,
IX, and V (the receptor for factor VIII R). This deficiency can
lead to a failure to bind von Willebrand factor, causing moderate
bleeding.
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Bernays sponge
A compressed disc of aseptic cotton that swells when moistened;
used in packing cavities.
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Bernhardt formula
A formula used to calculate the ideal weight, in kilograms, for an
adult; it is the height in centimeters times the chest
circumference in centimeters divided by 240.
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Bernheim syndrome
Systemic congestion resembling the consequences of right heart
failure (enlarged liver, distended neck veins, and edema) without
pulmonary congestion in subjects with left ventricular enlargement
from any cause; reduction in the size of the right ventricular
cavity is found by contrast imaging or echocardiography or at
postmortem due to encroachment by the hypertrophied or aneurysmal
ventricular septum.
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Bernoulli distribution
The probability distribution associated with two mutually exclusive
and exhaustive outcomes- death or survival.
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Bernoulli effect
The decrease in fluid pressure that occurs in converting potential
to kinetic energy when motion of the fluid is accelerated, in
accordance with Bernoulli law; applied in water aspirators,
atomizers, and humidifiers in which a gas is accelerated across the
end of a narrow, fluid-filled orifice.
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Bernoulli law
When friction is negligible, the velocity of flow of a gas or fluid
through a tube is inversely related to its pressure against the
side of the tube; velocity is greatest and pressure lowest at a
point of constriction.
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Bernoulli trial
A single random event for which there are two and only two possible
outcomes that are mutually exclusive and have a priori fixed (and
complementary) probabilities of resulting.
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Bernstein test
A test that attempts to reproduce symptoms of heartburn. It is
usually done along with other tests dealing with esophageal
functions.
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Berry aneurysm
A small saccular aneurysm of a cerebral artery that resembles the
fruit; can rupture causing a subarachnoid hemorrhage.
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Berry cell
A crenated red blood cell with surface spicules.
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Berson test
A test of thyroid clearance of 131I from the plasma by the thyroid
gland.
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Berthelot reaction
The reaction of ammonia with phenol-hypochlorite to give
indophenol; the principle is used to analyze ammonia concentration
in body fluids.
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Berthollet law
Salts in solution will always react with each other so as to form a
less soluble salt, if possible.
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Bertiella studeri
Common tapeworm found in primates; incidental zoonotic infections
in humans in the tropics have been reported.
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Bertiellosis
Infection of primates, including humans, with cestodes of the genus
Bertiella.
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Berylliosis
Beryllium poisoning characterized by acute pneumonia or chronic
interstitial granulomatous fibrosis, especially of the lungs, from
inhalation of beryllium.
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Beryllium
A white metal element belonging to the alkaline earths; atomic no.
4., atomic wt. 9.012182.
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Beryllium granuloma
A sarcoid-like granulomatous reaction to exposure to inhaled
beryllium, or to skin cuts by fluorescent lamp glass.
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Besnier prurigo
European term for prurigo, possibly atopic.
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Besnoitiidae
A family of protozoan parasites, similar to those of the family
Toxoplasmatidae, to which the genus Besnoitia belongs.
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Best carmine stain
A method for the demonstration of glycogen in tissues.
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Best disease
Autosomal dominant macular degeneration beginning during the first
years of life.
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Best practice
In medicine, treatment that experts agree is appropriate, accepted,
and widely used. Healthcare providers are obligated to provide
patients with the best practice. Also called standard therapy or
standard of care.
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Besylate
USAN-approved contraction for benzenesulfonate.
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Beta
Second letter of the Greek alphabet, β.
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Beta angle
The angle formed by a line connecting the bregma and hormion
meeting the radius fixus.
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Beta blocker
A drug that decreases the rate and force of heart contractions and
widens blood vessels, helping to reduce blood pressure. Beta
blockers typically are prescribed for people with coronary artery
disease, angina (chest pain caused by heart problems), irregular
heartbeats, or a history of heart attacks.
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Beta carotene
It is one of the forms of carotene. Carotene is a yellow or
red pigment from carrots, sweet potatoes, milk and body fat, egg
yolk, etc. It is a chromolipoid hydrocarbon existing in
several forms. Alpha-, beta- and gamma-carotene are
provitamins which can be converted into vitamin A in the body by
all animals except cats. Beta-carotene is the most important
because of a quantitatively greater activity. Beta-carotene
is an important antioxidant which may protect against some cancer
types.
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Beta cell of anterior lobe of hypophysis
One of a population of functionally diverse cells that contain
basophilic granules and secrete hormones such as ACTH, lipotropin,
thyrotropin, and the gonadotropins.
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Beta cell of pancreas
The predominant cell of the pancreatic islets that secretes
insulin.
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Beta fibers
Nerve fibers that have conduction velocities of 40-70 m/sec.
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Beta granule
A granule of a beta cell.
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Beta hemolytic streptococcus group B
A type of bacteria often found in the vagina. It can cause systemic
infections in people with suppressed immune systems.
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Beta particle
An electron, either positively (positron, β+) or negatively
(negatron, β−) charged, emitted during beta decay of a
radionuclide.
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Beta radiation
Radiant energy from a source of beta rays.
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Beta rhythm
A wave pattern in the electroencephalogram in the frequency band of
18-30 Hz.
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Beta sheets
A structure of proteins in which the peptide is extended and
stabilized by hydrogen bonding between NH and CO groups of
different polypeptide chain backbones or separate regions of the
same chain.
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Beta thalassemia
Genetic disorder that results in abnormalities of the globin
(protein) portion of hemoglobin.
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Beta-1,3-glucan
Polysaccharide polymer composed of glucose units displaying a
beta-1-3 branching pattern.
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Beta-2-microglobulin
A small protein normally found on the surface of many cells,
including lymphocytes, and in small amounts in the blood and urine.
An increased amount in the blood or urine may be a sign of certain
diseases, including some types of cancer, such as multiple myeloma
or lymphoma.
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Beta-adrenergic
A substance that stimulates beta-adrenergic receptors, sites in
autonomic nerve pathways that are inhibited by norepinephrine or
epinephrine.
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Beta-amyrin
Amyrins are common tripterpenes widely distributed in the plant
kingdom.
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Beta-asarone
A carcinogen found in several plants, including Acorus calamus.
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Beta-carotene
Pro-vitamin A. A plant carotene that can be converted to two
vitamin A molecules.
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Beta-cells
The cells in the pancreas that manufacture insulin.
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Betacism
A defect in speech in which the sound of b is given to other
consonants.
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Betacyanin
One of several red plant pigments; a betalain. An example is
betanin. Elevated in urine of patients with beeturia.
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Betadine
Trade name for povidone-iodine, a preparation used as a surgical
scrub that is available in liquid and aerosol forms.
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Beta-endorphin
A substance produced in the brain, especially in the pituitary
gland, that blocks the sensation of pain. It is produced in
response to pain, exercise, and other forms of stress. It belongs
to a group of chemicals called polypeptide hormones.
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Beta-glucan
A type of polysaccharide (string of sugar molecules) obtained from
several types of mushrooms. It is being studied as a treatment for
cancer and as an immune system stimulant.
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Beta-Hcg
Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin. A hormone normally found in the
blood and urine during pregnancy. It may also be produced by some
tumor cells. An increased level of beta-hCG may be a sign of cancer
of the testis, uterus, ovary, liver, stomach, pancreas, or lung.
beta-hCG may also be produced in response to certain conditions
that are not cancer. beta-hCG is being studied in the treatment of
Kaposi's sarcoma.
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Betaherpesvirinae
A subfamily of Herpesviridae containing Cytomegalovirus and
Roseolovirus.
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Betahistine hydrochloride
An inhibitor of diamine oxidase used as a histaminelike agent to
treat Ménière disease.
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Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin
Abbreviated as Beta-hCG. A hormone normally found in the blood and
urine during pregnancy. It may also be produced by some tumor
cells. An increased level of beta-hCG may be a sign of cancer of
the testis, uterus, ovary, liver, stomach, pancreas, or lung.
beta-hCG may also be produced in response to certain conditions
that are not cancer. beta-hCG is being studied in the treatment of
Kaposi's sarcoma.
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Betaine
1. An oxidation product of choline and a transmethylating
intermediate in metabolism. 2. A class of compounds related to
betaine. (1) (R3N+-CHR′-COO−), glycine betaine.
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Betaine aldehyde
An intermediate in the interconversion of betaine and choline.
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Betaine hydrochloride
An acidifying agent used to treat achlorhydria and hypochlorhydria.
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Betaine-aldehyde dehydrogenase
An oxidizing enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of betaine
aldehyde with NAD+ and water to betaine and NADH; part of the
choline oxidase system and of choline metabolism.
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Betalains
A group of plant pigments found almost exclusively in the family
Centrospermae, betanin. There are two groups: betacyanines (in
red-violet plants) and betaxanthins (in yellow plants).
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Betanin
The red pigment in beets (Beta vulgaris); elevated in urine of
patients with beeturia.
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Beta-oxidation
1. Oxidation of the β-carbon (carbon 3) of a fatty acid, forming
the β-keto (β-oxo) acid analogue; of importance in fatty acid
catabolism. 2. The entire pathway for the catabolism of saturated
fatty acids containing an even number of carbon atoms;
beta-oxidation (1) is a part of this pathway; acetyl-CoA is a major
product of this pathway.
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Beta-oxidation-condensation theory
That the two carbon fragments split from the fatty acid molecule by
beta-oxidation are converted to acetic acid and then condensed to
acetoacetic acid.
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Beta-secretase
Agent that exists in two isoforms; protein with homology to the
pepsin family of aspartyl proteases involved in the cleavage of
beta-amyloid precursor protein; the gene for this protein is
located on chromosome 11.
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Beta-sitosterol
22:23-dihydrostigmasterol; a common plant sterol. The main sterol
fond in soy bean seeds. Used as a starting point for the
manufacture of medical steroids. Its structure resembles that of
cholesterol and its supplementation may prevent cholesterol
absorption from the intestines. It also has anti-inflammatory
properties.
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Betatron
A circular electron accelerator that is a source of either high
energy electrons or x-rays.
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Betazole hydrochloride
An analogue of histamine that stimulates gastric secretion by an
action on H2 receptors with less tendency to produce the side
effects seen with histamine; used in place of histamine to measure
the gastric secretory response.
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Betel
The dried leaves of Piper betle (family Piperaceae), a climbing
East Indian plant; used as a stimulant and narcotic. Betel nut is
chopped and then wrapped in a strip of Piper betel leaf to make a
small packet known as a buyo. Used as wrappers for spiced minced
meat in southeast Asian cooking or for raw spices in India.
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Betel cancer
Carcinoma of the mucous membrane of the cheek, observed in certain
East Indian natives, probably as a result of irritation from
chewing a preparation of betel nut and lime rolled within a betel
leaf.
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Betel leaf
A leaf eaten after a meal to assist digestion.
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Betel nut
Areca nut, the nut of the areca palm, Areca catechu (family
Palmae), of the East Indies, chewed by some local residents;
contains arecoline; euphoratle agent, cholinomimetic; stains teeth
and gums red.
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Betel quid
A preparation of areca nut and perhaps various drugs and flavorings
wrapped in a betel leaf, chewed for its intoxicant properties.
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Bethesda system
A system for reporting cervical or vaginal cytologic findings and
diagnoses.
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Bethesda unit
A measure of inhibitor activity: the amount of inhibitor that will
inactivate 50% or 0.5 unit of a coagulation factor during the
incubation period.
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Bethesda-Ballerup group
A group of citrate-using, slow lactose-fermenting bacteria (family
Enterobacteriaceae), which share a similar series of antigens with
the lactose-fermenting citrobacters; these organisms are now
included in the genus Citrobacter without a distinction between
prompt and slow lactose fermentation.
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Betke-Kleihauer test
A slide test for the presence of fetal red blood cells among those
of the mother; hemoglobins other than Hb F are eluted from the red
blood cells on an air-dried blood film by a buffer of pH 3.3.
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Bettendorff test
A test for arsenic; after mixing the suspected fluid with
hydrochloric acid a solution of stannous chloride is added; when a
piece of tin foil is then added, a brown precipitate forms.
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Betula
European white birch, bark and leaves of Betula alba (family
Betulaceae); native to Europe, northern Asia, and North America,
north of Pennsylvania. It contains betulin (betula camphor),
betuloresinic acid, volatile oil, saponins, betulol (sesquiterpine
alcohol), apigenin, dimethyl ether, betuloside, gaultherin, methyl
salicylate, and ascorbic acid; has odor of wintergreen and is used
as a pharmaceutic aid (flavor/aromatic).
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Betula oil
Oil of sweet birch, a volatile oil obtained by distillation from
the bark of Betula lenta (sweet birch); used as a flavoring agent
and as a counterirritant liniment.
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Betz cells
Large pyramidal cells in the motor area of the precentral gyrus of
the cerebral cortex.
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Beuren syndrome
Supravalvular aortic stenosis with multiple areas of peripheral
pulmonary arterial stenosis, mental retardation, and dental
anomalies.
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Bevacizumab
A monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of colorectal cancer
that has spread. It is also being studied in the treatment of other
types of cancer. It may prevent the growth of new blood vessels
from surrounding tissue to a solid tumor. Also called Avastin.
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Bevel
1. A surface having a sloped or slanting edge. 2. The incline that
one surface or line makes with another when not at right angles. 3.
The edge of a cutting instrument. 4. To create a slanting edge on a
body structure.
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Bevelled anastomosis
Anastomosis performed after cutting each of the structures to be
joined in an oblique fashion.
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Beverly Douglas procedure
Clinical intervention in early management of Pierre Robin syndrome
in which the patient's tongue and lip are sutured together to
maintain a patent airway.
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Bexxar regimen
A combination of monoclonal antibodies used to treat certain types
of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The monoclonal antibody tositumomab is
given with iodine I 131 tositumomab (a form of tositumomab that has
been chemically changed by adding radioactive iodine). Monoclonal
antibodies are laboratory-produced substances that can locate and
bind to cancer cells.
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Beyond dieting
Subject of the book Beyond Dieting: An Edgar Cayce Program for
Permanent Weight Control (out of print in 1995). It is a purported
way to lose weight that involves some of the "key ideas" in the
"readings" of clairvoyant Edgar Cayce, such as "The Cayce Approach
to Health and Healing."
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Beyond Medicine approach
"Multi-dimensional approach" promoted by Shoshana Margolin, M.A.,
N.D., D.H.M., "P.M.D.," author of the 400-page Homeopathy-Medicine
of the Future, Futuristic Medicine, and Beyond Medicine, the
Multi-Dimensional Approach. Beyond Medicine is a group of alleged
nonmedical "modalities," including Biological Archeology,
"full-spectrum homeopathy," "holistic girth control," "holographic
bio-analysis," and physical and nutritional "re-balancing." One of
its postulates is that people are "multi-dimensional Beings." Also
called future medicine approach.
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Beyond Therapy
Variation of dreamwork promoted by psychotherapist Ken Costello,
M.A. A postulate of Beyond Therapy is that everyone is a "Spiritual
Being" with a whispering "Inner Self."
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Bezoar
A concretion formed in the alimentary canal of animals, and
occasionally humans; formerly considered to be a useful medicine
with magical properties and apparently still used for this purpose
in some countries; according to the substance forming the ball, may
be termed trichobezoar (hairball), trichophytobezoar (hair and
vegetable fiber mixed), or phytobezoar (food ball).
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Bezold abscess
An abscess deep to the superior part of the sternocleidomastoid
muscle due to suppurative destruction of the mastoid tip cells in
mastoiditis.
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Bezold ganglion
An aggregation of nerve cells in the interatrial septum.
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Bezold-Jarisch reflex
A reflex with afferent and efferent pathways in the vagus,
originating in unidentified chemoreceptors in the heart and
resulting in sinus bradycardia, hypotension, and probable
peripheral vasodilation.
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BGH
Abbreviation for bovine growth hormone. A genetically engineered
copy of a naturally occurring hormone produced by cows that is used
to increase milk production. Also known as rBGH, BST, or rBST.
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BGP
Abbreviation for bone Gla protein.
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Bh
Abbreviation for bohrium.
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BH
Abbreviation for bundle of His.
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BH interval
The duration of the bundle of His deflections (normally 15-20
msec).
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BHA
Abbreviation for butylated hydroxyanisole.
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Bhajani
A mixture of roasted cereals.
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Bhajiyas
A fried Indian food containing onion and other vegetables.
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Bhang
Name given in East Asia to a powdered preparation of Cannabis
sativa chewed or smoked by the local residents.
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Bharta
A mashed preparation of eggplant.
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Bhasma
Residue after incineration.
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BHN
Abbreviation for Brinell hardness number.
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Bhramari
Yogic mode of breathing according to which one imitates the sound
of the bumblebee. Purportedly, executing bhramari affects two
important chakras in the meditator and soothes his or her nervous
system. The Sanskrit word "bhramara" means bumblebee.
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BHT
Abbreviation for butylated hydroxytoluene.
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Bhuta shuddhi
"Technique" of kundalini yoga whose purported design is to purify
the "physical and subtle body."
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Bhutagni
In Ayruveda, digestive fire governing element.
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Bi
Symbol for bismuth.
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Bi-
1. Prefix meaning twice or double, referring to double structures
or dual actions. 2. Chemistry used to denote a partially
neutralized acid (an acid salt); bisulfate.
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Bi bi reaction
A reaction catalyzed by a single enzyme in which two substrates and
two products are involved.
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Biafine cream
A topical preparation to reduce the risk of, and treat skin
reactions to, radiation therapy.
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Bial test
Obsolete test for pentose with orcinol.
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Bias
In a clinical trial, a flaw in the study design or method of
collecting or interpreting information. Biases can lead to
incorrect conclusions about what the study or trial showed.
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Biasterionic
Relating to both asterions, especially the biasterionic diameter,
or biasterionic width, the shortest distance from one asterion to
the other.
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Biauricular
Relating to both auricles, in any sense.
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Biauricular axis
A straight line joining the two auricles.
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Biaxial joint
One in which there are two principal axes of movement situated at
right angles to each other; saddle joints.
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Bib.
Abbreviation for L. bibe, drink.
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Biblical counseling
Use of devotional instructions in the Bible to treat psychological
problems. Proponents equate psychological and spiritual problems
and claim that all such troubles are solvable merely by cultivating
obedience to Jesus Christ. The term "nouthetic" derives from a
Greek word, "noutheteo," which means "to admonish or warn."
Promoters of Calvinist fundamentalism introduced biblical
counseling in the 1970s. Hybrids of the fundamentalist mode and
folkloric ostensive psychology have largely superseded biblical
counseling. Also called nouthetic counseling.
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Biblical nutrition
A way to view food, nutrition, diet, and health that, allegedly, is
as old as the world. The inferences that constitute the core of
Biblical Nutrition are: (1) that God has "ordained" a perfect
eating plan for humans, and (2) that eating the "wrong" foods can
lead to unnecessary illnesses and premature death. The principles
of Biblical Nutrition include: (a) that the more processed a food
is, the less biblical it is; (b) that one should never add manmade
chemicals to foods; (c) that all foods should be "grown organically
as much as possible"; and (d) that one should strive to consume
healthful foods named in the Bible.
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Bibliomania
Morbidly intense desire to collect and possess books, especially
rare books.
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Bicalutamide
An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called
antiandrogens.
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Bicameral
Having two chambers; denoting especially an abscess divided by a
more or less complete septum.
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Bicameral abscess
An abscess with two separate cavities or chambers.
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Bicanalicular sphincter
A sphincter encircling two canals, such as the terminal portions of
the common bile duct and the main pancreatic duct.
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BICAP cautery
A form of bipolar electrocoagulation frequently used to arrest
gastrointestinal bleeding.
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Bicapsular
Having a double capsule.
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Bicarbonate
The ion remaining after the first dissociation of carbonic acid; a
central buffering agent in blood.
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Bicardiogram
The composite curve of an electrocardiogram representing the
combined effects of the right and left ventricles.
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Bicellular
Having two cells or subdivisions.
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Biceps
The anatomical term of the muscles at the front of the upper arm.
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Biceps brachii
Superficial muscle of anterior (flexor) compartment of arm; origin,
long head from supraglenoidal tubercle of scapula, short head from
coracoid process; insertion, tuberosity of radius; action, flexes
elbow and supinates forearm (it is the primary supinator of the
forearm); nerve supply, musculocutaneous.
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Biceps femoris
Hamstring muscle of posterior compartment of thigh; origin, long
head (caput longum) from tuberosity of ischium, short head (caput
breve) from lower half of lateral lip of linea aspera; insertion,
head of fibula; action, flexes knee and rotates the flexed leg
laterally; nerve supply, long head, tibial, short head, fibular.
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Biceps femoris reflex
Contraction of the biceps femoris on tapping its lower part, just
above its attachment to the head of the fibula, while the limb is
partly flexed at hip and knee.
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Biceps reflex
Contraction of the biceps muscle when its tendon is struck.
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Bichat fissure
The nearly circular fissure corresponding to the medial margin of
the cerebral (pallial) mantle, marking the hilus of the cerebral
hemisphere, consisting of the callosomarginal fissure and choroidal
fissure along the hippocampus, both of which are continuous with
the stem of the fissure of Sylvius at the anterior extremity of the
temporal lobe.
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Bichat ligament
The lower fasciculus of the posterior sacroiliac ligament.
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Bichat membrane
The inner elastic membrane of arteries.
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Bichat tunic
The tunica intima of the blood vessels.
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Biciliate
Having two cilia.
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Bicipital
1. Two-headed. 2. Relating to a biceps muscle.
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Bicipital aponeurosis
Radiating fibers from the distal tendon of attachment (insertion)
of the biceps that form a triangular band passing obliquely across
the hollow of the elbow to the ulnar side and becoming merged into
the deep fascia of the forearm, thus providing the muscle with an
indirect attachment to the subcutaneous border of the ulna.
Formerly called "grace Dieu" fascia, it serves to protect the
brachial artery and median nerve during phlebotomy of median
cubital vein.
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Bicipital rib
Fusion of first thoracic rib with cervical vertebra.
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Bicipital tendinitis
Also known as shoulder tendinitis, an inflammation and degeneration
of the tendons in the shoulder area, which may lead to weakening
and rupture of these tendons.
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Bicipitoradial bursa
The bursa between the tendon of the biceps brachii muscle and the
anterior part of the tuberosity of the radius.
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Biclonal
Pertaining to or characterized by biclonality.
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Biclonal gammopathy
A gammopathy in which the serum contains two distinct monoclonal
immunoglobulins.
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Biclonal peak
Two narrow electrophoretic bands thought to represent
immunoglobulins of two cell lines.
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Biclonality
A condition in which some cells have markers of one cell line and
other cells have markers of another cell line, as in biclonal
leukemias.
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Biconcave
Concave on two sides; denoting especially a form of lens.
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Biconcave lens
A lens that is concave on two opposing surfaces.
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Bicondylar joint
A synovial joint in which two more or less distinct, rounded
surfaces of one bone articulate with shallow depressions on another
bone.
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Biconvex
Convex on two sides; denoting especially a form of lens.
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Biconvex lens
A lens with both surfaces convex.
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Bicornate uterus
A uterus that is more or less completely divided into two lateral
horns as a result of imperfect union of the paramesonephric ducts;
it differs from septate uterus, in which there is no external mark
of separation; in bicornate uterus, the cervix may be single
(uterus bicornis unicollis) or double (uterus bicornis bicollis).
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Bicornous
Two-horned; having two processes or projections.
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Bicoudate catheter
An elbowed catheter with a double bend.
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BICROS
Abbreviation for bilateral contralateral routing of signal.
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Bicuculline
An alkaloid naturally occurring in the d-form; found in Dicentra
cucullaria and Adlumia fungosa (family Fumariaceae) and several
Corydalis species; a powerful convulsant that acts by antagonizing
γ-aminobutyric acid, an inhibitory neurotransmitter.
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Bicuspid
1. Having two points, prongs, or cusps. 2. Teeth having two cusps.
Humans have eight bicuspid or premolar teeth: two in front of each
group of molars.
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Bicuspidization
Surgical change of a normally tricuspid valve into a functioning
bicuspid valve; performed in correction of tricuspid valvar
disease.
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Bidactyly
Abnormality in which the medial digits are lacking, with only the
first and fifth represented.
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Bidet
A tub for a sitz bath, having also an attachment for giving vaginal
or rectal infusions.
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Bidi
A cigarette made by rolling tobacco by hand in a dried leaf from
the tendu tree (a member of the ebony family.) Most bidis are made
in India and they come in different flavors.
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Bi-digital o-ring test molecular identification method
Means of determining internal-organ "representation areas" on the
human tongue. Theoretically, this enhances tongue acupuncture and
TCM tongue diagnosis. Yoshiaki Omura, M.D., Sc.D., developed the
method in New York City. It includes the Direct Bi-Digital O-Ring
Test Method and the Indirect "Bi-Digital O-Ring Test." Omura has
promoted the method worldwide, and there are "O-ring societies" in
Europe and Japan. Also called bi-digital o-ring test, o-ring
technique.
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Bidirectional replication
A situation in which DNA replication proceeds with two replication
forks moving in opposite directions around a circle or D-loop-type
structure.
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Bidirectional ventricular tachycardia
Ventricular tachycardia in which the QRS complexes in the
electrocardiogram are alternately mainly positive and mainly
negative; many such cases may represent ventricular tachycardia
with alternating forms of aberrant ventricular conduction.
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Bidiscoidal
Resembling, or consisting of, two discs.
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Bidiscoidal placenta
A placenta with two separate disk-shaped portions attached to
opposite walls of the uterus, normal for certain monkeys and
shrews, and occasionally present in humans.
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BIDS
Abbreviation for brittle hair, impaired intelligence, decreased
fertility, and short stature (syndrome).
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BIDS syndrome
Acronym for brittle hair, impaired intelligence, decreased
fertility, and short stature; the brittle hair may be due to an
inherited deficiency of a high-sulfur protein; autosomal recessive
inheritance.
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Biduous
Rarely used term denoting events or conditions of 2 days' duration.
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Biebl loop
A continuous loop of small intestine brought through the abdominal
wall to a subcutaneous location, for observation of motility.
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Biederman sign
A dusky redness of the lower portion of the anterior pillars of the
fauces in certain cases of syphilis.
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Bielschowsky disease
Early childhood type of lipofuscinosis.
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Bielschowsky sign
In paralysis of a superior oblique muscle, tilting the head to the
side of the involved eye causes that eye to rotate upward.
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Bielschowsky stain
A method of treating tissues with silver nitrate to demonstrate
reticular fibers, neurofibrils, axons, and dendrites.
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Bielschowsky test
An assessment of vertical strabismus in which the angle of ocular
deviation is determined for various head positions and angles of
gaze to permit identification of the paralytic muscle in vertical
diplopia. This procedure is most useful in diagnosing palsies of
the superior oblique muscle.
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Biemond syndrome
Iris coloboma, mental retardation, obesity, hypogenitalism, and
postaxial polydactyly; probably an autosomal recessive inheritance
disorder resembling Laurence-Moon and Bardet-Biedel syndromes.
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Biennial
Growing vegetatively during the first year and fruiting and dying
during the second. Plants that usually require two years to reach
maturity.
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Bier amputation
Osteoplastic amputation of tibia and fibula.
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Bier block
A form of selective intravenous regional anesthesia of the distal
arm or leg in which a tourniquet is applied and local anesthesia is
injected through a cannula in the distal extremity.
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Bier hyperemia
Obsolete term for hyperemia produced by Bier method1.
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Bier method
Treatment of various surgical conditions by reactive hyperemia.
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Bifascicular
Involving two of the presumed three major fascicles of the
ventricular conduction system of the heart.
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Bifid
Split or cleft; separated into two parts.
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Bifid epiglottis
Congenital malformation in which the right and left sides of the
epiglottis are not joined; associated with stridor and aspiration
in the newborn due to the rotation of the two sides of the
epiglottis into the glottis.
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Bifid rib
One in which the body bifurcates.
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Bifid thumb
A congenital malformed thumb where the distal phalanx is divided.
Preaxial duplication that may occur at any level; most common type
involves two duplicated proximal phalanges supported by a bifid
metacarpal head. Bifid thumb occurs most commonly in Asians, less
commonly in whites, least commonly in African-Americans.
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Bifid tongue
A congenital structural defect of the tongue in which its anterior
part is divided longitudinally for a greater or lesser distance.
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Bifid uvula
Bifurcation of the uvula, constituting a partially cleft soft
palate.
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Bifidobacterium
A genus of anaerobic bacteria (family Actinomycetaceae) containing
gram-positive rods of highly variable appearance; freshly isolated
strains characteristically show true and false branching, with
bifurcated V and Y forms, uniform or branched, and club or
spatulate forms. They frequently stain irregularly; two or more
granules may stain with methylene blue, whereas the remainder of
the cell is unstained. They are not acid fast, are nonmotile, and
do not produce spores; acetic and lactic acids are produced from
glucose. Pathogenicity for humans is rare, although Bifidobacterium
has been found in the feces and alimentary tract of infants, older
people, and animals. The type species is Bifidobacterium bifidum.
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Bifidobacterium bifidum
Type species of the genus Bifidobacterium; it is found in the feces
and alimentary tract of breast- and bottle-fed infants and of older
people, rats, turkeys, and chickens; also found in the rumen of
cattle; pathogenicity for humans and other animals is rare.
Associated with a growth factor belonging to a group of
N-containing polysaccharides with a high hexosamine content and
known as bifidus factor.
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Bifidobacterium dentium
A bacterial species recovered in association with dental caries and
periodontal disease. It is also an opportunistic pathogen,
recovered in mixed infections associated with abscess formation.
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Bifidus factor
An unidentified substance associated with Lactobacillus bifidus
pennsylvanicus, present in mammalian milk.
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Bifocal
Having two foci.
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Bifocal lens
A lens used in cases of presbyopia, in which one portion is suited
for distant vision, the other for reading and close work in
general; the reading addition may be cemented to the lens, fused to
the front surface, or ground in one-piece form; other bifocal
lenses are the flat-top Franklin type, or blended invisible.
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Bifocal spectacles
Spectacles with bifocal lenses.
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Biforate
Having two openings.
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Biforate uterus
Septate uterus in which the cervix is divided into two by a septum.
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Bifunctional
Referring to a molecule containing two reactive functional groups;
cross-linking reagents are bifunctional compounds.
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Bifurcate
Forked; two-pronged; having two branches.
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Bifurcate ligament
A strong, V-shaped dorsal tarsal ligament on the dorsum of the foot
that passes from the calcaneus distal to the tarsal sinus and
attaches to cuboid and navicular bones; it is divided into the
dorsal calcaneocuboid ligament and the (dorsal) calcaneonavicular
ligament.
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Bifurcation
A forking; a division into two branches.
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Bifurcation of pulmonary trunk
The division of the pulmonary trunk into right and left pulmonary
arteries at the level of the sternal angle (transverse thoracic
plane).
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Big ACTH
A form of poorly processed ACTH produced by certain tumors, which
is a larger and more acidic peptide molecule than little ACTH, but
is not immunochemically distinguishable from it and does not exert
any of the biologic effects characteristic of ACTH proteolytic
digestion of big ACTH yields hormonally active little ACTH.
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Bigeminal
Paired; double; twin.
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Bigeminal bodies
A bilateral single swelling of the roofplate of the embryonic
midbrain that later in development becomes subdivided into a
superior and an inferior colliculus.
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Bigeminal pulse
A pulse in which the beats occur in pairs.
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Bigeminal rhythm
That cardiac rhythm when each beat of the dominant rhythm (sinus or
other) is followed by a premature beat, with the result that the
heartbeats occur in pairs (bigeminy).
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Bigeminum
One of the corpora bigemina.
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Bigeminy
Pairing; especially, the occurrence of heart beats in pairs.
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Bigerminal
Relating to two germs or oocytes.
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Biglycan
A small interstitial proteoglycan that contains two
glycosaminoglycan chains.
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Bij
Literally, seed. Sat Nam is called the bij or seed mantra.
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Bikunin
A plasma glycoprotein that is found in both the free state and
covalently bound to the heavy chains of certain protease
inhibitors. It may participate in cell growth, oocyte cumulus
expansion and stabilization.
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Bilabe
Forceps for seizing and removing urethral or small vesical calculi.
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Bilaminar blastoderm
The blastoderm of a young embryo when it consists of only two of
the three primary germ layers it will ultimately have.
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Bilaminar zone
A mass of loose connective tissue attached to the posterior edge of
the articular disc of the temporomandibular joint. It extends to
and fills the loose folds of the posterior joint capsule.
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Bilateral
Affecting both the right and left sides of the body.
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Bilateral cancer
Cancer that occurs in both paired organs, such as both breasts or
both ovaries.
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Bilateral contralateral routing of signal hearing aid
A hearing aid arrangement with a microphone at each ear leading to
a single amplifier with a receiver in the better hearing ear for a
person with bilateral asymmetric hearing loss.
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Bilateral hermaphroditism
True hermaphroditism with an ovotestis on both sides.
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Bilateral left-sidedness
A syndrome in which normally unpaired organs develop more
symmetrically in mirror image; two spleens, one on each side, are
usually present, and cardiovascular anomalies are common.
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Bilateral nephrectomy
Surgery to remove both kidneys.
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Bilateral pleurisy
Inflammation of the pleura on both sides of the thorax.
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Bilateral prophylactic mastectomy
Surgery to remove both breasts in order to reduce the risk of
developing breast cancer. Also called preventive mastectomy.
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Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
Surgery to remove both ovaries and both fallopian tubes.
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Bilateral synchrony
Electroencephalographic activity that is recorded over both
hemispheres simultaneously; usually used in reference to spike and
wave activity.
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Bilateralism
A condition in which the two sides are symmetric.
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Bile
A yellow-green fluid made in the liver and stored in the
gallbladder that is released into the small intestine to aid in fat
digestion.
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Bile acid tolerance test
A sensitive test of hepatic dysfunction; following oral
administration of labeled or unlabeled bile acid, the measured
fractional disappearance rate or 10-minute retention is measured.
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Bile acids
Components of bile, formed by the metabolism of cholesterol. Bile
acid deficiency may lead to the formation of cholesterol
gallstones, because bile salts (formed from bile acids) are
required to dissolve cholesterol in bile so that it may be
eliminated via the intestines.
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Bile alcohol
One of a group of polyhydroxylated alcohols derived from
cholestane.
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Bile duct
A tube through which bile passes in and out of the liver.
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Bile esculin test
A biochemical test used in characterizing group O streptococci,
based on the ability of organisms to grow in a medium containing
bile and to hydrolyze esculin.
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Bile peritonitis
Inflammation of the peritoneum caused by the escape of bile into
the free peritoneal cavity.
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Bile pigments
Coloring matter in the bile derived from porphyrins by rupture of a
methane bridge; bilirubin, biliverdin.
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Bile salt agar
An agar medium containing lactose, peptone, sodium taurocholate,
and neutral red, for the growth and isolation of gram-negative
rods.
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Bile salts
The salt forms of bile acids; taurocholate, glycocholate.
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Bile solubility test
A procedure that differentiates Streptococcus pneumoniae from other
α-hemolytic streptococci by demonstrating its susceptibility to
lysis in the presence of bile.
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Bile thrombus
An intracanalicular deposit of bile, usually a result of
obstruction to bile drainage.
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Bileaflet valve
A low profile mechanical heart valve that is less obstructive to
outflow, especially in small size.
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Bilharzia
An early name for Schistosoma.
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Bilharzial appendicitis
Appendicitis caused by deposition of the eggs of the blood fluke
Schistosoma mansoni in the vermiform appendix.
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Bilharzial dysentery
Dysentery due to infection with Schistosoma mansoni, S.
haematobium, or S. japonicum.
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Bilharzioma
A tumorlike inflammatory and fibrous swelling of the intestinal
serosa, mesentery, or skin, caused by schistosomiasis.
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Bili-
Bile.
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Biliary
Having to do with the liver, bile ducts, and/or gallbladder.
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Biliary atresia
Atresia of the major bile ducts, causing cholestasis and jaundice,
which does not become apparent until several days after birth;
periportal fibrosis develops and leads to cirrhosis, with
proliferation of small bile ducts unless these are also atretic;
giant cell transformation of hepatic cells also occurs.
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Biliary canaliculus
One of the intercellular channels, about 1 mcm or less in diameter,
that occur between liver cells forming the first portion of the
bile system.
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Biliary cirrhosis
Cirrhosis due to biliary obstruction, which may be a primary
intrahepatic disease or secondary to obstruction of extrahepatic
bile ducts; the latter may lead to cholestasis and proliferation in
small bile ducts with fibrosis, but marked disturbance of the
lobular pattern is infrequent.
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Biliary colic
1. Also known as gallstones, pieces of stone-like material that
form in the gallbladder. About 80% of gallstones are made up of
cholesterol. The rest are made up of bilirubin. Bilirubin is a
breakdown pigment of the blood product hemoglobin. 2.
Cholecystalgia.
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Biliary ductules
The excretory ducts of the liver that connect the interlobular
ductules to the right (or left) hepatic duct.
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Biliary fistula
A fistula leading to some portion of the biliary tract.
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Biliary steatorrhea
Steatorrhea due to the absence of bile from the intestine; usually
accompanied by jaundice.
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Biliary zanthomatosis
Xanthomatosis with hypercholesterolemia, resulting from biliary
cirrhosis.
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Bilifaction
Rarely used terms for bile formation.
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Biliferous
Rarely used term describing something that contains or carries
bile.
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Biligenesis
Bile production.
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Biligenic
Bile-producing.
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Bilin
The chain of four pyrrole residues resulting from the cleavage of
one bond of one of the four methylidene residues of the porphin
part of a porphyrin; specifically, the unsubstituted tetrapyrrole;
bilirubin and biliverdin are bilins.
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Bilingualism
1. Use of two languages in which neither may be regarded as
necessarily secondary to the other. 2. Any fluent use of a second
language.
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Bilious
1. Relating to or characteristic of biliousness. 2. Formerly,
denoting a temperament characterized by a quick, irritable temper.
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Bilious pneumonia
Pneumonia following aspiration of gastric contents containing bile.
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Bilious remittent fever
1. Old term for relapsing fever. 2. Malarial vomiting associated
with marked increase of serum bilirubin.
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Bilious remittent malaria
A form of falciparum malaria characterized by bilious vomiting,
bilious diarrhea, and other signs.
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Bilious vomit
Vomit containing large amounts of bile suggestive of bowel
obstruction distal to the papilla of Vater.
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Biliousness
Condition characterized by an excess secretion of bile. Gastric
distress caused by a disorder of the liver or gallbladder
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Bilirachia
Occurrence of bile pigments in the spinal fluid.
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Bilirubin
1. A yellow or orange bile pigment. Bile pigments are colored
compounds that are the breakdown product of the hemoglobin molecule
of red blood cells that color feces. 2. An orange-colored to
yellowish pigment in bile. Produced from hemoglobin of red blood
cells by reticuloendothelial cells in bone marrow, spleen, and
blood, chemically modified in the liver and excreted in the bile
via the duodenum.
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Bilirubin UDPglucuronyltransferase
An enzyme that catalyzes the reaction of UDPglucuronate and
bilirubin forming UDP and bilirubin-glucuronoside; a deficiency of
this enzyme is associated with Crigler-Najjar syndrome.
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Bilirubinemia
The presence of bilirubin in the blood, where it is normally
present in relatively small amounts; the term is usually used in
relation to increased concentrations observed in various pathologic
conditions with excessive destruction of erythrocytes or
interference with the mechanism of excretion in the bile.
Determination of the quantity of bilirubin in the blood serum
reveals two fractions, namely direct reacting (conjugated) and
indirect reacting (nonconjugated) bilirubin; determination of
conjugated and total bilirubin in serum is an important and
frequently used clinical laboratory test.
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Bilirubinglobulin
A bilirubin-globulin complex; a transport form of bilirubin to the
liver where bilirubin is converted to a diglucuronic acid
derivative and passes into the bile.
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Bilirubin-glucuronoside glucuronosyltransferase
A transferase that transfers a glucuronoside from one molecule of
bilirubin glucuronoside to another, forming bilirubin
bisglucuronoside and unconjugated bilirubin (a step in heme
catabolism).
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Bilirubinoid
Generic term denoting intermediates in the conversion of bilirubin
to stercobilin by reductive enzymes in intestinal bacteria.
Included are mesobilirubin, mesobilane, mesobilene-b, urobilinogen,
urobilin, reduction products of mesobilane (stercobilinogen) and
mesobilene (stercobilin), and mesobiliviolin; most are found in
normal urine and feces. Products related to these intermediates and
found in pathologic conditions (jaundice, liver disease) are the
structurally indefinite probilifuscins and propentdyopents found in
gallstones.
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Bilirubinuria
Presence of bilirubin (yellow-red pigment of bile) in urine.
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Bilitherapy
Treatment with bile or bile salts.
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Biliuria
The presence of various bile salts, or bile, in the urine.
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Biliverdin
A green bile pigment formed from the oxidation of heme; a bilin
with a structure almost identical to that of bilirubin.
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BILL
Abbreviation for bass increase at low levels, under level.
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Bill maneuver
Forceps rotation of the fetal head at midpelvis before extraction
of the head.
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Billings method
A contraceptive method that involves periods of abstinence
determined by changes in cervical mucus.
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Billroth I anastomosis
Reestablishment of intestinal continuity after a distal gastrectomy
by a gastroduodenostomy.
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Billroth I operation
Excision of the pylorus and antrum and partial closure of the
gastric end with end-to-end anastomosis of stomach and duodenum.
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Billroth II anastomosis
Reestablishment of intestinal continuity after a distal gastrectomy
by a loop gastrojejunostomy.
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Billroth II operation
Excision of the pylorus and antrum with closure of the cut ends of
the duodenum and stomach, followed by a gastrojejunostomy.
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Bilobate
Having two lobes.
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Bilobectomy
Surgical excision of two lobes of the right lung, either right
upper and middle or right lower and middle.
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Bilobed flap
Flap designed with segments, A and B, so that flap A rotates into
the recipient defect, flap B closes the defect left by flap A, and
the flap B donor site is closed primarily. Usually designed as a
rotation flap and employed where donor tissue is scarce. Because
flap B closes flap A's donor site, the true donor defect is moved
farther from the original recipient site into a region that will
permit primary soft tissue closure.
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Bilobular
Having two lobules.
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Bilocular
Having two compartments or spaces.
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Bilocular joint
One in which the intraarticular disc is complete, dividing the
joint into two distinct cavities.
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Bimalleolar fracture
A fracture of the distal tibia and fibula in which the medial
malleolus of the distal tibia and the lateral malleolus of the
distal fibula are fractured.
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Bimanual
Relating to, or performed by, both hands.
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Bimanual palpation
Use of both hands to feel organs or masses, especially in the
abdomen or pelvis.
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Bimanual percussion
Percussion in which the finger of one hand taps the other hand; a
form of mediate percussion.
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Bimanual version
Turning of the baby in utero, performed by the hands acting upon
both extremities of the fetus; it may be external version or
combined version.
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Bimastoid
Relating to both mastoid processes.
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Bimaxillary
Relating to both the right and left maxillae; sometimes used to
describe something affecting both halves of the upper jaw.
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Bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion
The positioning of the entire dentition forward with respect to the
facial profile.
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Bimaxillary protrusion
The excessive forward projection of both the maxilla and the
mandible in relation to the cranial base.
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Bimaxillary protrusive occlusion
An occlusion in which both the maxilla and mandible protrude,
causing the long axes of the maxillary anterior teeth to be at an
extremely acute angle to the mandibular teeth; may be secondary to
a skeletal or dental deformity, or both; seen commonly in blacks.
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Bimodal
Denoting a frequency curve characterized by two peaks.
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Bimolecular
Involving two molecules, as in a bimolecular reaction.
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Binangle
1. The second angle given the shank of an angled instrument to
bring its working end close to the axis of the handle to prevent it
from turning about the axis. 2. A dental instrument possessing the
above characteristics.
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Binangle chisel
A chisel with an angled shank to which a second angle is added to
bring the cutting edge nearly in line with the axis of the handle
so as to restore balance and to prevent it from turning about the
axis; used when a chisel must be angled for access.
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Binary
1. Comprising two components, elements, molecules, or other
feature. 2. Denoting a choice of two mutually exclusive outcomes
for one event (male or female, heads or tails, affected or
unaffected).
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Binary combination
The name of a species of bacteria consisting of two parts: a
generic name and a specific epithet.
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Binary complex
A noncovalent complex of two molecules; often referring to the
enzyme-substrate complex in an enzyme-catalyzed reaction.
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Binary fission
Simple fission in which the two new cells are approximately equal
in size.
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Binary process
A random event with two exhaustive and mutually exclusive outcomes;
a Bernoulli process.
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Binasal hemianopia
Blindness in the nasal field of vision of both eyes.
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Binaural
Relating to both ears.
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Binaural alternate loudness balance test
A test for recruitment in one ear; the comparison of relative
loudness of a series of intensities presented alternately to either
ear.
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Binaural contralateral routing of signal hearing aid
A hearing aid system in which the signal to the microphone at each
ear is transmitted after amplification to the other ear; it allows
substantial gain without feedback for individuals with bilateral
severe hearing loss.
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Binaural stethoscope
A stethoscope in which the two ear pieces connect with a single
bell.
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Bind
1. To confine or encircle with a band or bandage. 2. To join
together with a band or ligature. 3. To combine or unite molecules
by means of reactive groups, either in the molecules themselves or
in a chemical added for that purpose; frequently used in relation
to chemical bonds that may be fairly easily broken (noncovalent),
as in the binding of a toxin with antitoxin, or a heavy metal with
a chelating agent. 4. A close interpersonal relationship in which
one person feels compelled to act in a certain way to obtain the
approval of another.
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Bindegewebs massage
Form of bodywork developed in Germany in the 1930s by Elisabeth
Dicke. Its theory resembles that of traditional acupuncture,
positing a "powerful association" between particular areas of
connective tissue (e.g., cartilage) and specific "paths" of the
nervous system and internal organs. Also called connective tissue
massage.
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Binder
1. A broad bandage, especially one encircling the abdomen. 2.
Anything that binds.
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Binding
The perceptual connection between aspects of a visual experience,
such that the color of a moving object appears to be unified with
the object (whereas movement and color are processed in different
brain regions).
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Binding agent
A substance that makes a loose mixture stick together. For example,
binding agents can be used to make solid pills from loose powders.
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Binding energy
Energy that would be released if a particular atomic nucleus were
formed through the combination of individual protons and neutrons.
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Binet age
The age of the normal child with whose intelligence (as measured by
the Stanford-Binet scale) the intelligence of the abnormal child
corresponds (the profoundly retarded person functions like a child
of 1-2 years; the moderately to severely retarded, 3-7 years; the
borderline to mildly retarded, 8-12 years).
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Binet-Simon scale
Forerunner of individual intelligence tests designed for both
children and adults, particularly the Stanford-Binet intelligence
scale, and sometimes referred to as the Binet scale or the Binet
test.
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Bing reflex
When the foot is passively dorsiflexed, plantar flexion occurs if
any point on the ankle between the two malleoli is tapped.
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Bingeing
Eating compulsively or greedily, especially as a symptom of
bulimia.
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Bingham flow
The flow characteristics exhibited by a Bingham plastic.
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Bingham model
A model representing the flow behavior of a Bingham plastic, in the
idealized case.
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Bingham plastic
A material that, in the idealized case, does not flow until a
critical stress (yield stress) is exceeded, and then flows at a
rate proportional to the excess of stress over the yield stress;
real materials probably only approach this ideal model.
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Binocular
Adapted to the use of both eyes; said of an optic instrument.
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Binocular fixation
A condition in which both eyes are simultaneously directed to the
same target.
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Binocular heterochromia
An increase or decrease in pigmentation of one eye, with or without
extraocular pigmentary defects.
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Binocular loupe
A magnifying device, attached to spectacles or a headband, worn as
a visual aid when performing operations on small structures.
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Binocular microscope
A microscope having two eyepieces; it may be a compound microscope
or a stereoscopic microscope.
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Binocular ophthalmoscope
An ophthalmoscope that provides a stereoscopic view of the fundus.
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Binocular parallax
The difference in the angles formed by the lines of sight to two
objects situated at different distances from the eyes; a factor in
the visual perception of depth.
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Binocular rivalry
Alteration in perception of portions of the visual field when the
two eyes are simultaneously and rapidly exposed to targets
containing dissimilar colors or borders.
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Binocular vision
Vision with a single image, by both eyes simultaneously.
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Binomial
A set of two terms or names; in the probabilistic or statistical
sense it corresponds to a Bernoulli trial.
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Binomial distribution
1. A probability distribution associated with two mutually
exclusive outcomes, presence or absence of a clinical sign. 2. The
possible array of the number of successes in the outcomes from a
fixed number, n, of independent Bernoulli trials; the probabilities
associated with each constitute a binomial process of order n.
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Binswanger's disease
A type of neurologic disorder characterized by degeneration and
lesions of the deep white matter of the brain. Binswanger's disease
is a form of vascular dementia. Vascular dementia results when
brain cells are deprived of oxygen, causing the cells to die.
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Binuclear
Having two nuclei.
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Binucleolate
Having two nucleoli.
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Bio-
Combining form denoting life.
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Bioaccumulate
Accumulation of environmental chemicals in tissues of exposed
organisms.
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Bioacoustics
The science dealing with the effects of sound fields or mechanical
vibrations on living organisms.
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Bioactive
Having an effect on living organisms.
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Bioassay
Determination of the potency or concentration of a compound by its
effect on animals, isolated tissues, or microorganisms, as compared
with an analysis of its chemical or physical properties.
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Bioavailability
The physiologic availability of a given amount of a drug, as
distinct from its chemical potency; proportion of the administered
dose that is absorbed into the bloodstream.
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Bioavailable
The portion of a nutrient (or other chemical) that can be absorbed,
transported, and utilized physiologically.
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Bioburden
Degree of microbial contamination or microbial load; the number of
microorganisms contaminating an object.
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Biocampatibility
The relative ability of a nonorganic material to interact favorably
with a biologic system. The degree of biocompatibility depends on a
material's chemical stability over time, tendency to cause
inflammation, incite disease, or become carconogenic.
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Biocatalyst
A substance of biologic origin that can catalyze a reaction, an
enzyme.
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Biocenosis
An assemblage of species living in a particular biotope.
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Biochanin A
An isoflavone found in soy products. Soy isoflavones are being
studied to see if they help prevent cancer.
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Biochemical
Relating to biochemistry.
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Biochemical failure
Asymptomatic disease recurrence marked only by variance in values
determined on clinical laboratory monitoring.
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Biochemical genetics
The study of genetics in terms of the chemical (biochemical) events
involved, as in the manner in which DNA molecules replicate and
control the synthesis of specific enzymes by the genetic code.
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Biochemical metastasis
The transportation and induction of abnormal immunochemical
specificities in apparently normal organs.
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Biochemical modulation
Term describing the modulation (either enhancement of activity or
reduction of toxicity) of a chemotherapeutic agent by another
agent, which may or may not have antineoplastic activity of its
own.
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Biochemical oxygen demand
The rate at which dissolved oxygen is consumed by an organism
(often, a microorganism) or a culture of cells.
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Biochemical pharmacology
A branch of pharmacology concerned with the biochemical mechanisms
responsible for the actions of drugs.
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Biochemical reactions
In living cells, chemical reactions that help sustain life and
allow cells to grow.
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Biochemistry
The chemistry of living organisms and of the chemical, molecular,
and physical changes occurring therein.
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Biochemopreventives
Any substance extracted from nature with purported value in
preventive medicine.
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Biochemorphic
Denoting the relationship between biologic action and chemical
structure, as in food and drugs.
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Bio-chromatic chakra alignment
Purported means of unblocking bodily "energy centers" with
"visionary tools" allegedly based on "alien science." These
include: (a) the "Bio-Chromatic Integration Device," which
supposedly converts "deep space energy" to "human frequencies"; and
(b) the Starchamber™, which allegedly filters, focuses, and
amplifies the "life force energy" of any object.
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Biocidal
Destructive of life; particularly pertaining to microorganisms.
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Bioclimatology
The science of the relationship of climatic factors to the
distribution, numbers, and types of living organisms; an aspect of
ecology.
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Biocybernetics
The science of communication and control within a living organism,
particularly on a molecular basis.
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Biocytin
Biotin condensed through its carboxyl group with the ε-amino group
of a lysyl residue in the apoenzymes to which biotin is the
coenzyme; the predominant linkage in which biotin is found.
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Biocytinase
An enzyme in blood that catalyzes the hydrolysis of biocytin to
biotin and lysine (or, lysyl residue if the lysine is part of a
protein sequence).
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Biodegradable
Denoting a substance that can be chemically degraded or decomposed
by natural effectors (weather, soil bacteria, plants, animals).
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Biodynamic
Relating to biodynamics.
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Biodynamic massage
Form of bodywork originated by Gerda Boyesen. It is either part of
or identical to biodynamic psychology.
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Biodynamic psychology, therapy
"Therapeutic approach" developed by Gerda Boyesen, a clinical
psychologist and physiotherapist born in Norway. It is related to
bioenergetics. One of its postulates is that, when bodily fluids do
not circulate efficiently or tissues are not "properly cleansed,"
"emotional tensions or blockages" show up and keep "bioenergy" from
vitalizing the body.
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Biodynamics
The science dealing with the force or energy of living matter.
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Bioelectric potential
Electrical potentials occurring in living organisms.
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Bioelement
An element required or used by a living organism.
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Bioenergetic healing
Apparently, the mode of "healing" practiced by Ze'ev Kolman, a
native of Tel Aviv, Israel. Its apparent postulate is that "body
energy" brought to one's hands can often cure others.
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Bioenergetic movement work
Purported aid to freeing "blocked energy" in the body.
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Bioenergetic therapy
Ostensibly therapeutic phase of bioenergetics (Bioenergetic
Analysis). It purportedly is a "voyage in self-discovery" that can
bring one closer to a "state of grace."
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Bioenergetics
1. (Bioenergetic Analysis, bioenergetic method) Offshoot of
Reichian Therapy developed by psychiatrist Alexander Lowen (b.
1910), author of Language of the Body (1958). Its theory posits
"bioenergy" ("life energy"), and its postulate is that all bodily
cells record emotional or "energetic" reactions. Proponents hold
that such cellular "memories" are adaptable to healing and
consciousness-raising, and that patients can release them by
crying, screaming, and kicking. Practitioners may be called
"bioenergeticists." 2. "Science" practiced by former boxing
instructor Yefim Shubentsov, called "The Russian" and "The Mad
Russian." It is a treatment for phobias, addiction, bulimia,
overeating, pain, migraines, and hearing deficiency. According to
its theory, such problems are remediable through effects on the
patient's force fields.
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Bioenergy
1. Energy from organic matter. 2. Purported "Natural" form of aura
balancing.
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BioEssence bodywork
Component of BioEssence bodywork based on Zen Shiatsu.
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BioEssence therapy
System developed by Paul Pitchford. It includes BioEssence
bodywork, BioEssence "release work" (which involves stylized
breathing), diet, herbalism, Qigong, tai chi, and traditional
Chinese "diagnostic" methods.
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Biofeedback
A technique for helping an individual to become conscious of
usually unconscious body processes, such as heartbeat or body
temperature, so that he or she can gain some measure of control
over them, and thereby learn to manage the effects of various
disorders, including acute back pain, migraines, and Raynaud's
disease.
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Biofeedback Without Machines
"Modality" for relatively stressless living and for "tapping" inner
resources to discover one's identity and potential, according to
George E. Soroka in Biofeedback Without Machines: A Strategy For
Living (1994). Soroka's method joins biofeedback and a form of
counseling that includes Transactional Analysis. In his book,
Soroka states that everyone is "plugged into the universe at
large," that this alleged connection is a transcendent source of
awesome power, and that biofeedback enables one to begin an
exploration of "the cosmic energy force." He also suggests that God
is immanent in humans.
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Biofilm
A thin coating containing biologically active agents, which coats
the surface of structures such as teeth or the inner surfaces of
catheter, tube, or other implanted or indwelling device. It
contains viable and nonviable microorganisms that adhere to the
surface and are trapped within a matrix of organic matter
(proteins, glycoproteins, and carbohydrates).
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Biofixture
An item, biologic or inert, affixed to or within a person for
permanent or long-term service (prosthetic valves, transplanted
organs).
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Bioflavanoid
1. A biologically active plant compound thought to enhance the
activity of vitamin and exert antioxidant effects. 2. Any group of
biologically active flavanoids. They are essential for the
stability and absorption of Vitamin C. Although they are not
technically vitamins, they are sometimes referred to as vitamin P.
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Biogenesis
1. Term given by Huxley to the principle that life originates from
preexisting life only and never from nonliving material. 2. The
principle that a living organism can only originate from a living
organism similar to itself.
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Biogenetic
Relating to biogenesis.
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Biogenic
Produced by a living organism.
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Biogenic amines
A class of compounds, each containing an amine group, produced by a
living organism. This class normally does not include amino acids.
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Biogenic support
Phase of homeovitics whose alleged aim is to minimize production of
free radicals during Clearing and homeovitic detoxification.
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Biogeochemistry
The study of the influence of living organisms and life processes
on the chemical structure and history of the earth.
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Bioglass
A fused silica-containing aluminum oxide that has a
surface-reactive glass film compatible with tissues; used as a
surface coating in some types of medical and dental implants.
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Biogram therapy
Biogram refers to a something that purportedly communicates
directly with the source of a malady to initiate the healing
process on mental and physical levels. It is the basis of an
audiocassette program. The principles of Biogram Therapy include:
(a) One can learn how to use the mind to correct any negative
physical conditions in various areas of the body. (b) Everyone
possesses a cellular memory, the experience of one's ancestors in
genetic code, which may cause otherwise inexplicable difficulties
for the individual. (c) One can develop both the ability to see
inside the body with the mind and the ability to derive information
from DNA archives (the Library of Time), with which one can retrain
oneself at the cellular level.
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Biogravics
That field of study dealing with the effect on living organisms
(particularly humans) of abnormal gravitational effects produced,
by acceleration or by free fall; in the former case, heavier than
normal weight is induced, and in the latter weightlessness.
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Bioinformatics
A scientific discipline encompassing all aspects of biologic
information acquisition, processing, storage, distribution,
analysis, and interpretation that combines the tools and techniques
of mathematics, computer science, and biology with the aim of
understanding the biologic significance of a variety of data.
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Bioinstrument
A sensor or device usually attached to or embedded in the human
body or other living animal to record and to transmit physiologic
data to a receiving and monitoring station.
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Bio-iridology
Mode of "treatment" selection based on the color of the iris and
iris markings. One of its underlying purported purposes is to
balance body, mind, and spirit. Bio-iridology's "treatment" options
encompass chiropractic, "deep yoga breathing exercises," dietary
modification, dietary supplements, and herbs.
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BioKinesiology
Offshoot of applied kinesiology developed in the mid-1970s by John
Barton. It postulates that "stressful emotions" are the basis of
most illnesses. Alleged "correction" includes dietary
supplementation.
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Biokinetics
The study of the growth changes and movements that developing
organisms undergo.
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Biologic
Relating to biology.
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Biologic agent
A substance that is made from a living organism or its products and
is used in the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of cancer and
other diseases. Biologic agents include antibodies, interleukins,
and vaccines. Also called biological agent or biological drug.
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Biologic coefficient
Rarely used term denoting the energy expended by the body at rest.
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Biologic control
Control of living organisms, including vectors and reservoirs of
disease, by using their natural enemies (predators, parasites,
competitors).
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Biologic evolution
The doctrine that all forms of animal or plant life have been
derived by gradual changes from simpler forms and ultimately
unicellular organisms.
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Biologic half-life
The time required for one-half of an amount of a substance to be
lost through biologic processes.
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Biologic hemolysis
Hemolysis caused by materials elaborated by various living
organisms.
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Biologic psychiatry
A branch of psychiatry that emphasizes molecular, genetic, and
pharmacologic approaches in the diagnosis and treatment of mental
disorders.
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Biologic sampling
Denotes sampling that can be taken without jeopardy to the whole
organism (for hematologic or biochemic study). Because of the
complexity of biologic samples, it is usually supposed that the
source of the sample is thoroughly mixed and hence representative;
this assumption is often not true, in genetic studies in mosaic
patients.
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Biologic standard unit
A specific quantity of biologically active reference material
(antibiotic, antitoxin, enzyme, hormone, vitamin).
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Biologic time
The concept that our appreciation of time varies with age and is
governed by the neural organization of the person; it obeys a
logarithmic rather than an arithmetic law.
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Biologic vector
A vector, such as the Anopheles mosquito for malarial agents or the
tsetse fly for agents of African sleeping sickness, in which the
agent multiplies before being transmitted to another host.
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Biologic width
The combined width of the connective tissue and epithelial
attachment superior to the crestal bone of the alveolar process.
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Biological
Pertaining to biology or to life and living things. In medicine,
refers to a substance made from a living organism or its products.
Biologicals may be used to prevent, diagnose, treat or relieve of
symptoms of a disease. For example, antibodies, interleukins, and
vaccines are biologicals. Biological also refers to parents and
children who are related by blood.
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Biological agent
A substance that is made from a living organism or its products and
is used in the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of cancer and
other diseases. Biological agents include antibodies, interleukins,
and vaccines. Also called biologic agent or biological drug.
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Biological archeology
Component of BEYOND MEDICINE whose postulate is that the body
stores all information in "cellular memory." It purported design is
to "peel away" layers of "stresses," "toxins," and "traumas" the
body has stored. Biological Archeology encompasses herbology,
homeopathy, kinesiology, and psychotherapy.
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Biological drug
A substance that is made from a living organism or its products and
is used in the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of cancer and
other diseases. Biological drugs include antibodies, interleukins,
and vaccines. Also called biologic agent or biological agent.
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Biological Immunity Analysis®
BIA, Biological Immunity System™. Companion to Nutripathy developed
by Gary A. Martin, D.N., Ph.D., Th.D., D.Sc. Biological Immunity
Analysis is a "complete holistic system" whose centerpiece is
purported deciphering, with the Biological Immunity CompuSystem™,
of "Physical-Mental-Emotional frequencies" in specimens of urine
and saliva. It allegedly reveals the donor's "Soul Pattern" ("the
pattern inherent in your Soul," "a gift from God.")
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Biological response modifier
Abbreviated as BRM. Treatment to stimulate or restore the ability
of the immune system to fight infections and other diseases. Also
used to lessen certain side effects that may be caused by cancer
treatment. Also called immunotherapy, biotherapy, or biological
therapy.
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Biological response modifier therapy
Abbreviated as BRM therapy. Treatment to stimulate or restore the
ability of the immune system to fight cancer, infections, and other
diseases. Also used to lessen certain side effects that may be
caused by cancer treatment. Also called immunotherapy, biotherapy,
or biological therapy.
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Biological therapy
Treatment to stimulate or restore the ability of the immune system
to fight cancer, infections, and other diseases. Also used to
lessen certain side effects that may be caused by some cancer
treatments. Also called immunotherapy, biotherapy, or biological
response modifier (BRM) therapy.
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Biologist
A specialist or expert in biology.
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Biology
The science concerned with the phenomena of life and living
organisms.
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Biolubrication
Any of various mechanisms whereby friction between mobile anatomic
parts is reduced, as on cartilaginous surfaces.
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Bioluminescence
1. Light produced by certain organisms from the oxidation of
luciferins through the action of luciferases and with negligible
production of heat, chemical energy being converted directly into
light energy. 2. Any light produced by a living organism.
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Biolysis
Disintegration of organic matter through the chemical action of
living organisms.
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Biolytic
1. Relating to biolysis. 2. Capable of destroying life.
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Biomacromolecule
A naturally occurring substance of large molecular weight (protein,
DNA).
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Biomagification
A sequence of processes in an ecosystem that leads to increasing
concentrations of chemical substances at higher levels in the food
chain (maximum levels being reached in human beings, who are at the
upper end of most food chains).
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Bio-Magnetic Healing™
Manual "technique" that, allegedly, helps to heal "recipients" and
increases their quality of life. Practitioners, who supposedly are
tools of a "greater Force," lightly touch specific points on
"recipients," purportedly to allow this "Force" to "reawaken" the
healing process. Also called Bio-Magnetic Healing Methodology™,
Bio-Magnetic Methodology™, Bio-Magnetic Touch™.
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Biomagnetic therapy
Method taught by Michael Tierra, author of Biomagnetic and Herbal
Therapy. Biomagnetic therapy centers on using magnets to treat pain
and disease. According to its theory, a magnet's north pole causes
contraction and its south pole dissipates "energy." Biomagnetic
therapy is purportedly usable to move Qi and to balance bodily
"energy." It appears identical to magnet therapy.
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Biomagnetics
Form of "vibrational bioenergetics medicine" related to Cymatics
and advanced by Sir Peter Guy Manners, M.D., D.O., Ph.D., of
England. Biomagnetics is purportedly a "drugless" system of
ostensible diagnosis and treatment.
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Biomagnify
Propensity for accumulated environmental chemicals to increase in
relative concentrations at each level in the food chain (eagles are
likely to ingest toxins consumed by fish, their primary foodstuff).
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Biomarker
A physical, functional, or biochemical indicator.
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Biomass
The total weight of all living things in a given area, biotic
community, species population, or habitat; a measure of total
biotic productivity.
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Biomaterial
A synthetic or semisynthetic material used in a biologic system to
construct an implantable prosthesis and chosen for its
biocompatibility.
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Biome
The total complex of biotic communities occupying and
characterizing a particular geographic area or zone.
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Biomechanics
The science concerned with the action of forces, internal or
external, on the living body.
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Biomedical
1. Pertaining to those aspects of the natural sciences, especially
the biologic and physiologic sciences, that relate to or underlie
medicine. 2. Biologic and medical, encompassing both the science(s)
and the art of medicine.
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Biomedical engineering
Application of engineering principles to obtain solutions to
biomedical problems.
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Biomedical model
A conceptual model of illness that excludes psychological and
social factors and includes only biologic factors in an attempt to
understand a person's medical illness or disorder.
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Biomedicine
A system of medicine based on the principles of the natural
sciences.
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Biomembrane
A structure bounding a cell or cell organelle; it contains lipids,
proteins, glycolipids, steroids, etc.
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Biometer
A device for measuring carbon dioxide given off by organisms and,
hence, for determining the quantity of living matter present.
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Biometrical school
A group of British geneticists, followers of Galton and Karl
Pearson, whose approach to genetics was quantitative rather than
enumerative.
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Biometrician
One who specializes in the science of biometry.
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Biometry
The application of statistical methods to the study of numeric data
based on biologic observations and phenomena.
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Biomicroscopy
1. Microscopic examination of living tissue in the body. 2.
Examination of the cornea, aqueous humor, lens, vitreous humor, and
retina by use of a slitlamp combined with a binocular microscope.
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Biomimetic
Imitative of biologic process or life.
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Biomphalaria
An important genus of freshwater snails (family Planorbidae,
subfamily Planorbinae), several species of which serve as
intermediate hosts of Schistosoma mansoni in Africa, Saudi Arabia,
Yemen, South America, and the Caribbean. Host snails formerly were
placed in the genera Australorbis, Tropicorbis, and Taphius but are
no longer considered generically distinct.
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Bion
A living thing.
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Biondi-Heidenhain stain
An obsolete stain for spirochetes, using acid fuchsin and orange G.
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Bionic
Relating to or developed from bionics.
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Bionics
1. The science of biologic functions and mechanisms as applied to
electronic chemistry; such as computers, employing various aspects
of physics, mathematics, and chemistry; improving cybernetic
engineering by reference to the organization of the vertebrate
nervous system. 2. The science of applying the knowledge gained by
studying the characteristics of living organisms to the formulation
of nonorganic devices and techniques.
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Bionomy
The laws of life; the science concerned with the laws regulating
the vital functions.
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Biooastronautics
The study of the effects of space travel and space habitation on
living organisms.
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Bio-Optic Holography®
A "system of facilitation" that embraces iridology and sclerology.
Its apparent basic principle is that one's eyes reveal the purpose
and all the possibilities of one's life.
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Biophage
An organism that derives the nourishment for its existence from
another living organism.
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Biophagism
The deriving of nourishment from living organisms.
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Biophagous
Feeding on living organisms; denoting certain parasites.
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Biopharmaceutics
The study of the physical and chemical properties of a drug, and
its dosage form, as related to the onset, duration, and intensity
of drug action, including coconstituents and mode of manufacture.
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Biophylactic
Relating to biophylaxis.
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Biophylaxis
Obsolete term referring to nonspecific defense reactions of the
body, phagocytosis, vascular and other reactions of inflammatory
processes.
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Biophysical profile
Technique for evaluating fetal status using fetal heart rate
monitoring and ultrasound assessment of amniotic fluid volume,
fetal movement, and fetal breathing motion.
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Biophysics
1. The study of biologic processes and materials by means of the
theories and tools of physics; the application of physical methods
to analyze biologic problems and processes. 2. The study of
physical processes (electricity, luminescence) occurring in
organisms.
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Bioplasm
Protoplasm, especially in its relation to living processes and
development.
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Bioplasmic
Relating to bioplasm.
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Bioplasmic healing
Type of "healing" whose theory posits "bioplasmic energy," a
"bioplasmic body," and chakras (invisible, glandular channelers of
"energy.")
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Biopolymer
A naturally occurring compound that is a polymer containing
identical or similar subunits.
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Biopsy
A diagnostic test in which tissue or cells are removed from the
body for examination under a microscope.
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Biopsy needle
A hollow needle used to obtain a core of tissue for histologic
study.
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Biopsy specimen
Tissue removed from the body and examined under a microscope to
determine whether disease is present.
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Biopsychology
An interdisciplinary area of study involving psychology, biology,
physiology, biochemistry, the neural sciences, and related fields.
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Biopsychosocial
Involving interplay of biologic, psychological, and social
influences.
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Biopsychosocial model
A conceptual model that assumes that psychological and social
factors must also be included along with the biologic in
understanding a person's medical illness or disorder.
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Biopterin
A conceptual model that assumes that psychological and social
factors must also be included along with the biologic in
understanding a person's medical illness or disorder.
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Bioptome
A biopsy instrument passed through a catheter into the heart to
obtain pieces of tissue for diagnosis.
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Biorbital
Relating to both orbits.
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Biorbital angle
An angle formed by the meeting of the axes of the orbits.
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BioResonance therapy
BRT. Subject of Bioresonance Therapy: To Heal With Bodies and
Substances Own Oscillations (Tijuana, Mexico: New Hope Clinic), by
Reinhold D. Will, and of Bioresonance and Multiresonance Therapy:
New, Forward-Looking Forms of Therapy With Ultrafine Body Energies
and Environmental Signals (Medicina Biologica, 1970), edited by
Hans Brugemann. BRT stems partly from the work of Wilhelm Reich and
that of Reinhold Voll. Reportedly, Franz Morrel, a German medical
doctor and Scientologist, and Erich Rasche, an electronics
engineer, developed BRT, one of whose postulates is that tumors
express the "holistic situation" in humans.
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Biorheology
The science concerned with deformation and flow in biologic
systems.
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Biorhythm
A biologically inherent cyclic variation or recurrence of an event
or state, such as sleep cycles, circadian rhythms, and periodic
diseases.
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Biosafety
Safety measures applied to the handling of biologic materials or
organisms with a known potential to cause disease in humans.
Current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) are to follow universal precautions, that is, to
treat all human samples of blood and body fluid as confectious.
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Biosis
Life, in a general sense.
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Biosocial
Involving the interplay of biologic and social influences.
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BioSonic mantric dream repatterning
Method that involves the use of "bija mantras"-sounds that
allegedly activate the "elemental energy qualities." Its theory
posits "chakra energy centers."
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BioSonic Repatterning™
System that encompasses Cymatics and Toning. It involves using
tuning forks and "bija mantras": "healing mantras" that purportedly
activate "elemental energy qualities." Apparent adjuncts to
BioSonic Repatterning include aura balancing, crystal healing,
flower essence therapy, Inner Screen & Distance Healing, and
"Light and Color Therapy" ("color and light healing.")
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BioSonic sound and light repatterning
Component of BioSonics that includes color breathing.
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BioSonics
System that encompasses BioSonic Repatterning, BioSonic Sound and
Light Repatterning, and BioSonic Mantric Dream Repatterning.
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Biospectrometry
Spectroscopic determination of the types and amounts of various
substances in living tissue or fluid from a living body.
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Biospectroscopy
Spectroscopic examination of specimens of living tissue, including
fluids removed therefrom.
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Biospeleology
The study of organisms in the natural habitat of which is wholly or
partly subterranean.
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Biosphere
All regions in the world where living organisms are found.
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Biostatics
The science of the relation between structure and function in
organisms.
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Biostatistics
The science of statistics applied to biologic or medical data.
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Biosynthesis
The formation of chemical compounds in a living organism.
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Biosynthetic
Relating to or produced by biosynthesis.
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Biosystem
A living organism or any complete system of living things that can,
directly or indirectly, interact with others.
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Biot respiration
Completely irregular breathing pattern, with continually variable
rate and depth of breathing; results from lesions in the
respiratory centers in the brainstem, extending from the
dorsomedial medulla caudally to the obex.
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Biota
The collective flora and fauna of a region.
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Biotaxis
The classification of living beings according to their anatomic
characteristics.
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Biotechnology
The use of microorganisms or biological substances to perform
industrial or manufacturing processes.
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Biotelemetry
The technique of monitoring vital processes and transmitting data
without wires to a point remote from the subject.
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Biotest
A method for assessing the effect of a compound, technique, or
procedure on an organism.
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Biotherapeutic agent
A microorganism employed for therapeutic purposes.
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Biotherapy
Treatment to stimulate or restore the ability of the immune system
to fight cancer, infections, and other diseases. Also used to
lessen certain side effects that may be caused by cancer treatment.
Also called biological therapy, immunotherapy, or biological
response modifier (BRM) therapy.
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Biotic
Pertaining to life.
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Biotic factors
Environmental factors or influences resulting from the activities
of living organisms, as contrasted to those resulting from
climatic, geologic, or other factors.
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Biotic potential
A theoretic measurement of the capacity of a species to survive or
to compete successfully.
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Biotics
The science concerned with the functions of life, or vital activity
and force.
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Biotin
One of the essential water-soluble vitamins manufactured in the gut
by bacteria. Symptoms of biotin deficiency include lack of
appetite, nausea, vomiting, and depression. The recommended daily
allowance of biotin is 300mg.
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Biotin carboxylase
A subunit of a number of enzymes (acetyl-CoA carboxylase). It
catalyzes the formation of carboxybiotin (on a biotin-carrier
protein), ADP, and Pi from ATP, CO2 ,and biotin.
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Biotin oxidase
An enzyme (probably nonspecific) catalyzing the β-oxidation of the
biotin side chain.
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Biotin-avidin procedure
Immunoperoxidase method wherein the primary antibody is linked to
biotin and an avidin-peroxidase-conjugate is then added.
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Biotinidase
An enzyme catalyzing the hydrolysis of biotin amide (forming biotin
and ammonia), biocytin (forming biotin and lysine), and other
biotinides. A deficiency of biotinidase can lead to organic
acidemia.
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Biotinidase deficiency
A rare, autosomal recessive disease causing loss of excessive
biotin; clinical manifestations may be absent, but extreme
manifestations include seizures, alopecia, dermatitis, hypotonia,
optic atrophy, ataxia, developmental delay, hearing deficits, and
occasionally immunodeficiency; trait has a prevalence of 1 in
60,000.
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Biotinides
Compounds and derivatives of biotin, biocytin.
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Biotope
The smallest geographic area providing uniform conditions for life;
the physical part of an ecosystem.
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Biotoxicology
The study of poisons produced by living organisms.
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Biotoxin
Any toxic substance formed in an animal body, and demonstrable in
its tissues or body fluids, or both.
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Biotransformation
The conversion of molecules from one form to another within an
organism, often associated with change (increase, decrease, or
little change) in pharmacologic activity; refers especially to
drugs and other xenobiotics.
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Biotype
1. A population or group of individuals composed of the same
genotype. 2. In bacteriology, former name for biovar, referring to
a variant strain of bacteria.
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Biovar
A group (infrasubspecific) of bacterial strains distinguishable
from other strains of the same species on the basis of physiologic
characters. Formerly called biotype.
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Bipalatinoid
A capsule with two compartments, used for making remedies in
nascent form; the reaction between the two substances takes place
as the capsule dissolves in the stomach, thus activating the
remedy.
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Biparental
Having two parents, male and female.
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Biparietal
Relating to both parietal bones of the cranium.
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Biparietal diameter
The diameter of the fetal head between the two parietal eminences.
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Biparous
Bearing two young.
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Bipartite
Consisting of two parts or divisions.
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Biped
1. Two-footed. 2. Any animal with only two feet.
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Bipedal
1. Relating to a biped. 2. Capable of locomotion on two feet;
iguanas and some other varieties of lizard have this capability.
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Bipedicle flap
A flap with two pedicles, one at each end.
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Bipennate
Pertaining to a muscle with a central tendon toward which the
fibers converge on either side like the barbs of a feather.
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Biperforate
Having two foramina or perforations.
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Biphasic
Cellular structure with two histomorphologic patterns. The paradigm
is synovial sarcoma, in which plump round cells and spindle-shaped
fibroblastic cells alternate with with glandularlike areas that
show synoviallike cells.
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Biphasic insulin
The specific antidiabetic principle of the pancreas of the ox in a
solution of that from the pancreas of the pig.
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Biphasic response
1. Two separate and distinct responses that are separated in time.
2. Immediate reaction to an antigenic challenge followed by a
recurrence of symptoms after an interval of quiescence.
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Biphenotypic
Pertaining to or characterized by biphenotypy.
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Biphenotypy
The expression of markers of more than one cell type by the same
cell, as in certain leukemias.
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Biplane angiography
Synchronous angiocardiography in two planes at right angles to each
other or in two orthogonal planes.
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Bipolar
Having two poles, ends, or extremes.
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Bipolar cautery
Electrocautery by high frequency electrical current passed through
tissue from an active to a passive electrode; used for hemostasis.
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Bipolar cell
A neuron having two processes, anaxon and a dendrite, such as those
of the retina or of the spiral and vestibular ganglia of the eighth
cranial nerve.
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Bipolar disorder
Medical conditions that cause extreme mood swings that range from
depression to mania.
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Bipolar I disorder
1. An affective disorder characterized by the occurrence of
alternating (mixed, manic, and major depressive) episodes. 2. A DSM
diagnosis is established when the specified criteria are met.
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Bipolar II disorder
1. An affective disorder characterized by the occurrence of
alternating hypomanic and major depressive episodes. 2. A DSM
diagnosis that is established when the specified criteria are met.
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Bipolar lead
A record obtained with two electrodes placed on different regions
of the body, each electrode contributing significantly to the
record; a standard limb lead.
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Bipolar neuron
A neuron that has two processes arising from opposite poles of the
cell body.
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Bipolar psychosis
A subtype of affective personality occurring during various
episodes of bipolar disorder with the exception of hypomania.
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Bipolaris australiensis
Species of dematiaceous fungi that is among the causes of
phaeohyphomycosis.
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Bipolaris hawaiiensis
Species of dematiaceous fungi that is among the causes of
phaeohyphomycosis.
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Bipolaris spicifera
Species of dematiaceous fungi that is among the causes of
phaeohyphomycosis.
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Bipotentiality
Capability of differentiating along two developmental pathways. An
example is the capacity of the gonad to develop into either an
ovary or a testis.
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BI-RADS
Abbreviation for Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System. A method
used by radiologists to interpret and report in a standardized
manner the results of mammography, ultrasound, and MRI used in
breast cancer screening and diagnosis.
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Biramous
Having two branches.
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Birch tar oil
Pyroligneous oil obtained by the dry distillation of the wood of
Betula alba and rectified by steam distillation; used externally in
the treatment of skin diseases.
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Birch-Hirschfeld stain
An obsolete stain for demonstrating amyloid, using Bismarck brown
and crystal violet; amyloid is usually stained a bright ruby red,
whereas the cytoplasm of cells is not stained and nuclei are brown.
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Bird criteria
Criteria defined by Bird and coworkers (1979) for the diagnosis of
polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), an inflammatory condition of unknown
etiology. Criteria include bilateral shoulder pain and/or
stiffness; onset of illness within previous 2 weeks; initial
erythrocyte sedimentation rate exceeding 40 mm/hour; morning
stiffness duration s exceeding 1 hour; patient older than 65 years;
depression, and/or loss of weight; bilateral upper arm tenderness.
A diagnosis of probable PMR is made if any three (or more) of these
criteria or findings are fulfilled. The presence of three or more
criteria yields a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 80%.
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Bird flu
A strain of influenza (sometimes called "the flu") that infects
birds. In particular, ducks, geese, chickens, and migratory birds
may become infected with avian influenza.
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Bird shot retinochoroiditis
Bilateral diffuse retinal vasculitis with depigmentation of
multiple areas of the choroid and retinal pigment epithelium
posterior to the ocular equator, often with an associated
papillitis or optic atrophy; vitiligo occurs occasionally.
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Bird sign
The presence of a zone of dullness on percussion with absence of
respiratory signs in hydatid cyst of the lung.
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Bird unit
A unit of prolactin activity: the minimal quantity of the hormone
that will cause a certain increase in weight of the crop gland of
pigeons.
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Bird-breeder's lung
Extrinsic allergic alveolitis caused by inhalation of particulate
avian emanations; sometimes specified by avian species,
pigeon-breeder's lung, budgerigar-breeder's lung.
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Bird's nest filter
A wire mesh inferior vena cava filter.
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Birdseed agar
Media prepared from Guizottia abyssinica seeds used in culturing
and in the presumptive diagnosis of Cryptococcus neoformans.
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Birefringent
Refracting twice; splitting a ray of light in two.
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Birnaviridae
A family of icosahedral nonenveloped viruses, 60 nm in diameter
with a genome that consists of two segments of linear
double-stranded RNA.
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Birnavirus
A virus in the family Birnaviridae that includes infectious bursal
disease virus of chickens, ducks, and turkeys; an infectious
pancreatic necrosis virus of fish.
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Birth
1. Passage of the fetus from the uterus to the outside world; the
act of being born. 2. Specifically, in the human, complete
expulsion or extraction of a fetus from its mother, irrespective of
gestational age, and regardless of whether the umbilical cord has
been cut or the placenta is attached.
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Birth canal
Cavity of the uterus and vagina through which the fetus passes.
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Birth certificate
Official, legal document recording details of a live birth, usually
comprising name, date, place, identity of parents, and sometimes
additional information such as birth weight.
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Birth control
1. Restriction of the number of offspring by means of contraceptive
measures. 2. Projects, programs, or methods to control
reproduction, by either improving or diminishing fertility.
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Birth defect
Defect present at birth; sometimes referred to as congenital defect
or anomaly.
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Birth fracture
Fracture occurring during the trauma of delivery or, occasionally,
before delivery in infants with osteogenesis imperfecta.
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Birth palsy
Motor and sensory deficits that result from nerve fiber injury
associated with delivery; the brachial plexus is the region most
commonly affected. Examples include Erb palsy and Klumpke palsy.
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Birth rate
A summary rate based on the number of live births in a population
over a given period, usually 1 year; the numerator is the number of
live births, the denominator is the midyear population.
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Birth trauma
1. Physical injury to an infant during its delivery. 2. The
supposed emotional injury, inflicted by events incident to birth,
on an infant, it allegedly appears in symbolic form in patients
with mental illness.
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Birth weight
In humans, the first weight of an infant obtained within less than
the first 60 completed minutes after birth; a full-size infant is
one weighing 2500 g or more; a low birth weight is less than 2500
g.; very low birth weight is less than 1500 g.; and extremely low
birth weight is less than 1000 g.
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Birthing
Parturition; the act of giving birth.
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Birthing center
A facility, usually in a hospital, that provides labor and delivery
services in a comfortable, homelike setting.
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Birthmarks
Colored spots on the skin that babies are born with or develop
shortly after birth. More than 1 in 10 babies have birthmarks.
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Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome
An inherited condition in which benign tumors develop in hair
follicles on the head, chest, back, and arms. People who have this
disorder may be at increased risk of developing colon or kidney
cancer.
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Bis-
1. Prefix signifying two or twice. 2. chemistry used to denote the
presence of two identical but separated complex groups in one
molecule.
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Bis in die
Twice a day.
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Bisabolol
The molecule in chamomile that calms the stomach and imparts of
characteristic blue color to the essential oil.
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Bisacromial
Relating to both acromions of the scapular processes.
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Bisacromial diameter
The distance between the outermost points of the fetal shoulders.
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Bisalbuminemia
The concurrence of having two kinds of serum albumin that differ in
mobility on electrophoresis: normal albumin (albumin A) and any one
of several variant types that migrate at other speeds; people are
heterozygous for the gene for albumin A and the gene for the
variant albumin type.
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Bisaxillary
Relating to both axillae.
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Bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids
A group of alkaloids with a base structure comprising two fused
isoquinoline rings, curare alkaloids.
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Bischof myelotomy
Longitudinal incision of the spinal cord through the lateral column
for treatment of spasticity of the lower extremities.
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Biscuit
A term associated with the firing of porcelain, and applied to the
fired article before glazing. May be any stage after the fluxes
have flowed enough to provide rigidity to the structure up to the
stage where shrinkage is complete. Referred to as low, medium or
high biscuit, depending on the completeness of vitrification, also
as hard or soft biscuit.
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Biscuit-bake
The initial bake(s) given fusing porcelain at lower than glazing
temperature to control shrinkage during the process of building up
the dental restoration.
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Bisect
Anatomy to divide a body part into equal halves - right and left
halves in the case of the head, neck, or trunk; medial and lateral
halves in the case of the limb.
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Bisexual
1. Having gonads of both sexes. 2. Denoting a person who engages in
both heterosexual and homosexual activities.
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Bisferious
Striking twice; said of the pulse.
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Bisferious pulse
An arterial pulse with two strong peaks.
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Bishop score
System to determine the inducibility of the cervix in a pregnant
patient, based on dilation, effacement, station, and cervical
consistency and position.
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Bishop sphygmoscope
An instrument for measuring the blood pressure, with special
reference to diastolic pressure; the tube is filled with a solution
of cadmium borotungstate, and the scale is the reverse of that of a
mercurial manometer, the pressure being made directly by the weight
of the liquid and not by compressed air.
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Bisiliac
Relating to any two corresponding iliac parts or structures, as the
iliac bones or iliac fossae.
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Bisiliac diameter
The greatest distance between points on the two fetal iliac crests.
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Bismarck brown R
A diazo dye similar to Bismarck brown Y.
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Bismarck brown Y
A diazo dye used for staining mucin and cartilage in histologic
sections, in the Papanicolaou technique for vaginal smears, and as
one of Kasten Schiff-type reagents in the periodic acid-Schiff and
Feulgen stains.
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Bismuth
A metallic element; atomic no. 83, atomic wt. 20.98037. Several of
its salts are used in medicine; some contain BiO+, rather than
Bi3+, and are called subsalts. The metal is used as an electron
microscope stain for nucleic acids.
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Bismuth aluminate
A gastric antacid.
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Bismuth ammonium citrate
Ammoniocitrate of bismuth; an intestinal astringent.
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Bismuth citrate
Used in the making of bismuth and ammonium citrate.
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Bismuth hydroxide
Used in detecting reducing sugars.
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Bismuth iodide
Used in electron microscopy to reveal synapses.
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Bismuth line
A black zone on the free marginal gingiva, often the first sign of
poisoning from prolonged parenteral administration of bismuth.
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Bismuth oxide
Used for the same purposes as the subnitrate.
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Bismuth oxychloride
Basic bismuth chloride, used for the same purposes as the
subnitrate.
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Bismuth sodium tartrate
A basic sodium bismuth tartrate; an antisyphilitic agent.
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Bismuth sodium triglycollamate
Sodium bismuth complex of nitrilotriacetic acid.
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Bismuth subcarbonate
Used for the same purposes as bismuth subnitrate, but has lower
toxicity.
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Bismuth subgallate
Used internally in diarrhea and externally as an astringent and
protective dusting powder.
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Bismuth subnitrate
A basic salt, the composition of which varies with the conditions
of preparation; used internally as an intestinal astringent and
externally as a mild astringent and antiseptic.
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Bismuth trichloride
Addition of water results in formation of bismuth oxychloride.
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Bismuthosis
Chronic bismuth poisoning.
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Bismuthyl
The group, BiO+, that behaves chemically as the ion of a univalent
metal; its salts are subsalts of bismuth.
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Bispecific antibody
An antibody developed in the laboratory to recognize more than one
protein on the surface of different cells. Examples include
bispecific antibodies 2B1, 520C9xH22, mDX-H210, and MDX447.
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Bispecific monoclonal antibody
A monoclonal antibody that binds two different types of antigen.
Bispecific monoclonal antibodies do not occur naturally; they must
be made in the laboratory.
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Bispectral index
A measure derived from the domain of time; the frequency and
bispectral analysis of the encephalogram that correlates with depth
of sedation and anesthesia in clinical medicine.
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Bisphosphonate
A type of drug used to treat osteoporosis and the bone pain caused
by some types of cancer. Also called diphosphonate.
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Bisphosphonates
Synthetic pyrophosphate analogues that inhibit osteoclast
resorption of bone.
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Bistephanic
Relating to both stephanions; denoting particularly the bistephanic
width of the cranium, or bistephanic diameter, the shortest
distance from one stephanion to the other.
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Bisteroid
A molecule composed of two molecules of a given steroid joined
together by a carbon-to-carbon bond.
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Bistoury
A long, narrow-bladed knife, with a straight or curved edge and
sharp or blunt point (probe-point); used for opening or slitting
cavities or hollow structures.
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Bistratal
Having two strata or layers.
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Bisulfate
A salt containing HSO4−.
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Bisulfide
A compound of the anion HS−; an acid sulfide.
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Bisulfite
A salt or ion of HSO3−.
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Bit
1. The smallest unit of digital information expressed in the binary
system of notation (either 0 or 1). 2. The electrical signal used
in electronic computers.
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Bitartrate
A salt or anion resulting from the neutralization of one of
tartaric acid's two acid groups.
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Bitch
A female dog of breeding age.
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Bite
1. To incise or seize with the teeth. 2. The act of incision or
seizure with the teeth. 3. A morsel of food held between the teeth.
4. Term used to denote the amount of pressure developed in closing
the jaws. 5. Undesirable jargon for terms such as interocclusal
record, maxillomandibular registration, denture space, and
interarch distance. 6. A wound or puncture of the skin made by
animal or insect.
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Bitemporal
Relating to both temples or temporal bones.
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Bitemporal diameter
The greatest distance between the two temporal sutures of the fetal
skull.
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Bitemporal hemianopia
Blindness in the temporal field of vision of both eyes.
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Biteplate
A removable appliance that incorporates a plane of acrylic designed
to occlude with the opposing teeth.
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Bitewing film
A special packaging of radiographic film that allows an appendage
of the film package to be held between the occlusal surfaces of the
teeth.
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Bitewing radiograph
Intraoral dental film adapted to show the coronal portion and
cervical third of the root of the teeth in near occlusion;
especially useful in detecting interproximal caries and determining
alveolar septal height.
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Bithermal caloric test
A test of vestibular function in which each ear canal is
alternately or simultaneously irrigated with water at 7°C higher or
lower than body temperature; the nystagmus produced may be
monitored for direction, amplitude, speed of the slow component,
and duration.
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Bithionol
An antiparasitic agent used for treatment of the human lungworm,
Paragonimus westermani, and the Oriental liver fluke, Clonorchis
sinensis; also used as a bacteriostat in soaps and detergents;
sodium bithionate is used as a topical bactericide and fungicide.
Now largely replaced by praziquantel therapy.
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Biting louse
Ectoparasites (order Mallophaga) chiefly found on birds, where they
feed on feathers, hair, epidermal debris, and (less commonly) on
blood; they possess nipperlike, heavily sclerotized mandibles and a
characteristic broad head; many species are host specific.
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Bitistatin
A snake-derived disintegrin.
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Bitot's spots
Bitot's spots are superficial, irregularly-shaped, foamy gray or
white patches that appear on the conjunctiva, the membrane that
covers most of the eyeball. Bitot's spots are one of the oldest
recorded medical conditions.
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Bitrochanteric
Relating to two trochanters, either to the two trochanters of one
femur or to both greater trochanters.
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Bitrochanteric diameter
The distance between the greater trochanters of the fetus.
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Bitropic
Having a dual affinity, as in tissues or organisms.
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Bitter
1. English term for a dry sharp-tasting ale with strong flavor of
hops (usually on draft.) 2. The taste experience when quinine or
coffee is taken into the mouth; synonym: bitterness. 3. The
property of having a harsh unpleasant taste; synonym: bitterness.
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Bitter almond oil
A volatile oil from the dried ripe kernels of bitter almonds and
from other kernels containing amygdalin; it contains 2-4%
hydrocyanic acid and 95% benzaldehyde.
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Bitter orange oil
Oil is distilled from flowers (nerdi oil); used by perfume and
cosmetic industry; can be applied topically as an antifungal.
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Bitter orange peel, dried
The dried outer part of the pericarp of the ripe, or nearly ripe,
fruit; it contains not less than 2.5% v/w of volatile oil. Used as
a tonic and for heartburn.
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Bitter peptides
Peptides that have a bitter taste and may spoil certain foods;
often contain high proportions of leucyl, valyl, and aromatic amino
acyl residues.
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Bitter principles
Constituents with a bitter taste, caused by the presence of
alkaloids.
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Bitter taste
A taste quality produced by quinine and many other substances.
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Bitter tonic
Bitter herbs which in small amounts stimulate digestion and
otherwise help regulate fire in the body, according to some
alternative therapies.
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Bitter water
A natural mineral water containing Epsom salt.
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Bitters
1. An alcoholic liquor in which bitter vegetable substances
(quinine, gentian) have been steeped. 2. Bitter vegetable drugs
(quassia, gentian, cinchona), usually used as tonics.
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Bittorf reaction
In cases of renal colic, pain radiating to the kidney on squeezing
a testicle or pressing an ovary.
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Biuret
A derivative of urea obtained by heating, eliminating one NH3
between two ureas. Used in protein determinations.
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Biuret reaction
The formation of biuret that gives a violet color as a result of
the reaction of a polypeptide of more than three aminoacyl residues
with CuSO4 in strongly alkaline solution; dipeptides and amino
acids (except histidine, serine, and threonine) do not so react;
used for the detection and quantification of polypeptides, or
proteins, in biologic fluids.
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Biuret reagent
An alkaline solution of copper sulfate.
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Biuret test
A test for the determination of serum proteins, based on the
reaction of an alkaline copper reagent with substances containing
two or more peptide bonds to produce a violet-blue color.
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Bivalence
A combining power (valence) of 2.
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Bivalent
1. Having a combining power (valence) of 2. 2. In cytology, a
structure consisting of two paired homologous chromosomes, each
split into two sister chromatids, as seen during the pachytene
stage of prophase in meiosis.
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Bivalent antibody
Antibody that causes a visible reaction with specific antigen as in
agglutination, precipitation, and so on; so-called because
according to the "lattice theory" aggregation occurs when the
antibody molecule has two or more binding sites that can crosslink
one antigen particle to another; probably a characteristic of the
class of immunoglobulin.
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Bivalent chromosome
A pair of chromosomes temporarily united.
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Bivalent gas gangrene antitoxin
Antitoxin specific for the toxins of Clostridium perfringens and C.
septicum.
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Bivalve speculum
A speculum with two adjustable blades.
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Biventer
Two-bellied; denoting two-bellied muscles.
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Biventer lobule
A lobule on the undersurface of each cerebellar hemisphere, divided
by a curved sulcus into a lateral and medial portion; it
corresponds to the pyramid of the vermis.
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Biventricular
Pertaining to both right and left ventricles.
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Bixin
A monomethyl ester of a 24-carbon branched unsaturated dicarboxylic
acid; a carotenoid (a carotene-dioic acid); the orange-red coloring
matter from seeds of Bixa orellana; the ethyl ester is used as a
food and drug colorant.
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Bixler type hypertelorism
Accompanying features are microtia and clefting of the lip, palate,
and nose; mental deficiency; atresia of the auditory canals;
ectopic kidneys; and thenar hypoplasia; autosomal recessive
inheritance.
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Bizelesin
An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called
alkylating agents. It is also an antitumor antibiotic.
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Bizygomatic
Relating to both zygomatic bones or arches.
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Bizzozero red cells
Nucleated red blood cells in human blood.
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Bjerrum scotoma
A comet-shaped scotoma, occurring in glaucoma, attached at the
temporal end to the blind spot or separated from it by a narrow
gap; the defect widens as it extends above and nasally curves
around the fixation spot, and then extends downward to end exactly
at the nasal horizontal meridian.
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Bjork-Shiley valve
A low profile tilting disc mechanical heart valve.
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Bjornstad syndrome
Pili torti associated with sensorineural hearing loss, the severity
of distortion and brittleness of the hair correlated with the
degree of hearing impairment; autosomal dominant inheritance.
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Bk
Symbol for berkelium.
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B-K amputation
Abbreviation for below-the-knee amputation.
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BK virus
A human polyomavirus, in the family Papovaviridae, of worldwide
distribution, that produces kidney infections that are usually
subclinical in immunocompetent people.
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BL22 immunotoxin
A bacterial toxic substance linked to an antibody that attaches to
cancer cells and kills them. It belongs to the family of drugs
called bacterial immunotoxins.
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Black box
1. (Jargon) descriptive of a method of reasoning or studying a
problem, in which the methods and procedures, as such, are not
described, explained, or perhaps even understood: conclusions
relate solely to the empiric relationships observed. 2. In some
contexts, the term can mean a piece of apparatus or an experimental
animal in which the pharmacologic or toxicologic pathway has not
yet been worked out.
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Black cataract
A cataract in which the lens is hardened and a dark brown. In the
19th century, German black cataract meant gutta serena.
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Black classification
A classification of cavities of the teeth based on the tooth
surface(s) involved.
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Black Creek Canal virus
A species of Hantavirus in the United States. causing hantavirus
pulmonary syndrome; transmitted by the cotton rat.
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Black currant rash
The cutaneous eruption of lentigines seen in xeroderma pigmentosum.
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Black death
Term applied to the worldwide epidemic of the 14th-Century, of
which some 60 million people are thought to have died; descriptions
indicate that it was bubonic, septocemic, and pneumonic plague.
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Black eye
Also known as an eye contusion or a bruise around the eye. It may
occur when a blow is sustained in or near the eye socket. If a
bruise appears, it will usually do so within 24 hours of the
injury.
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Black hat tantric Buddhist feng shui
Form of feng shui promoted by Nancy SantoPietro, a psychotherapist
specializing in the "psycho-spiritual healing process." SantoPietro
has claimed that, when one's environment is "aligned," one's Qi
(chi) can flow and all things are possible. The Black Hat Sect is
an "esoteric" school of feng shui that emphasizes YI: "the powerful
use of blessings." Also called black hat sect feng shui.
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Black lung
A form of pneumoconiosis, common in coal miners, characterized by
deposits of carbon particles in the lung.
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Black mustard
The dried ripe seed of Brassica nigra or of B. juncea; it is the
source of allyl isothiocyanate; it contains sinigrin (potassium
myronate); myrosin; sinapine sulfocyanate; erucic, behenic, and
synapolic acids; and fixed oil; a prompt emetic, a rubefacient, and
a condiment.
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Black piedra
Piedra involving the hairs of the scalp, caused by Piedraia hortae
and characterized by firmly adherent black, hard, gritty nodules
composed of an organized, firmly cemented mass of fungus cells; the
fungal growth is always located above the level of the hair
follicles; the disease occurs in humid tropical areas of the
Americas, Africa, and Asia, and attacks chimpanzees and other
primates as well as humans.
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Black spore
A degenerating malarial or other blood parasite in the body of the
mosquito.
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Black tarantula
Sericopelma communis, a large black tarantula of Panama, and the
bite of which is poisonous, although its effect is localized
anatomically.
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Black tongue
1. In canines, a disorder associated with a deficency of nicotinic
acid. 2. Black to yellowish-brown discoloration of the dorsum of
the tongue due to staining by exogenous material such as the
components of tobacco; usually superimposed on hairy tongue.
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Black urine
The dark urine of melanuria or hemoglobinuria.
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Black vomit
The material with the consistency of coffee-grounds that is
vomited, specifically, in severe yellow fever.
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Black-dot ringworm
Tinea capitis due most commonly to Trichophyton tonsurans or T.
violaceum.
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Blackhead
A common skin condition that occurs when oil and dead skin cells
get trapped in the pit of the hair follicle.
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Blackout
1. Temporary loss of consciousness due to decreased blood flow to
the brain. 2. Momentary loss of consciousness, as in absence. 3.
Temporary loss of vision, without alteration of consciousness, due
to positive g (gravity) forces; caused by temporary decreased blood
flow in the central retinal artery, and seen mostly in aviators. 4.
A transient episode that occurs during a state of intense
intoxication (alcoholic blackout) of which the person has no
recall, despite apparently having been conscious at the time.
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Blackwater fever
Hemoglobinuria resulting from severe hemolysis occurring in
falciparum malaria.
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Bladder
The organ that stores urine.
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Bladder cancer
A disease in which cancer cells grow in the bladder. The bladder is
a hollow, muscular organ that collects and holds urine until it is
released from the body during urination.
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Bladder compliance
Change in volume of bladder for a given change in pressure; can be
calculated from a cytometrogram's pressure volume curve.
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Bladder ear
Protrusion of a portion of the bladder into proximal inguinal
canal; often seen in pediatric voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) and
rarely of clinical significance.
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Bladder infection
A condition that occurs when bacteria (usually E. coli that is
normally found in the colon) enters the bladder.
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Bladder stone
Urinary tract calculi in the bladder. Throughout most of the
history of humans, this was the predominant form of urinary tract
stone disease, mentioned in the Hippocratic oath, and giving rise
to the common ancient surgical procedure, lithotomy. In much of the
world, bladder stone disease has become uncommon and renal and
ureteral stones (usually of different origins) have become more
common. Bladder stones are now typically seen in patients with
neurogenic bladders, urinary tract reconstruction, or infravesical
obstruction.
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Bladevent
A thin, wedged endosteal implant of metal that is inserted into a
surgically prepared groove in the maxilla or mandible.
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Blagden law
The depression of the freezing point of dilute solutions is
proportional to the amount of the dissolved substance.
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Blainville ears
Asymmetry in size or shape of the auricles.
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Blalock shunt
Subclavian artery to pulmonary artery shunt to increase pulmonary
circulation in cyanotic heart disease with decreased pulmonary
flow.
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Blalock-Hanlon operation
The creation of a large atrial septal defect as a palliative
procedure for complete transposition of the great arteries.
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Blalock-Taussig operation
An operation for congenital malformations of the heart, in which an
abnormally small volume of blood passes through the pulmonary
circuit; blood from the systemic circulation is directed to the
lungs by anastomosing the right or left subclavian artery to the
right or left pulmonary artery.
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Blalock-Taussig shunt
A palliative subclavian artery to pulmonary artery anastomosis.
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Bland diet
A regular diet omitting foods that mechanically or chemically
irritate the gastrointestinal tract.
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Bland embolism
Embolism by simple nonseptic material.
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Bland infarct
An uninfected infarct.
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Blank
A solution consisting of all of the analytic components except the
compound to be measured; this is used to establish a baseline of
measurement intensity with which the compound of interest is
compared.
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Blanket
A covering.
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Blanket suture
A continuous lock-stitch used to approximate the skin of a wound.
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Blas
Term invented by van Helmont to denote a mystical spirit or vital
force which presided over and governed the various processes of the
body. Each bodily function was supposed to have its own special
blas; blas appears to be the counterpart of the archaeus of
Paracelsus.
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Blasatoschizomyces capitatus
Fungal species that causes severe disseminated infection in
immunosuppressed patients; formerly classified as a species of
Geotrichum.
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Blast
An immature blood cell.
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Blast cell
An immature precursor cell; erythroblast, lymphoblast, neuroblast.
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Blast crisis
A phase of chronic myelogenous leukemia in which tiredness, fever,
and an enlarged spleen occur during the blastic phase, when more
than 30% of the cells in the blood or bone marrow are blast cells
(immature blood cells).
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Blast injury
Tearing of lung tissue or rupture of any tissue or organ without
external injury, as by the force of an explosion.
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Blast phase
The phase of chronic myelogenous leukemia in which the number of
immature, abnormal white blood cells in the bone marrow and blood
is extremely high. Also called blast crisis.
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Blastema
1. The primordial cellular mass (precursor) from which an organ or
part is formed. 2. A cluster of cells competent to initiate the
regeneration of a damaged or ablated structure.
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Blastemic
Relating to the blastema.
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Blastic
1. Describing the formation of a conidium by the blowing out
process of a fertile hypha before being limited by a septum. 2.
Colloquial term for osteoblastic.
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Blastic phase chronic myelogenous leukemia
A phase of chronic myelogenous leukemia in which more than 30% of
the cells in the blood or bone marrow are blast cells (immature
blood cells.) When tiredness, fever, and an enlarged spleen occur
during the blastic phase, it is called blast crisis.
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Blasto-
Pertaining to the process of budding (and the formation of buds) by
cells or tissue.
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Blastocele
The cavity in the blastula of a developing embryo.
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Blastocelic
Relating to the blastocele.
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Blastoconidium
A holoblastic conidium that is produced singly or in chains, and
detached at maturity leaving a bud scar, as in the budding of a
yeast cell.
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Blastocyst
The modified blastula stage of mammalian embryos, consisting of the
embryoblast or inner cell mass and a thin trophoblast layer
enclosing the blastocystic cavity or blastocele.
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Blastocystic cavity
The fluid-filled space that develops in the morula; the embryonic
cells form a compact mass, the embryoblast, at the embryonic pole
of the embryo. The embryo is now called a blastocyst.
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Blastocystis
A genus of yeastlike parasites in the digestive tract of mammals;
generally considered nonpathogenic. Its relationship to fungi is
now being questioned owing to protozoan characteristics, such as
lack of cell walls, a membrane-bound central body, pseudopod
activity, protozoan type of Golgi apparatus and mitochondria, and
reproduction by sporulation or binary fission rather than by
budding.
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Blastocystis hominis
A species of Blastocystis widespread among humans, formerly
considered harmless, now recognized as a rare cause of diarrhea and
other intestinal symptoms and eosinophilia when found in heavy
infections or immunocompromised hosts.
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Blastocyte
An undifferentiated blastomere of the morula, blastula, or
blastocyst stage of an embryo.
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Blastoderm
The thin, disc-shaped cell mass of a young embryo and its
extraembryonic extensions over the surface of the yolk; when fully
formed, all three primary germ layers (ectoderm, endoderm, and
mesoderm) are present.
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Blastodermal
Relating to the blastoderm.
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Blastodermic disc
The aggregation of blastomeres of a telolecithal ovum after
cleavage has occurred.
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Blastodermic layers
The primordial cell layers on the yolk surface of a telolecithal
egg; in the earliest stages they consist of protoderm; they later
differentiate into ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm.
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Blastodisc
1. The disc of active cytoplasm at the animal pole of a
telolecithal egg. 2. The blastoderm, especially in very young
stages when it is small.
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Blastogenesis
1. Reproduction of unicellular organisms by budding. 2. Development
of an embryo during cleavage and germ layer formation. 3.
Transformation of small lymphocytes of human peripheral blood in
tissue culture into large, morphologically primordial blastlike
cells capable of undergoing mitosis; can be induced by various
agents including phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A, certain
antigens to which the cell donor has been previously immunized, and
leukocytes from an unrelated individual.
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Blastogenetic
Relating to blastogenesis.
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Blastolysis
Dissolution or destruction of the blastocyst or blast cells and
subsequent death.
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Blastolytic
Relating to blastolysis.
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Blastoma
A neoplasm composed chiefly or entirely of immature
undifferentiated cells resembling those that form the blastema or
primordium of the organ in which the tumor arose.
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Blastomere
One of the cells into which the oocyte divides after its
fertilization.
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Blastomogenic
Causing or producing a blastoma.
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Blastomyces dermatitidis
A dimorphic soil fungus that causes blastomycosis. It grows in
mammalian tissues as budding cells and in culture as a white to
buff-colored filamentous fungus bearing spheric or ovoid conidia on
terminal or lateral short, slender conidiophores. In its perfect
(teleomorph) state it is known as Ajellomyces dermatitidis.
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Blastomycetic dermatitis
Cutaneous blastomycosis.
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Blastomycin
An antigen for intradermal testing prepared from sterile filtrates
of cultures of the filamentous form of Blastomyces dermatitidis.
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Blastomycosis
A chronic granulomatous and suppurative disease caused by
Blastomyces dermatitidis; originates as a respiratory infection and
disseminates, usually with pulmonary, osseous, or cutaneous
involvement predominating. Formerly called North American
blastomycosis, the disease now has been found in African countries
as well as in Canada and the United States.
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Blastoneuropore
A temporary opening formed in some embryos by the union of the
blastopore and neuropore.
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Blastophore
An early stage of division of a coccidial schizont in which
spheroid or ellipsoid structures are formed with a single
peripheral layer of nuclei; merozoites form at the surface of the
blastophore over each nucleus, grow out radially, and separate from
the residual body (remnant of the blastophore); in a
first-generation schizont such as Eimeria bovis, about 120,000
merozoites are produced.
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Blastoporic canal
Obsolete term for primitive pit.
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Blastoschizomyces
A genus of yeastlike fungi.
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Blastotomy
Experimental destruction of one or more blastomeres.
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Blastula
An early stage of an embryo formed by the rearrangement of the
blastomeres of the morula to form a hollow sphere.
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Blastular
Pertaining to the blastula.
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Blastulation
Formation of the blastula or blastocyst from the morula.
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Blatta
A genus of insects (family Blattidae) that includes the abundant
oriental cockroach, Blatta orientalis. The dried insect yields
antihydropin, a diuretic principle.
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Blattella
A genus of cockroaches, (family Blattidae) that includes Blattella
germanica, the German cockroach or croton bug, probably the most
familiar and widespread of the cockroaches.
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Blattidae
A family of insects (order Blattaria) consisting of over 4,000
species of cockroaches, largely tropic but worldwide in
distribution, including a number of abundant pests of households,
kitchens, and institutions or facilities, wherever food is present;
noxious wherever found, yet not positively incriminated in natural
transmission of pathogenic organisms to man. Common household pests
include the German cockroach, Blattella germanica, the American
cockroach, Periplaneta americana, and the oriental cockroach,
Blatta orientalis.
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Blear eye
Older term for blepharitis accompanied by a viscid discharge that
tends to cause the lid edges to cling together.
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Bleary eye
Older term for sore, runny, watery eye with an associated
lackluster appearance and, by extension, dimness of vision.
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Bleb
1. A large flaccid vesicle. 2. An air-filled lung cyst within or
contiguous to the visceral pleura, usually seen radiologically at
the lung apex; more likely to develop and to rupture with resulting
pneumothorax in taller people.
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Bleed
To lose blood as a result of rupture or severance of blood vessels.
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Bleeder
1. Colloquialism for anyone suffering from hemophilia, Christmas
disease, Osler disease, or another clotting disorder. 2. A blood
vessel cut during a surgical procedure.
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Bleeding
1. Losing blood as a result of the rupture or severance of blood
vessels. 2. Phlebotomy; the letting of blood.
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Bleeding manipulation
Component of Chinese auricular therapy that is a form of acupoint
bloodletting. Bloodletting therapy.
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Bleeding time
The time required for the cessation of bleeding from a small skin
puncture as a result of platelet disintegration and blood vessel
constriction. Usuallly ranges from 1 to 4 minutes.
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Blemish
1. A small circumscribed alteration of the skin considered to be
unesthetic but insignificant. 2. To alter the skin, rendering an
unesthetic appearance.
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Blending inheritance
Galtonian term for inheritance in which no component is conspicuous
or obtrusive.
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Blennadenitis
Inflammation of the mucous glands.
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Blennemesis
Rarely used term for vomiting of mucus.
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Blenno-
Mucus.
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Blennorrhea
Rarely used term for any mucous discharge, especially from the
urethra or vagina.
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Blennorrheal
Rarely used term relating to blennorrhea.
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Blennostasis
Rarely used term for diminution or suppression of secretion from
the mucous membranes.
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Blennostatic
Rarely used term for diminishing mucous secretion.
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Blennuria
Rarely used term for excretion of an excess of mucus in the urine.
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Bleomycin
An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called
antitumor antibiotics.
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Bleomycin sulfate
An antineoplastic antibiotic obtained from Streptomyces
verticillus; often induces pulmonary fibrosis.
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Blepharadenitis
Inflammation of the meibomian glands or the marginal glands of Moll
or Zeis.
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Blepharal
Referring to the eyelids.
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Blepharectomy
Excision of all or part of an eyelid.
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Blepharedema
Edema of the eyelids, often causing a swollen and puffy appearance;
causes may be allergic, inflammatory, infectious, circulatory
(cicatricial), posttraumatic, postsurgical, or secondary to ocular
conditions (keratoconjunctivitis sicca).
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Blepharitis
An inflammation of the outer edges of the eyelids, resulting in
redness, itching, burning, scaly areas of skin around the eye and
the feeling of something in the eye.
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Blepharitis angularis
Inflammation of the lid margins at the angles of the commissure.
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Blepharitis follicularis
A deep-seated suppurative inflammation of ciliary follicles and the
sebaceous and ciliary glands of the eyelid.
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Blepharitis marginalis
Inflammation of the margins of the eyelids.
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Blepharitis parasitica
Marginal blepharitis due to the presence of lice.
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Blepharitis rosacea
Inflammation of the margins of the eyelids in association with acne
rosacea.
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Blepharitis sicca
Inflammation of the margins of the eyelids in which the lashes are
powdered with dry scales.
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Blepharitis ulcerosa
Marginal blepharitis with ulceration.
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Blepharo-
Eyelid.
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Blepharoadenoma
A tumor or adenoma of a gland of the eyelid.
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Blepharochalasis
A condition in which there is a redundancy of eyelid skin, in the
superior lids obscuring the supratarsal folds and sometimes
concealing the lid margins; and in the inferior lids, produces
redundancy and folds extending beyond the orbital rims.
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Blepharoclonus
Clonic spasm of the eyelids.
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Blepharoconjunctivitis
Inflammation of the palpebral conjunctiva.
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Blepharodiastasis
Abnormal separation or inability to close the eyelids completely.
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Blepharokeratoconjunctivitis
An inflammation involving the eyelids, cornea, and conjunctiva.
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Blepharophimosis
Decrease in the width of the palpebral aperture without fusion of
lid margins.
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Blepharoplastic
Relating to blepharoplasty.
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Blepharoplasty
Any operation for the correction of a defect in the eyelids.
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Blepharoplegia
Paralysis of an eyelid.
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Blepharoptosis
Drooping of the superior eyelid.
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Blepharoptosis adiposa
Blepharoptosis with accumulation of subcutaneous fat that causes
skin to hang over the free border of the eyelid (rarely used).
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Blepharospasm
Involuntary spasmodic contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle;
may occur in isolation or be associated with other dystonic
contractions of facial, jaw, or neck muscles; usually initiated or
aggravated by emotion, fatigue, or drugs.
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Blepharosynechia
Adhesion of the eyelids to each other or to the eyeball.
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Blepharotomy
An operation designed to release one or more eyelid layers
(lamella) for diagnostic therapeutic purposes.
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Blighted ovum
A zygote the development of which has ceased at an early stage.
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Blind
Unable to see; without useful sight.
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Blind boil
A furuncle that does not have a fluctuant central point; it appears
as a dull red painful papule.
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Blind enema
The introduction into the rectum of a rubber tube to facilitate the
expulsion of flatus.
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Blind fistula
A fistula that ends in a cul-de-sac, being open at one extremity
only.
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Blind loop syndrome
Stagnation of intestinal contents with bacterial overgrowth,
producing substances that interfere with absorption of fat,
vitamins, and other nutrients; usually occurs in a portion of small
intestine that has been excluded from the flow of chyme.
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Blind nasotracheal intubation
Passage of tube through the nose into the trachea without using a
laryngoscope.
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Blind passage
Successive transfer of an agent through cultures or animals without
apparent replication or disease.
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Blind staggers
Acute selenium poisoning in cows and sheep caused by ingestion of
plants with high selenium content (accumulator plants termed
seleniferous). Clinical signs include ataxia, altered behavior
(e.g. bellowing), wandering behavior, impaired vision, paresis;
glossal and pharyngeal paralysis occurs in cattle. At high doses, a
peracute course ends with respiratory arrest. Referred to as sheep
staggers in sheep.
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Blinded study
A type of study in which the patients (single-blinded) or the
patients and their doctors (double-blinded) do not know which drug
or treatment is being given. The opposite of a blinded study is an
open label study.
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Blinding glare
Glare resulting from excessive illumination.
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Blindness
1. Loss of the sense of sight; absolute blindness connotes no light
perception. 2. Loss of visual appreciation of objects although
visual acuity is normal. 3. Absence of the appreciation of
sensation, taste blindness.
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Blink
To close and open the eyelids rapidly; an involuntary act by which
the tears are spread over the conjunctiva, keeping it moist.
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Blink response
A response elicited during nerve conduction studies, consisting of
muscle action potentials evoked from orbicularis oculi muscles
after brief electric or mechanical stimuli to the cutaneous area
supplied by the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve.
Characteristically, there is an early response (approximately 10
msec after stimulus) ipsilateral to the stimulation site (labeled
R1) and bilateral late responses (approximately 30 msec after
stimulus; labeled R2); the latter are responsible for the visible
twitch of the orbicularis oculi muscles.
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Blister
1. A fluid-filled, thin-walled structure under the epidermis or
within the epidermis (subepidermal or intradermal). 2. To form a
blister with heat or some other vesiculating agent.
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Blister agent
A chemical compound or preparation that causes the formation of
skin blisters, mustard gas, used in World War I, was a blister
agent.
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Blistering distal dactylitis
Infection of the volar fat pad of the distal phalanx of the finger
by group A β-hemolytic streptococci.
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Bloat
1. Abdominal distention from swallowed air or intestinal gas from
fermentation. 2. Distention of the rumen of cattle, caused by the
accumulation of gases of fermentation, particularly likely to occur
when the animals are pastured on rich legume grasses; if
unrelieved, the condition may quickly lead to death. 3. In dogs,
gastric dilatation (dilation) or bloat may progress to gastric
dilatation and volvulus (GDV), an often life-threatening torsion of
the stomach resulting in circulatory compromise to the organ. The
spleen may also be drawn into a torsion. Simple bloat (dilatations)
are more common in deep-chested large or giant breed dogs.
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Block
1. To obstruct; to arrest passage through. 2. A condition in which
the passage of an electric impulse is arrested, wholly or in part,
temporarily or permanently. 3. A portion of a polymer structure
consisting of constitutional units not present in adjacent regions
of that same polymer.
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Block design test
A performance test using colored blocks that the person tested must
use to match pictured designs; one of the subtests of the Wechsler
intelligence scales.
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Block vertebrae
Congenitally fused and hypoplastic vertebral bodies which, on
radiographs, give the appearance of a more or less solid bony mass.
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Blockade
1. The occupation of receptors by an antagonist so that usual
agonists are relatively ineffective. 2. Receptor blockade, blocking
the effect of a hormone at the cell surface. 3. Arrest of nerve
impulse conduction or transmission at autonomic synaptic junctions,
autonomic receptor sites, or neuromuscular junctions by various
means, most often pharmacotherapy. 4. Intravenous injection of
large amounts of colloidal dyes or other substances to block
reticuloendothelial cells (phagocytosis is temporarily prevented).
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Blocked aerogastria
Retention of gas in the stomach due to spasm of the sphincteric
region of the lower esophagus, which prevents belching.
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Blocked reading frame
A sequence of DNA that cannot be translated into a viable protein;
usually due to the interruption by one or more termination codons.
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Blocker
An instrument used to obstruct a passage.
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Blocking
1. Obstructing; arresting passage, conduction, or transmission. 2.
In psychoanalysis, a sudden break in free association occurring
when a painful subject or repressed complex is touched. 3. Sudden
cessation of thoughts and speech, which may indicate the presence
of a severe thought disorder or a psychosis.
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Blocking activity
Repression or elimination of electrical activity in the brain by
the arrival of a sensory stimulus.
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Blocking agent
A class of drugs that inhibit (block) a biologic activity or
process, such as axonal conduction or transmission, access to a
receptor, or movement of ions across a cell membrane; frequently
called "blockers."
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Blocking antibody
1. Antibody that, in certain concentrations, does not cause
precipitation after combining with specific antigen, and that, in
this combined state, "blocks" activity of additional antibody added
to increase the concentration to a level at which precipitation
would ordinarily occur. 2. The IgG class of immunoglobulin that
combines specifically with an atopic allergen but does not elicit a
type I allergic reaction, the combined IgG antibody "blocking"
available IgE class (reaginic) antibody activity.
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Block-out
Elimination of undercuts by filling such areas with a medium such
as wax or wet pumice.
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Blom-Singer valve
A prosthesis for maintaining the patency of a tracheoesophageal
puncture for vocal rehabilitation after laryngectomy.
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Blood
A tissue with red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and
other substances suspended in fluid called plasma. Blood takes
oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, and carries away wastes.
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Blood agar
A mixture of blood, usually sheep or horse, and an agar-based
medium used for the cultivation of many medically important
microorganisms.
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Blood bank
A place, usually a part or division of a hospital laboratory or a
separate free-standing facility, in which blood is collected from
donors, typed, separated into several components, stored, and/or
prepared for transfusion to recipients.
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Blood blister
A blister containing blood; resulting from a pinch or crushing
injury.
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Blood calculus
An angiolith or concretion of coagulated blood.
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Blood capillary
A vessel whose wall consists of endothelium and its basement
membrane; its diameter, when the capillary is open, is about 8 mcm;
with the electron microscope, fenestrated capillaries and
continuous capillaries are distinguished.
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Blood cast
A cast usually formed in renal tubules, but may occur in
bronchioles; consists of inspissated material that includes various
elements of blood (erythrocytes, leukocytes, fibrin, and so on),
resulting from bleeding into the glomerulus or tubule, or into the
alveolus or bronchiole.
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Blood cell
One of the cells of the blood, a leukocyte or erythrocyte.
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Blood cell count
A test to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells,
and platelets in a sample of blood. Also called complete blood
count (CBC).
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Blood chemistry study
A procedure in which a sample of blood is examined to measure the
amounts of certain substances made in the body. An abnormal amount
of a substance can be a sign of disease in the organ or tissue that
produces it.
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Blood circulation
The course of the blood from the heart through the arteries,
capillaries, and veins back again to the heart.
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Blood clot
The coagulated phase of blood; the soft, coherent, jelly-like red
mass resulting from the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, thereby
entrapping the red blood cells (and other formed elements) within
the coagulated plasma.
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Blood count
Calculation of the number of red (RBC) or white (WBC) blood cells
in a cubic millimeter of blood, by means of counting the cells in
an accurate volume of diluted blood.
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Blood crisis
1. The appearance of a large number of nucleated red blood cells in
the peripheral blood, accompanied by reticulocytosis and occurring
in "exhausted" bone marrow in pernicious anemia and in hemolytic
icterus. 2. A suddenly appearing leukocytosis, indicating a change
for the better in the course of a grave blood disease.
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Blood crystallization
Mode of ostensible diagnosis that involves introduction of a blood
sample to a copper chloride solution. "Crystal signs" of illness in
the resultant "blood-crystal picture" allegedly express the
guidance of "a higher functional plane coming to expression."
"Organ-signs," for example, purportedly indicate dysfunction of an
organ or a bodily system. Supposedly, each so-called organ-sign
reflects a "multi-layered organ principle" (which includes "the
organ-bound 'soul organ'") and, on "the psychic plane," is the
foundation for related "soul qualities."
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Blood culture
Incubating a blood sample so that suspected infectious bacteria can
multiply and thus be identified.
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Blood deficiency
A lack of blood with signs of anemia; dizziness, scanty menses or
amenorrhea; emaciated body; spots in the visual field; impaired
vision; numb arms or legs; dry skin; or eyes; lusterless; pale face
and lips; fatigue; and poor memory.
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Blood doping
Use of erythrocyte transfusions or erythropoiesis-enhancing drugs
to improve athletic performance.
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Blood dyscrasia
A diseased state of the blood; usually refers to abnormal cellular
elements of a permanent character.
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Blood gas
A test to determine the gas-phase components of blood, including
oxygen, carbon dioxide, pH balance, etc.
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Blood gas analysis
The direct electrode measurement of the partial pressure of oxygen
and carbon dioxide in the blood.
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Blood gases
A clinical expression for blood gas analysis.
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Blood group
1. A system of antigens under the control of closely linked allelic
loci on the surface of the erythrocyte. Because of the antigenic
differences existing between individuals, blood groups are
significant in blood transfusions, maternal-fetal incompatibilities
(hemolytic disease of the newborn), tissue and organ
transplantation, disputed paternity cases, and in genetic and
anthropologic studies; certain blood groups may be related to
susceptibility or resistance to certain diseases. Often used as
synonymous with blood type. See Blood Groups Appendix for
individual groups: ABO, Auberger, Diego, Duffy, I, Kell, Kidd,
Lewis, Lutheran, MNSs, P, Rh, Sutter, Xg, and the low-frequency and
high-frequency blood groups. 2. The classification of blood samples
by means of laboratory tests of their agglutination reactions with
respect to one or more blood groups. In general, a suspension of
erythrocytes to be tested is exposed to a known specific antiserum;
agglutination of the erythrocytes indicates that they possess the
antigen for which the antiserum is specific. Certain antisera
require special testing conditions.
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Blood group antigen
Generic term for any inherited antigen found on the surface of
erythrocytes that determines a blood grouping reaction with
specific antiserum; antigens of the ABO and Lewis blood groups may
be found also in saliva and other body fluids; the genes
controlling development of blood group antigens vary in frequency
in different population and ethnic groups.
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Blood group-specific substances A and B
Solution of complexes of polysaccharides and amino acids that
reduces the titer of anti-A and anti-B isoagglutinins in serum from
those with group O; used to render group O blood reasonably safe
for transfusion into those with group A, B, or AB, but does not
affect any incompatibility that results from various other factors,
such as Rh.
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Blood imbalance
An Asian medicine term for irregularities in circulation that cause
disease. Also called ketsu sho.
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Blood island
An aggregation of splanchnic mesodermal cells on the embryonic yolk
sac, with the potentiality of forming vascular endothelium and
primordial blood cells.
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Blood lipid
A substance involved in the clotting of blood, important for the
activation of plasma.
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Blood lymph
Lymph exuded from the blood vessels and not derived from the fluid
in the tissue spaces.
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Blood oxygen level dependent imaging
A functional MR technique that uses the difference between the
signals of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin to detect metabolic
activity, and hence neurologic activity, in the brain.
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Blood pH
The pH of arterial blood; normal is 7.4 (range, 7.36-7.44).
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Blood plasma fractions
Portions of the blood plasma as separated by electrophoresis or
other technique.
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Blood plastid
Any basic, morphologic unit in the biologic composition of blood,
an erythrocyte.
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Blood plate
Obsolete term for platelet.
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Blood platelet
A structure in blood relating to the arrest of bleeding.
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Blood pneumonitis
Lung inflammation and damage caused by blood in the alveoli and
bronchi.
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Blood pool imaging
Nuclear medicine study using a radionuclide that is confined to the
vascular compartment.
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Blood pressure
The force exerted by the blood as it presses against and attempts
to stretch blood vessels.
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Blood relative
A popular term describing a relative of a person sharing a common
ancestor. No special importance attaches to the blood as a vehicle
of inheritance. Spouses are not ordinarily blood relatives and when
they are, the marriage is consanguineous and carries a higher risk
than average of progeny homozygous by descent from ancestors in
common. Such marriages are discouraged and within certain degrees
of kindred may be illegal.
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Blood spavin
Historic horseman's term to describe dilation of the blood vessel
(saphenous vein) crossing the joint; not a pathologic condition and
does not lead to lameness.
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Blood spots
Hemorrhagic graafian follicles seen in ovaries of mice, caused by
injection of urine of pregnant women; a positive result in the now
obsolete Aschheim-Zondek test for pregnancy.
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Blood stagnation, blood stasis
A condition where blood moves slowly, congeals, or forms clots.
This includes bruises and some other painful conditions such as
some menstrual irregularities. Blood stagnation can be due to Cold,
Heat, deficiency, or trauma.
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Blood substitute
Any material (human plasma, serum albumin, or a solution of such
substances as dextran) used for transfusion in hemorrhage and
shock.
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Blood swab
A blood sample taken with a cotton-tipped stick.
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Blood thinner
A drug that helps prevent blood clots from forming. Also called an
anticoagulant.
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Blood transfusion
The transfer of blood or blood products from one person to another.
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Blood tumor
Term sometimes used to denote an aneurysm, hemorrhagic cyst, or
hematoma.
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Blood type
The specific agglutination pattern of erythrocytes of an individual
to the antisera of one blood group; the ABO blood group consists of
four major blood types: O, A, B, and AB. This classification
depends on the presence or absence of two major antigens: A or B.
Type O occurs when neither is present and type AB when both are
present. The blood type is the genetic phenotype of the individual
for one blood group system and may be determined using different
antisera available for testing.
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Blood urea nitrogen
Nitrogen, in the form of urea, in the blood; the most prevalent of
nonprotein nitrogenous compounds in blood; blood normally contains
10-15 mg of urea/100 mL. Measurements in the laboratory are
commonly used as a measure of renal function.
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Blood vessel
A tube through which the blood circulates in the body. Blood
vessels include a network of arteries, arterioles, capillaries,
venules, and veins.
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Blood volume nomogram
A nomogram used to predict blood volume on the basis of the
person's weight and height.
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Blood-air barrier
The material intervening between alveolar air and the blood; it
consists of a nonstructural film or surfactant, alveolar
epithelium, basal lamina, and endothelium.
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Blood-aqueous barrier
A selectively permeable barrier between the capillary bed in the
processes of the ciliary body and the aqueous humor in the anterior
chamber of the eye; consists of two layers of simple cuboidal
epithelium joined at their apical surfaces with junctional
complexes.
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Blood-brain barrier
A physiological mechanism that alters the permeability of brain
capillaries, so that some substances, such as certain drugs, are
prevented from entering brain tissue, while other substances are
allowed to enter freely. Membranous blood vessel barrier that
selectively controls the entry of substances into the brain tissue.
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Blood-brain barrier disruption
Abbreviated BBBD. The use of drugs to create openings between cells
in the blood-brain barrier. The blood-brain barrier is a protective
network of blood vessels and tissue that protects the brain from
harmful substances, but can also prevent anticancer drugs from
reaching the brain. Once the barrier is opened, anticancer drugs
may be infused into an artery that goes to the brain, in order to
treat brain tumors.
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Blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier
A barrier located at the tight junctions that surround and connect
the cuboidal epithelial cells on the surface of the choroid plexus;
capillaries and connective tissue stroma of the choroid do not
represent a barrier to protein tracers or dyes.
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Bloodless
Without blood.
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Bloodless amputation
Amputation in which, by means of a tourniquet, the escape of blood
from the cut surfaces is minimal.
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Bloodless decerebration
Destroying the function of the cerebrum by tying the basilar artery
at about the middle of the pons and the common carotid arteries in
the neck.
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Bloodless operation
An operation performed with negligible loss of blood.
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Bloodletting
Removing blood, usually from a vein; formerly used as a general
remedial measure, but used now in congestive heart failure and
polycythemia.
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Bloodshot
Denoting locally congested smaller blood vessels of a part (the
conjunctiva) that are dilated and visible.
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Bloodstream
The flowing blood as it is encountered in the circulatory system,
as distinguished from blood that has been removed from the
circulatory system or sequestered in a part; thus, something added
to the bloodstream may be expected to become distributed to all
parts of the body through which blood is flowing.
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Blood-testis barrier
An occluding barrier formed by Sertoli cells in the seminiferous
tubules of the testis, which separates the more mature cells of
spermatogenesis in the adlumenal compartment of the tubule from
blood-derived products in the basal compartment.
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Blood-thymus barrier
A sheath of pericytes and epithelial reticular cells around thymic
capillaries that prevents the developing T lymphocytes of the
cortex of the thymus from being exposed to circulating antigens.
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Bloodworm
1. The filarial parasite of sheep, Elaeophora schneideri. 2. Red
aquatic larvae of certain dipterous gnats and midges. 3. Marine
annelids in the family Terebellidae with soft bodies and red blood.
4. Blood-inhabiting worms, such as the human blood flukes in the
genus Schistosoma.
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Bloom syndrome
Congenital telangiectatic erythema, primarily in butterfly
distribution, of the face and occasionally of the hands and
forearms, with sun sensitivity of skin lesions and dwarfism with
normal body proportions except for a narrow face and
dolichocephalic skull; chromosomes are excessively unstable and
there is a predisposition to malignancy; autosomal recessive
inheritance, caused by mutation in the Bloom syndrome gene (BLM) on
chromosome 15q.
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Blotch
Commonly used term to denote a pigmented or erythematous lesion.
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Blount disease
Tibia vara; nonrachitic bowlegs in children.
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Blow-out fracture
A fracture of the floor of the orbit, without a fracture of the
rim, produced by a blow on the globe with the force being
transmitted through the globe to the orbital floor.
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Blowout pipette
A pipette calibrated to deliver its nominal volume by permitting it
first to drain and then blowing out the last drop held in the tip.
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BLS
Abbreviation for basic life support; includes CPR and removal of
foreign body airway obstruction.
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Blue
A color between green and indigo on the spectrum.
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Blue atrophy
Depressed blue atrophic scars due to injections in the skin of
impure substances, as seen in narcotics addicts.
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Blue baby
Common or obsolete term for a child born cyanotic because of a
congenital cardiac or pulmonary defect causing incomplete
oxygenation of the blood.
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Blue dextran
High molecular weight dextran containing a blue chlorotriazine dye,
Cibacron Blue; used to measure the void volumes in gel filtration
columns, as well as checking column packing.
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Blue diaper syndrome
A disorder of tryptophan absorption; excess unabsorbed tryptophan
in the intestine is metabolized to indoles and indicans, which are
absorbed and lead to excretion of indican in the urine, which is
oxidized in the diaper to indigo; patients also have hypercalcemia
and nephrocalcinosis.
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Blue dome cyst
1. One of a number of small dark blue nodules or cysts in the
vaginal fornix due to retained menstrual blood in endometriosis
affecting this region. 2. A benign retention cyst of the mammary
gland in fibrocystic disease, containing a pale slightly yellow
fluid that gives a blue tint to the cyst when seen through the
surrounding fibrous tissue.
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Blue dot sign
A blue or black spot visible beneath the skin on the cranial aspect
of testis or epididymis. This is a torsed testicular appendage and
is usually quite tender.
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Blue edema
The swelling and cyanosis of an extremity in paralysis secondary to
conversion.
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Blue line
A bluish line along the free border of the gingiva, occurring in
chronic heavy metal poisoning.
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Blue nevus
A dark blue or blue-black nevus covered by smooth skin and formed
by heavily pigmented spindle-shaped or dendritic melanocytes in the
reticular dermis.
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Blue ointment
A grease-based ointment containing 20% finely divided metallic
mercury, formerly widely used for local application to the skin for
the destruction of body lice. Risk is associated with transdermal
absorption of mercury and a local dermatitis.
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Blue pus
Pus tinged with pyocyanin, a product of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
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Blue rubber bleb nevi
A syndrome characterized by erectile, easily compressible,
thin-walled hemangiomatous nodules, present at birth, widely
distributed in the skin and the alimentary canal and sometimes in
other tissues; lesions in the gut may perforate or cause
hemorrhage, and the patient may be anemic from continual bleeding.
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Blue sclera
Appearance of the uveal tissue through a thin sclera seen in a
number of conditions including myopia, buphthalmos, scleral
staphyloma, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Marfan syndrome, osteogenesis
imperfecta, Paget disease, and Pierre Robin syndrome.
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Blue toe syndrome
Progressive tissue injury or gangrene from microthromboembolism in
the presence of palpable pedal pulses.
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Blue water technique
Mode of meditation advanced by Lawrence LeShan, Ph.D., in
Meditating to Attain a Healthy Body Weight (Doubleday, 1994). It
supposedly involves using one's "consciousness" to search one's
body for the source of hunger or pain. The meditator purportedly
locates the source and, three times, visualizes blue water slowly
filling the area and then draining from it.
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Blueberry muffin baby
An infant with purple skin lesions the appearance of which has been
compared with that with a blueberry muffin. Lesions are caused by
dermal erythropoiesis and are seen in congenital infections such as
cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis, or rubella. The infection
interferes with the normal production of blood cells in the bone
marrow.
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Blue-green algae
Former name for the blue-green bacteria, now classified as
Cyanobacteria.
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Blues
State of depression or sadness.
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Bluetongue virus
A virus of the genus Orbivirus, in the family Reoviridae; the agent
of bluetongue in sheep.
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Blumberg sign
Pain experienced on sudden release of steadily applied pressure on
a suspected area of the abdomen, indicative of peritonitis.
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Blumenau nucleus
The accessory cuneate nucleus of the medulla oblongata.
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Blunt duct adenosis
Adenosis of the breast in which the ducts are enlarged but not
increased in number.
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Blunted affect
A disturbance in mood seen in schizophrenic patients manifested by
shallowness and a severe reduction in the expression of feeling.
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Blunt-end
Refers to double-stranded DNA in which no unpaired bases are turned
at the end of the polynucleotide.
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Blunt-end ligation
A reaction that joins two DNA duplexes directly at their blunt
ends.
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Blunt-ended DNA
Double-stranded DNA in which at least one of the ends has no
unpaired bases.
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Blush
1. A sudden and brief redness of the face and neck due to emotion.
2. In angiography, used metaphorically to describe neovascularity
or, in some cases, extravasation.
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BLV
Abbreviation for bovine leukemia virus.
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BM
Abbeviation for bowel movement.
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BMD
Abbreviation for bone mineral density. A measure of the amount of
calcium contained in a certain volume of bone. Calcium gives bones
their strength and helps keep them from breaking. Bone density
measurements may be used to diagnose osteoporosis, to see how well
osteoporosis treatments are working, and to figure out how likely
the bones are to break. Also called bone density and bone mass.
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BMI
Abbreviation for body mass index.
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B-mode
A two-dimensional diagnostic ultrasound presentation of
echo-producing interfaces; the intensity of the echo is represented
by modulation of the brightness of the spot, and the position of
the echo is determined from the angular position of the transducer
and the transit time of the acoustical pulse and its echo.
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BMP
Abbreviation for bone morphogenetic proteins, under protein.
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BMR
Abbreviation for basal metabolic rate.
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BMS-182751
A platinum compound used in chemotherapy.
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BNA
Abbreviation for Basle Nomina Anatomica.
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BNEd
Abbreviation for Bachelor of Nursing Education.
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BNP
Abbreviation for β-natriuretic peptide; B-type natriuretic peptide;
brain natriuretic peptide; brain natriuretic protein.
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BNSe
Abbreviation for Bachelor of Nursing Science.
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Board
1. Those designated with managerial authority to supervise,
investigate, or provide verification of credentials. 2. Any such
experts responsible for policy, financial allocations, and similar
oversight.
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Boat form
The less stable of two conformations assumed by six-membered cyclic
sugars (pyranoses) or cyclohexane derivatives, as opposed to chair
form.
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Bobbing
An up-and-down movement.
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Bobierrite
The octahydrate of magnesium phosphate; sometimes found in renal
calculi.
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Boc
Abbreviation for t-butoxycarbonyl.
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BOC
Abbreviations formerly used for t-butoxycarbonyl.
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Bochdalek ganglion
A ganglion of the plexus of the dental nerve lying in the maxilla
just above the root of the canine tooth.
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Bochdalek valve
A fold of mucous membrane in the lacrimal canaliculus at the
lacrimal punctum.
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BOD
Abbreviation for biochemical oxygen demand.
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Bodansky unit
The amount of phosphatase that liberates 1 mg of phosphorus as
inorganic phosphate during the first hour of incubation with a
buffered substrate containing sodium β-glycerophosphate.
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Bodecker index
A modification of the DMF caries index.
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Bodian copper-protargol stain
A stain employing a silver proteinate complex (protargol) to
demonstrate axis cylinders and neurofibrils.
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Bodo caudatus
A species that is found in specimens of human feces (especially in
tropical regions); the organisms are frequently termed coprozoic
flagellates.
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Bodo saltans
A species of the intestinal tract sometimes observed in ulcers.
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Bodo urinarius
A species found occasionally in the urine.
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Body
1. The head, neck, trunk, and limbs. The human body, consisting of
head (caput), neck (collum), trunk (truncus), and limbs (membra).
2. The material part of a human, as distinguished from the mind and
spirit. 3. The principal mass of any structure. 4. A thing; a
substance.
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Body acupuncture
Apparently, "ordinary" acupuncture, i.e., any form of acupuncture
whose "channel theory" is that of traditional Chinese medicine and
whose scope is the entire human body (e.g., not just the ears.)
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Body burden
Activity of a radiopharmaceutical retained by the body at a
specified time following administration.
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Body cavity
The collective visceral cavity of the trunk (thoracic cavity plus
abdominopelvic cavity), bounded by the superior thoracic aperture
above, the pelvic floor below, and the body walls (parietes) in
between.
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Body centered therapy
Method whose components apparently include: (a) "Conscious
Communication Skills," which involve learning the "language of
Microscopic Truth"; (b) "Movement Therapy"; (c) Pre- and Perinatal
Psychology; and (d) Radiance Breathwork.
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Body dysmorphic disorder
1. A psychosomatic (somatoform) disorder characterized by
preoccupation with some imagined defect in appearance in a person
who looks normal. 2. A DSM diagnosis that is established when the
specified criteria are met.
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Body harmony
Mode of bodywork that allegedly "re-awakens" one's "natural healing
energies" and "accesses" the "inner wisdom" of the body.
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Body hearing aid
A hearing aid with its microphone and amplifier in a box worn on
the chest with the receiver(s) in one or both (with a Y-cord)
ear(s); for patients with severe to profound bilateral hearing
impairment.
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Body image
1. The cerebral representation of all body sensation organized in
the parietal cortex. 2. Personal conception of one's own body as
distinct from one's actual anatomic body or the conception other
peole have of it.
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Body integration
"Technique" promoted by Dr. Salomon, who purportedly shares a soul
with Ziaela, a "multi-dimensional entity." Its theory encompasses
strong holism and posits "divine purpose," "cellular memory," and
emotional and mental "bodies."
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Body language
1. The expression of thoughts and feelings by means of nonverbal
bodily movements, gestures, or via the symptoms of hysterical
conversion. 2. Communication by means of bodily signs.
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Body mapping technique, system
Method advanced, and apparently originated and named, by Marcia
Mae, an "intuitive transformational bodyworker." Apparently, the
Body Mapping Technique is a purported way to release "cellular
memories" and to "recode" the body with messages of unconditional
love.
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Body mass index
An anthropometric measure of body mass, defined as weight in
kilograms divided by height in meters squared; a method of
determining caloric nutritional status.
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Body mechanics
Refers to the posture of the practitioner when performing massage.
Good body mechanics is the use of the body in a structurally and
mechanically sound way to maximize the effectiveness and safety of
performing massage techniques.
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Body of bladder
The portion of the bladder between the apex and fundus.
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Body of breast
The principal part of the breast, consisting of glandular tissue
and its supporting fibrous tissue. It forms a conic mass converging
toward the nipple and is surrounded by adipose tissue.
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Body of caudate nucleus
The suprathalamic part of the caudate nucleus lying in the floor of
the central part (the body) of the lateral ventricle.
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Body of clitoris
The shaft or pendulous portion of the clitoris, composed of two
fused corpora cavernosa clitoridae, the distal end of which is the
glans clitoris.
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Body of epididymis
The middle part that extends downward from the head to the tail of
the epididymis on the posterior surface of the testis.
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Body of fornix
The middle part of the fornix situated immediately inferior
(ventral) to the corpus callosum.
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Body of gallbladder
The main part of the gallbladder terminating in the rounded fundus
below and continuing into the neck of the gallbladder above.
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Body of hyoid bone
The body of the hyoid bone, from which the greater and lesser horns
extend.
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Body of ilium
It forms the upper two fifths of the acetabulum and joins the pubis
and ischium in the acetabulum. It continues above into the ala or
wing of the ilium.
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Body of incus
The main part of the incus that articulates with the malleus and
from which the short and long limbs arise.
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Body of ischium
The entire ischium with the exception of the ramus.
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Body of mandible
The heavy, U-shaped, horizontal portion of the mandible extending
posteriorly to the angle where it is continuous with the ramus; it
supports the lower teeth.
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Body of maxilla
The central portion of the maxilla hollowed out by the maxillary
sinus; it presents orbital, nasal, anterior, and infratemporal
surfaces and supports four processes, frontal, zygomatic, palatine,
and alveolar.
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Body of nail
The exposed portion of the nail distal to its root.
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Body of pancreas
The part of the pancreas from the point where it crosses the portal
vein to the point where it enters the splenorenal ligament.
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Body of penis
The free pendulous portion of the penis, consisting of shaft and
glans penis.
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Body of pubis
The flattened medial portion of the pubic bone entering into the
pubic symphysis; superior and inferior rami extend from it.
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Body of rib
Shaft of a rib; the portion that extends laterally, anteriorly, and
then medially from the tubercle.
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Body of sphenoid
The central portion of the sphenoid bone from which the greater and
lesser wings and the pterygoid processes arise. The sphenoidal
sinuses lie within it.
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Body of sternum
The middle and largest portion of the sternum, lying between the
manubrium superiorly and the xiphoid process inferiorly.
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Body of stomach
The part of the stomach that lies between the fundus above and the
pyloric antrum below; its boundaries are poorly defined.
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Body of sweat gland
The coiled tubular secretory portion of a sweat gland located in
the subcutaneous tissue or deep in the corium and connected to the
surface of the skin by a long duct.
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Body of talus
The large posterior part of the talus forming the trochlea above
for articulation with the tibia and fibula and articulating below
with the calcaneus.
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Body of tongue
The oral part of the tongue anterior to the terminal sulcus.
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Body of uterus
The part of the uterus above the isthmus, comprising about two
thirds of the nonpregnant organ.
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Body oriented emotional release psychotherapy
Method promoted by Dee Cassella. Its theory posits "blocked sexual
energy" and holds that one reclaims one's "natural 'SELF'" as one:
(a) releases anger, fear, and sadness, and (b) grieves over the
loss of one's "inner child." Also called Neo-Reichian emotional
release work.
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Body packer
A person who transports illicit drugs by concealment in body
cavities.
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Body packing
Concealment of illicit drugs enclosed in containers (condoms)
inside the body by swallowing or insertion into the rectum or
vagina, usually for transportation.
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Body plethysmograph
A chamber apparatus surrounding the entire body, commonly used in
studies of respiratory function.
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Body reflexology
1. System of reflexology or acupressure that encompasses pressing,
pulling, massaging, and clamping "reflex points" on the face,
tongue, ears, scalp, nape, hands, crotch, buttocks, shins, and
feet. These so-called reflex points, also termed "reflexes" and
"reflex buttons," include about a hundred pinnal acupoints. 2.
Healing at Your Fingertips (1994) defines "reflex points" as
"energy junctions that relay and reinforce energy along meridian
lines of the body, passing energy toward the organs and the nervous
system." The book states that the palm of the right hand is
"positive" and "stimulates energy," and that the palm of the left
hand is "negative," sedative, and "cleaning."
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Body righting reflexes
Reflex effects on the neck muscles that bring the head into the
correct position in space caused by stimulation of pressoreceptors
in the body wall by contact with the ground.
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Body scanning
An alleged process of entering a "higher-vibrational state of
awareness" in which one supposedly can detect and locate disease or
"imbalance." Its theory posits "energetic blocks to the Light."
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Body stuffing
The ingestion of (usually hastily wrapped) illicit drugs under fear
of imminent legal apprehension.
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Body surface area
The area of the external surface of the body, expressed in square
meters (m2); used to calculate metabolic, electrolyte, nutritional
requirements, drug dosage, and expected pulmonary function
measurements.
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Body-centered psychotherapy
Any combination of: (a) psychotherapy and (b) massage therapy,
touch therapy, or "movement techniques." Body-centered
psychotherapy may include breathwork. Also called body-oriented
psychotherapy, body psychotherapy, direct body-contact
psychotherapy, humanistic body psychotherapy.
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BodyCentered™ Comprehensive Holistic Health Care
Apparently, a form of "health care" that encompasses acupuncture,
holistic gynecology, and "holistic skin care."
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BodyMind breathwork
Component of BodyMind Therapy that includes rebirthing. Apparently,
it allegedly heals "core injuries."
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Bodymind centering technique
Form of meditation developed by married couple Gay Hendricks,
Ph.D., a university professor, and Kathlyn Hendricks, Ph.D., a
dance therapist. In Radiance! Breathwork, Movement and
Body-Centered Psychotherapy (Wingbow Press, 1991), they defined it
as "a precise, step-by-step technique for solving life problems
through contact with the Inner Self." They defined "Inner Self" as
"the part of us that knows how we really feel." Bodymind Centering
supposedly reconnects the "Inner Self" and the "Outer Self."
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Body-Mind Centering®
BMC. Form of somatic therapy developed by Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen,
the author of Sensing, Feeling, and Action: The Experiential
Anatomy of Body-Mind Centering (North Atlantic Books, 1994), and
promoted by the school she founded in 1973 (The School for
Body-Mind Centering, in Amherst, Massachusetts in the United
States). BMC involves guided imagery and purportedly employs the
"experiential embodiment" of one's cells, tissues, and
"developmental movement patterns."
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BodyMind counseling hypnotherapy
Component of BodyMind Therapy that includes Jungian psychology and
neurolinguistic programming.
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BodyMind dynamics
Form of bodywork advanced by the Somakinetics Research Institute
and, in 1994, promoted by the Source of Life Center, in New York
City. It is (or was) a purported way to "release" pain, stress, and
"negative emotions" that "interfere with" the functioning of
glands, internal organs, the nervous system, and "meridians."
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BodyMind massage
Component of BodyMind Therapy. BodyMind Massage includes shiatsu.
Its postulate is that touch is sacred and has "healing power," and
its purported goal is synergy.
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BodyMind shiatsu
Component of BodyMind Therapy that includes "energy extension,"
"pulse assessment," and touching "meridian points."
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BodyMind therapy
System taught by The BodyMind Academy, in Bellevue, Washington in
the United States. It includes BodyMind Breathwork, BodyMind
Counseling Hypnotherapy, BodyMind Massage, BodyMind Shiatsu,
Gestalt, and "inner family work."
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BODYTONICS
Component of FITONICS. BODYTONICS are a series of movements
developed by Dr. Donald Burton Schnell. They purportedly raise
one's life force ("spiritual vibrations.")
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Body-weight ratio
Body weight (in grams) divided by stature (in centimeters).
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BodyWisdom therapy
Yogic form of body-oriented psychotherapy (body-centered
psychotherapy) promoted by Margo G. Steinfeld, M.A. One of its
postulates is that, as the body "aligns," physical and emotional
blockages and the life force become free.
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Bodywork plus
Purported blend of techniques from energy balancing, shiatsu, and
other methods. It includes breathwork and imagery.
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Bodywork tantra
Meditative derivative of chakra healing and Zen Shiatsu developed
by shiatsu schoolmaster Harold Dull. It encompasses Co-Centering,
Tantsu, and Watsu.
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Bodywork therapy
The application of physical therapy methods, such as massage, yoga,
exercise, and relaxation techniques, for the purpose of promoting
physical and emotional well-being.
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Boeck and Drbohlav Locke-egg-serum medium
Medium of whole eggs, human serum, and rice powder used to detect
the presence of intestinal amebae, primarily Entamoeba histolytica.
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Boehmer hematoxylin
An alum type of hematoxylin in which natural ripening occurs in
about 8-10 days, and the solution is good for many months.
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Boerhaave syndrome
Rupture of the esophagus caused by increased intraluminal pressure
and distention during retching or vomiting; results in
mediastinitis. The rupture most often occurs in the left pleural
space.
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Bog spavin
In equine veterinary medicine, a soft tissue swelling that results
from strained tibiotarsal joint; leads to effusion in the joint
space and resulting distended joint capsule.
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Bogros serous membrane
A membrane of the episcleral space (of Tenon).
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Bohn nodules
Tiny multiple cysts in newborns. They are found at the junction of
the hard and soft palates and along buccal and lingual parts of the
dental ridges and are derived from epithelial remnants of mucous
gland tissue.
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Bohr atom
A concept or model of the atom in which the negatively charged
electrons move in circular or elliptic orbits around the positively
charged nucleus, energy being emitted or absorbed when electrons
change from one orbit to another.
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Bohr effect
The influence exerted by carbon dioxide on the oxygen dissociation
curve of blood, the curve is shifted to the right, which means an
apparent reduction in the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen.
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Bohr equation
An equation to calculate the respiratory dead space from the fact
that gas expired from the lungs is a mixture of gas from the dead
space and gas from the alveoli, the dead space volume divided by
the tidal volume equals the difference between alveolar and mixed
expired gas composition, divided by the difference between alveolar
and inspired gas composition; gas composition can be expressed in
any consistent units of concentration or partial pressure of oxygen
or carbon dioxide.
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Bohr magneton (μB)
A constant in the equation relating the difference in energies
between parallel and antiparallel spin alignments of electrons in a
magnetic field; the net magnetic moment of one unpaired electron;
used in electron spin resonance spectrometry for detection and
estimation of free radicals; the smallest unit of magnetic moment
(approximately 9.274 × 10−24 J T−1).
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Bohr theory
That spectrum lines are produced 1) by the quantized emission of
radiant energy when electrons drop from an orbit of a higher to one
of a lower energy level, or 2) by absorption of radiation when an
electron rises from a lower to a higher energy level.
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Bohrium
An artificial transplutonium element; atomic number 107; atomic
weight 262.
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Boil
A painful, circumscribed pus-filled inflammation of the skin and
subcutaneous tissue usually caused by a local staphylococcal
infection. Also called a furuncle.
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Boiling point
The temperature at which the vapor pressure of a liquid equals the
ambient atmospheric pressure.
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Bol
Abbreviation for bolus.
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BOLD
Acronym for blood oxygen level dependent.
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Boldin
A glycoside from boldus; a cholagogue and diuretic.
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Boldine
A bitter alkaloid obtained from boldus.
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Boley gauge
A caliper-type gauge graduated in millimeters used to measure the
thickness of various dental materials.
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Bolivian hemorrhagic fever
A disease similar to Argentinian hemorrhagic fever but caused by
the Machupo virus, a member of the family Arenaviridae.
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Bolivian hemorrhagic fever virus
A member of the Arenavirus group of single-stranded RNA viruses
also known as Machupo virus; primary reservoir in rodents; produces
multiple abnormalities in the coagulation system including
widespread capillary leak syndrome, which can be fatal.
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Boll cells
Basal cells in the lacrimal gland.
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Bollinger bodies
A viral inclusion body found in fowlpox.
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Bollinger granules
1. Relatively small, but frequently microscopically visible, pale
yellow or yellow-white granules observed in the granulomatous
lesion, or the exudate, in botryomycosis; the granules consist of
irregular aggregates or colonizations of gram-positive cocci,
usually staphylococci. 2. Term sometimes incorrectly used
synonymously with Bollinger bodies.
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Bolognini sympton
In cases of measles, a feeling of crepitation on gradually
increasing pressure on the abdomen.
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Bolometer
1. An instrument for determining minute degrees of radiant heat. 2.
An obsolete instrument for measuring the force of the heartbeat as
distinguished from the blood pressure.
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Bolster finger
Monilial infection of the nail fold.
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Boltzmann constant
The gas constant divided by the Avogadro number; 1.380658 × 10−23 J
· K−1.
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Bolus
1. A large dose of a drug that is given (usually intravenously) at
the beginning of treatment to raise blood-level concentrations to a
therapeutic level. 2. A lump of food, prepared for swallowing by
action of saliva.
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Bolus infusion
A single dose of drug usually injected into a blood vessel over a
short period of time. Also called bolus.
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Bomb calorimeter
An instrument for determining the potential energy of organic
substances, including those in foods. It consists of a hollow steel
container, lined with platinum and filled with pure oxygen, into
which a weighed quantity of substance is placed and ignited with an
electric fuse; the heat produced is absorbed by water surrounding
the bomb and, from the rise in temperature, the calories liberated
are calculated.
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Bombard
To expose a substance to particulate or electromagnetic radiations
for the purpose of making it radioactive.
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Bombay phenomenon
A rare recessive trait at a locus that ordinarily manufactures H
substance, the precursor from which the A and B phenotypes are
elaborated; the mutant causes failure to produce H substance and no
matter what the genotype at the ABO locus, the phenotype is O. The
Bombay phenomenon is epistatic to the ABO locus.
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Bombesin
Pharmacologically active tetradecapeptide found in skins of
European amphibians of the family Discoglossidae, principally
Bombina bombina and B. variegata variegata. A potent stimulant of
gastric and pancreatic secretions; a bombesinlike immunoreactive
peptide is found in both brain and gut. Other actions include
hypertensive, antidiuretic, and hyperglycemic activity. Has a
strong effect on core temperature lowering in rats. High levels of
intracellular bombesin have also been found in human small-cell
lung carcinoma.
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Bon shamanic practices
A number of traditional methods-rituals and modes of
visualization-purportedly used to generate "vital forces" and
"heal" internal and external obstacles to growth. The Tibetan word
"bon" literally means "invocation, recitation." "Bon" or "Pon"
refers to various religious customs in Tibet that preceded the
introduction of Buddhism. Bon involved worship of spirits and
protectional deities (e.g., the Lord of the Soil). It reportedly
survives in modified form in Nepal.
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Bond
Chemistry the force holding two neighboring atoms in place and
resisting their separation; a bond is electrovalent if it consists
of the attraction between oppositely charged groups, or covalent if
it results from the sharing of one, two, or three pairs of
electrons by the bonded atoms.
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Bond strength
Amount of force required to break the connection between a bonded
(dental) restoration and the tooth surface with the failure
occurring in or near the adhesive/adherens interface.
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Bonding
Formation of a close and enduring emotional attachment, such as
between parent and child or husband and wife.
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Bone
A hard connective tissue consisting of cells embedded in a matrix
of mineralized ground substance and collagen fibers. The fibers are
impregnated with inorganic components, including crystals of
calcium phosphate, such that using X-ray defraction, they are seen
to be organized in a hydroxyapatite pattern (calcium phosphate is
85% by weight) as well as calcium carbonate (10%), and magnesium;
by weight, bone is composed of 65-75% inorganic and 25-35% organic
material; a portion of osseous tissue of definite shape and size,
forming a part of the animal skeleton; in humans there are
approximately 200 distinct bones in the skeleton, not including the
auditory ossicles of the tympanic cavity or the sesamoid bones
other than the two patellae. A bone is enveloped by a fibrous
membrane, periosteum, that covers the bone's entire surface except
for the articular cartilage. Beneath the periosteum is a dense
layer, compact bone, and beneath that a cancellous layer, spongy
bone. The core of a long bone is filled with marrow.
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Bone abscess
Suppuration within the medullary cavity (osteomyelitis), cortex, or
periosteum of bone.
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Bone ache
A dull pain in one or more bones, often severe; an extreme variety
occurs in dengue.
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Bone age
Stage of development of bone (in years) as adjudged by radiography,
in contrast to chronologic age.
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Bone architecture
The pattern of trabeculae and associated structures.
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Bone block
Surgical procedure in which a bone graft is placed adjacent to a
joint to limit motion of the joint mechanically or to improve the
stability of the joint, at the ankle joint to correct foot-drop by
preventing plantarflexion past 0°, but allowing dorsiflexion beyond
0°, at the glenohumeral joint to prevent posterior instability.
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Bone block fusion
A method of fusing two bones in which a block of bone graft is
placed between the two surfaces to obtain fusion and correct
preexisting deformity.
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Bone canaliculus
The canaliculus interconnecting bone lacunae with one another or
with a haversian canal; contains the interconnecting cytoplasmic
processes of osteocytes.
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Bone cancer
A relatively rare disease in which cancer cells grow in the bone
tissue. Cancer may form in the bone or spread to the bone from
another site in the body. When cancer starts in bone tissue, it is
called primary bone cancer. When cancer cells travel to the bone
from elsewhere, it is called secondary or metastatic cancer to the
bone.
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Bone chips
Small pieces of cancellous bone generally used to fill bony defects
and to promote reossification.
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Bone conduction
In relation to hearing, the transmission of sound to the inner ear
through vibrations applied to the bones of the skull.
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Bone density
A measure of the amount of calcium contained in a certain volume of
bone. Calcium gives bones their strength and helps keep them from
breaking. Bone density measurements may be used to diagnose
osteoporosis, to see how well osteoporosis treatments are working,
and to figure out how likely the bones are to break. Also called
bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mass.
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Bone flap
Portion of cranium removed but left attached to overlying
muscle-fascial blood supply; term is often used incorrectly for a
completely detached cranial section, a bone graft.
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Bone forceps
A strong forceps used for seizing or removing fragments of bone.
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Bone graft
Bone transplanted from a donor site to a recipient site, without
anastomosis of nutrient vessels; bone can be transplanted within
the same person (autograft) or between different people
(allograft).
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Bone infarct
An area of bone tissue that has become necrotic as a result of loss
of its arterial blood supply.
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Bone infection
Infection which can occur in any bone in the body. Bacteria usually
cause the infection, but fungi can occasionally have the same
effect. Also called osteomyelitis.
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Bone island
A macroscopic focus of cortical bone within medullary bone,
commonly seen as a dense round or oval opacity on radiographs of
the pelvis, femoral head, humerus, or ribs.
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Bone loss
Osteoporosis; "porous bone"; a disease of the skeleton in which the
bones gradually lose density and begin to deteriorate. People with
osteoporosis have brittle bones and an increased susceptibility to
fractures of the hip, spine, and wrist.
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Bone marrow
The soft sponge-like material inside some bones. Blood cells are
formed in the bone marrow. Bone marrow used in cancer therapy may
be autologous (the patient's own marrow saved earlier), allogeneic
(marrow from someone else), or syngeneic (marrow from an identical
twin).
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Bone marrow ablation
Destruction of cancerous bone marrow using radiation or drugs.
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Bone marrow aspiration
The removal of a small sample of bone marrow (usually from the hip)
through a needle for examination under a microscope.
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Bone marrow biopsy
The removal of a sample of tissue from the bone marrow with a
needle for examination under a microscope.
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Bone marrow cancer
Cancer that forms in the blood-forming cells of the bone marrow
(soft sponge-like tissue in the center of most bones). Bone marrow
cancer includes leukemias, multiple myeloma, and others.
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Bone marrow dose
The cumulative dose to the blood-forming organ from therapeutic or
nuclear fallout irradiation; the presumed leukemogenic dose.
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Bone marrow embolism
Obstruction of a vessel by bone marrow, usually following fracture
of a bone.
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Bone marrow metastases
Tumor cells that have spread from the original (primary) tumor and
are growing in the bone marrow.
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Bone marrow nei kung
Component of the Healing Tao System. It is an offshoot of Iron
Shirt Chi Kung and a variation of self-healing. "Nei Kung"
reportedly means "practicing with your internal power." The method
supposedly involves "breathing" chi through fingertips and toes,
contracting muscles to force chi into bones, hitting various parts
of one's body (e.g., with sticks), and swinging weights (up to ten
pounds) suspended from one's genitals. Also called iron shirt chi
kung III, iron shirt III.
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Bone marrow transplantation
A procedure to replace bone marrow that has been destroyed by
treatment with high doses of anticancer drugs or radiation.
Transplantation may be autologous (an individual's own marrow saved
before treatment), allogeneic (marrow donated by someone else), or
syngeneic (marrow donated by an identical twin).
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Bone mass
A measure of the amount of calcium contained in a certain volume of
bone. Calcium gives bones their strength and helps keep them from
breaking. Bone density measurements may be used to diagnose
osteoporosis, to see how well osteoporosis treatments are working,
and to figure out how likely the bones are to break. Also called
bone density and bone mineral density (BMD).
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Bone matrix
The extracellular substance of bone tissue consisting of collagen
fibers and ground substance, before the deposition of inorganic
bone salts.
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Bone metastases
Cancer that has spread from the original (primary) tumor to the
bone.
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Bone mineral density
BMD. A measure of the amount of calcium contained in a certain
volume of bone. Calcium gives bones their strength and helps keep
them from breaking. Bone density measurements may be used to
diagnose osteoporosis, to see how well osteoporosis treatments are
working, and to figure out how likely the bones are to break. Also
called bone density and bone mass.
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Bone morphogenetic proteins
A family of intracellular glycoproteins that induce new bone
formation. These proteins influence bone remodeling, fracture
healing, bone graft, integration and heterotopic calcification.
Recombinant DNA technology has made BMPs available for various
applications (spinal fusion, management of fractures).
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Bone plate
A metal bar with perforations for the insertion of screws; used to
immobilize fractured segments.
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Bone remodeling
The natural, continuous turnover process of bone that includes bone
resorption and bone formation.
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Bone resorption
The process by which osteoclasts break down bone and release
minerals, resulting in a transfer of calcium from bone fluid to the
blood.
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Bone scan
A technique to create images of bones on a computer screen or on
film. A small amount of radioactive material is injected into a
blood vessel and travels through the bloodstream; it collects in
the bones and is detected by a scanner.
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Bone spavin
Equine osteophyte formation around splint bone (second or fourth
metatarsal) at the junction with the tarsus, distal to the
tibiotarsal joint, usually on the medial aspect involving the
second metatarsal at the tarsometatarsal articulation; may produce
lameness and eventually, ankylosis.
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Bone wax
A mixture of antiseptic agents, oil, and wax used to stop bleeding
by plugging exposed areas of bone.
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Bone-anchored hearing aid
A hearing aid with a surgically implanted bone-conduction receiver
for patients unable to use an air-conduction receiver effectively
because of uncontrollable middle ear infections or obliteration of
the external auditory canals.
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Bones of cranium
The paired inferior nasal concha, lacrimal, maxilla, nasal,
palatine, parietal, temporal, and zygomatic; and the unpaired
ethmoid, frontal, occipital, sphenoid, and vomer.
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Bones of lower limb
These include the pelvic girdle and the skeleton of the free part
of the lower limb (femur, tibia, fibula, patella, tarsus,
metatarsus, and phalanges).
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Bones of upper limb
These include the pectoral (shoulder) girdle (scapula and clavicle)
and the skeleton of the free part of the upper limb (humerus,
radius, ulna, wrist bones, metacarpus, and phalanges).
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Bone-salt
The main chemical compound in bone, deposited as minute amorphous
crystals in a netlike matrix of collagenous fibers containing
collagen; it closely resembles the naturally occurring fluorapatite
3Ca3(PO4)2·CaF2, but is probably a hydroxyapatite in which F is
replaced by OH.
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Bone-seeking radioisotope
A radioactive substance that is given through a vein, and collects
in bone cells and in tumor cells that have spread to the bone. It
kills cancer cells by giving off low-level radiation.
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Bonhoeffer sign
Loss of normal muscle tone in chorea.
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Bonnet capsule
The anterior part of the vagina bulbi.
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Bonnet syndrome
Complex visual hallucinations without attendant psychological
abnormality; more common in old people with vision problems.
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Bonnier syndrome
A syndrome due to a lesion of Deiters nucleus and its connection;
the symptoms include ocular disturbances (paralysis of
accommodation, nystagmus, diplopia), as well as deafness, nausea,
thirst, anorexia, and symptoms referable to the involvement of the
vagus centers.
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Bons of foot
Bones that collectively comprise the skeleton of the foot; includes
tarsal bones, metatarsals (bones) [I-V], phalanges, and sesamoid
bones.
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Bonsano™
Purported synthesis of "Western Mystical Traditions" and shamanism
originated by Jim Hopkins. It includes creative visualization,
crystal work, meditation, prayer, "sanmano" ("hands-off healing"),
and "shamanic journeying." Also called Bonsanista Healing Method;
Bonsano (Perfect Wholth)™; Perfect Wholth (Bonsano)™ Integrative
Shamanic Healing; Perfect Wholth™ Integrative Shamanic
Transpersonal Healing.
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Bonwill triangle
An equilateral triangle formed by lines from the contact points of
the lower central incisors, or the medial line of the residual
ridge of the mandible, to the condyle on either side and from one
condyle to the other.
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Bony ampullae of semicircular canals
A circumscribed dilation of one extremity of each of the three bony
semicircular canals, anterior, posterior, and lateral; each
contains a membranous ampulla of the semicircular ducts.
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Bony heart
The presence of extensive calcareous patches in the pericardium and
walls of the heart, some of which chronically develop bony changes.
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Bony joints
Joints between two or more bones without intervening cartilage or
fibrocartilage, other than articular cartilage; includes
syndesmoses and synovial joints.
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Bony labyrinth
A series of cavities (cochlea, vestibule, and semicircular canals)
contained within the otic capsule of the petrous portion of the
temporal bone; the bony labyrinth is filled with perilymph, in
which the delicate, endolymph-filled membranous labyrinth is
suspended.
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Bony limbs of semicircular canals
The extremities of the bony semicircular canals in which the
corresponding membranous limbs of the semicircular ducts are
located; they are the common bony limbs (crus osseum commune),
simple bony limbs (crus osseum simplex), and ampullary bony limbs
(crus ossea ampullaria).
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Bony nasal cavity
The skeletal nasal cavity with walls of bone and cartilage (vs. the
nasal cavity of the living or cadaver), lined with nasal mucosa or
respiratory epithelium.
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Bony nasal septum
The bones supporting the bony part of the nasal septum; these are
the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid, the vomer, the sphenoidal
rostrum, the crest of the nasal bones, the frontal spine, and the
median crest formed by the apposition of the maxillary and palatine
bones.
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Bony palate
A concave elliptic bony plate that contributes to the roof of the
oral cavity, formed of the palatine process of the maxilla and the
horizontal plate of the palatine bone on either side.
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Bony part of external acoustic meatus
The medial two thirds of the external acoustic meatus, which is
formed as the tympanic plate of the temporal bone develops; it
extends approximately 16 mm from its junction with the
cartilaginous part to the tympanic membrane.
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Bony part of nasal septum
The major portion of the nasal septum including (supported by) the
vomer and the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid.
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Bony part of pharyngotympanic tube
The portion of the pharyngotympanic (auditory) tube formed by the
petrous part of the temporal bone passing anteromedially from the
tympanic cavity, gradually narrowing to end at the junction of the
petrous and squamous parts.
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Bony part of skeletal system
Portion of the skeleton composed of cortical, compact, or spongy
bone.
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Book of changes
Chinese book of ancient origin that is considered a means of
fortunetelling. It is part of the canon of Confucianism, the
quasireligious philosophy that dominated China until the early
twentieth century. "I Ching" combines two Mandarin words: yi, which
means "divination," and jing, which means "classic" or "book." The
I Ching features 64 hexagrams-drawings consisting of six lines
each-which symbolize supposedly quintessential conditions, such as
happiness, humility, innocence, and tranquillity.
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Book of metamorphoses
Chinese book of ancient origin that is considered a means of
fortunetelling. It is part of the canon of Confucianism, the
quasireligious philosophy that dominated China until the early
twentieth century. "I Ching" combines two Mandarin words: yi, which
means "divination," and jing, which means "classic" or "book." The
I Ching features 64 hexagrams-drawings consisting of six lines
each-which symbolize supposedly quintessential conditions, such as
happiness, humility, innocence, and tranquillity.
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Book syndrome
Premolar aplasia, hyperhidrosis, and premature canities; autosomal
dominant trait.
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BOOP
Abbreviation for bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing
pneumonia.
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Booster
In medicine, refers to a vaccination given after a previous
vaccination. A booster helps maintain or increase a protective
immune response.
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Booster dose
A dose given at some time after an initial dose to enhance the
effect, said usually of antigens for the production of antibodies.
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Boot
A boot-shaped appliance.
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BOR
Abbreviation for branchio-oto-renal.
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Borate
A salt of boric acid.
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Borated
Mixed or impregnated with borax or boric acid.
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Borborygmus
A rumbling noise produced by the movement of gas through the
intestines.
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Border
The part of a surface that forms its outer boundary.
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Border cells
Cells forming the inner boundary of the spiral organ, a layer of
cells found between the collagen-containing layers of the dura
mater and arachnoid mater; dural border cell layer.
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Border molding
The shaping of an impression material by the manipulation or action
of the tissues adjacent to the borders of an impression.
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Border movements
Any extreme compass of mandibular movement limited by bone,
ligaments, or soft tissues; usually applied to horizontal
mandibular movements.
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Border of iris
Either of two zones on the anterior surface of the iris, separated
by a circular line concentric with the pupillary border.
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Border of uterus
The lateral (right or left) margins of the uterus along which the
broad ligament is attached. The uterine tube and round ligament
attach to the uterus at the upper part of the border.
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Border seal
The contact of the denture border with the underlying or adjacent
tissues to prevent the passage of air or other substances.
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Border tissue movements
The action of the muscles and other tissues adjacent to the borders
of a denture.
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Borderline case
A patient, whose clinical findings are suggestive, but not fully
convincing, of a specific diagnosis.
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Borderline diabetes
A former designation for Type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose
tolerance.
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Borderline hypertension
By consensus, that blood pressure zone between highest acceptable
"normal" blood pressure and hypertensive blood pressure. The
Framingham Heart Study defines this as pressures between 140-160
mm/Hg systolic and 90-95 mm/Hg diastolic.
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Borderline leprosy
A form of leprosy that is very unstable immunologically; the
cutaneous nerves frequently contain bacilli, but the lepromin test
is usually negative; cutaneous lesions are composed of flat bands
or plaques.
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Borderline ovarian tumor
An ovarian surface epithelial tumor in which the growth pattern is
intermediate between benign and malignant; includes mucinous,
serous, endometrioid, and Brenner tumors of the ovary; highly
curable but may recur after surgical removal.
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Borderline personality
Characterized by instability in moods, interpersonal relationships,
self-image, and behavior. People with BPD often act impulsively.
This behavior disrupts family and work life, long-term planning,
and the individual's sense of self. Most BPD sufferers have a very
hard time coping with separations from loved ones, and desperately
try to avoid being alone. In severe cases, individuals with BPD may
seek relief from inner pain by cutting, burning, or scratching
themselves.
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Borderline personality disorder
1. An enduring and pervasive pattern that begins by early adulthood
and is characterized by impulsivity and unpredictability, unstable
interpersonal relationships, inappropriate or uncontrolled affect,
especially anger, identity disturbances, rapid shifts of mood,
suicidal acts, self-mutilations, job and marital instability,
chronic feelings of emptiness or boredom, and intolerance of being
alone. 2. A DSM diagnosis that is established when the specified
criteria are met.
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Bordetella bronchiseptica
A bacterial species found in a broad range of animal species,
causing atrophic rhinitis of swine, bronchopneumonia in rodents,
respiratory disease in cats, and a highly contagious
bronchopneumonia in dogs. It is a rare cause of opportunistic
respiratory tract infection in immunocompromised human patients.
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Bordetella hinzii
A newly described bacterial species isolated from a few human blood
cultures and respiratory secretions, as well as from poultry
respiratory secretions.
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Bordetella holmesii
A newly described bacterial species isolated from human blood
cultures, primarily from mmunocompromised patients.
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Bordetella parapertussis
A bacterial species that causes a whooping cough-like disease,
usually milder than that seen with Bordetella pertussis.
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Bordetella pertussis
The bacterial species that is the causative agent of whooping
cough, a respiratory tract infection that in infants and young
children may be life threatening; the severe cough, progressing to
a paroxysmal form after 7-10 days, is associated with production of
pertussis toxin, a protein consisting of 5 B. Subunits that bind
the molecule to respiratory epithelial cells, and an A subunit, an
ADP-ribosyl-transferase that interferes with proteins associated
with normal signal transduction; pathology is also associated with
heavy secretion of mucus and hypoxia due to paroxysmal coughing and
to blockage of air passages with mucus.
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Bordet-Gengou phenomenon
The phenomenon of complement fixation; when complement-containing
serum is added to a mixture of bacteria and specific antibody, the
complement is removed (fixed) and is not available to lyse
subsequently added erythrocytes sensitized with specific antibody.
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Bordet-Gengou potato blood agar
Glycerin potato agar with 25% of blood, used for the isolation of
Bordetella pertussis.
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Boric acid
A weak acid, used as an antiseptic dusting powder, in saturated
solution as a collyrium, and with glycerin in aphthae and
stomatitis.
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Borism
Symptoms caused by the ingestion of borax or any compound of boron.
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Borjeson-Forssman-Lehmann syndrome
A condition characterized by mental deficiency, epilepsy,
hypogonadism, hypometabolism, obesity, large ears, and narrow
palpebral fissures; X-linked recessive inheritance.
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Born method of wax plate reconstruction
The making of three-dimensional models of structures from serial
sections; it depends on the building up of a series of wax plates,
cut out to scaled enlargements of the individual sections involved
in the region to be reconstructed.
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Borna disease virus
An unclassified negative sense single-stranded RNA virus that is
the cause of Borna disease, a serious disease of horses that
involves infection of the central nervous system.
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Boroglycerin
A soft mass obtained by heating glycerin and boric acid.
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Boron
A nonmetallic trivalent element, atomic no. 5, atomic wt. 10.811;
occurs as a hard crystalline mass or as a brown powder; forms
borates and boric acid.
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Boron neutron capture therapy
A type of radiation therapy. The person is given an intravenous
infusion containing the element boron, which concentrates in the
tumor cells. The person then receives radiation therapy with atomic
particles called neutrons from a small research nuclear reactor.
The radiation is absorbed by the boron, killing the tumor cells
without harming normal cells.
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Boronophenylalanine-fructose complex
Abbreviated as BPA-F. A substance used in a type of radiation
therapy called boron neutron capture therapy. BPA-F is injected
into a vein, and becomes concentrated in tumor cells. The patient
then receives radiation treatment with atomic particles called
neutrons. The neutrons react with the boron in BPA-F, producing
radioactive particles that kill the tumor cells without harming
normal cells.
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Borrel blue stain
A stain for demonstrating spirochetes, treponemes, and Borrelia
organisms, using silver oxide (prepared by mixing solutions of
silver nitrate and sodium bicarbonate) and methylene blue.
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Borrelia afzelii
A bacterial genospecies of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato causing
Lyme disease in Europe and Asia; transmitted by the tick, Ixodes
ricinus, in central and western Europe and by the tick, Ixodes
persulcatus, in Eurasia from the Baltic Sea to the Pacific Ocean.
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Borrelia anserina
A bacterial species that causes spirochetosis of fowls; found in
the blood of infected geese, ducks, other fowl, and vector ticks;
it is the type species of the genus Borrelia.
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Borrelia burgdorferi
A bacterial species causing Lyme disease in humans and borreliosis
in dogs, cattle, and possibly horses. The vector transmitting this
spirochete to humans is the ixodid tick, Ixodes dammini.
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Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato
A bacterial complex causing Lyme disease that is composed of
several genospecies including B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, B.
garinii, and B. afzelii.
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Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto
A bacterial genospecies of B. burgdorferi sensu lato causing Lyme
disease in North America and Europe; transmitted by the tick,
Ixodes scapularis, in eastern and central United States, by the
tick, Ixodes pacificus, in western United States, and by the tick,
Ixodes ricinus, in Europe.
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Borrelia causasica
A bacterial species found as a cause of relapsing fever in the
Caucasus; transmitted by Ornithodoros verrucosus.
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Borrelia crocidurae
A bacterial species that causes relapsing fever in North Africa,
the Near East, and central Asia; transmitted by the small variety
of the tick, Ornithodoros erraticus.
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Borrelia duttonii
A bacterial species causing Central and South African relapsing
fever; transmitted by a tick, Ornithodoros moubata.
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Borrelia garinii
A bacterial genospecies of B. burgdorferi sensu lato causing Lyme
disease in Europe and Asia; transmitted by the tick Ixodes ricinus
in central and western Europe and by the tick, Ixodes persulcatus,
in Eurasia from the Baltic Sea to the Pacific Ocean.
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Borrelia hermsii
A bacterial species found as a cause of relapsing fever in British
Columbia, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and
Washington; transmitted by a tick, Ornithodoros hermsi.
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Borrelia hispanica
A bacterial species causing relapsing fever in Spain, Portugal, and
northwestern Africa, transmitted by the large variety of the tick,
Ornithodorus erratica.
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Borrelia latyschewii
A bacterial species that causes relapsing fever in Iran and central
Asia; transmitted by the tick, Ornithodoros tartakovskyi, from
rodents and reptiles.
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Borrelia mazzottii
A bacterial species that causes relapsing fever in Mexico and in
Central and South America; transmitted by the tick, Ornithodoros
talajé.
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Borrelia parkeri
A bacterial species found as a cause of relapsing fever in the
western United States; transmitted by a tick, Ornithodoros parkeri.
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Borrelia persica
A bacterial species that causes relapsing fever in the Middle East
and central Asia; the vector is the tick, Ornithodoros tholozani.
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Borrelia recurrentis
Historically, a bacterial species that causes relapsing fever in
South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia; transmitted by the bedbug,
Cimex lectularius, and the louse, Pediculus humanus humanus.
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Borrelia turicatae
A bacterial species found to cause relapsing fever in Mexico, New
Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas; transmitted by Ornithodoros
turicata.
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Borrelia venezuelensis
A bacterial species that causes spirochetal relapsing fever in
Central and South America; transmitted by Ornithodoros rudis and O.
venezuelensis.
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Borreliosis
Disease caused by bacteria of the genus Borrelia.
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Borst-Jadassohn type intraepidermal epithelioma
Precancerous lesions clinically suggestive of actinic or seborrheic
keratosis, with nests of immature or abnormal keratinocytes within
the epidermis.
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Bortezomib
A drug that is used to treat multiple myeloma and is being studied
in the treatment of other types of cancer. It belongs to the
families of drugs called proteosome inhibitors and dipeptidyl
boronic acids. Also called Velcade and PS-341.
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Boss
1. A protuberance; a circumscribed rounded swelling. 2. The
prominence of a kyphosis.
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Bosselated
Marked by numerous bosses or rounded protuberances.
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Bosselation
1. A boss. 2. A condition in which one or more bosses, or rounded
protuberances, are present.
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Boston exanthema
A viral disease resembling exanthema subitum, with the exanthema,
if it develops, appearing after the fever has subsided; it is
caused by strain 16 of ECHO virus.
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Boston opium
Opium so diluted after importation as barely to meet the official
requirements.
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Botallo foramen
The orifice of communication between the two atria of the fetal
heart.
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Botanical
An herb or plant that has healing properties. Of or relating to
plants or to the scientific study of plant life.
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Botanical name
The scientific, or Latin, name of an herb, plant, or other
organism.
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Botfly
Robust, hairy fly of the order Diptera, often strikingly marked in
black and yellow or gray, the larvae of which produce a variety of
myiasis conditions in humans and various domestic animals,
especially herbivores.
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Bothria
Plural of bothrium.
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Bothriocephalus
A genus of pseudophyllid tapeworms with both plerocercoid and adult
stages in fishes; rarely, if ever, seen as human infection.
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Bothriocephalus latus
Former name for Diphyllobothrium latum.
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Bothriocephalus mansoni
Former name for Spirometra mansoni.
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Bothriocephalus mansonioides
Former name for Spirometra mansonoides.
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Bothrium
One of the slitlike sucking grooves found on the scolex of
pseudophyllidean tapeworms, such as the human broad fish tapeworm,
Diphyllobothrium latum.
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Bothropic antitoxin
Antitoxin specific for the venom of pit vipers of the genus
Bothrops (Bothrophora) of the family Crotalidae.
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Botryoid
Having numerous rounded protuberances resembling a bunch of grapes.
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Botryoid odontogenic cyst
A type of lateral periodontal cyst that shows a multilocular growth
pattern.
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Botryoid sarcoma
A polypoid form of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma that occurs in
children, most frequently in the urogenital tract, characterized by
the formation of grossly apparent grapelike clusters of neoplastic
tissue that consist of rhabdomyoblasts and spindle and stellate
cells in a myxomatous stroma; neoplasms of this type grow
relatively rapidly and are highly malignant.
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Botryomyces
A generic name applied to a supposed fungus causing botryomycosis.
Because this disease is now known to be caused by several kinds of
bacteria, staphylococci most commonly, the name is invalid and
rarely used. The name of the disease has been retained,
nevertheless, to indicate a peculiar type of tissue reaction.
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Botryomycosis
A chronic granulomatous condition of horses, cattle, swine, and
humans, usually involving the skin but occasionally also the
viscera, and characterized by granules in the pus, consisting of
masses of bacteria, generally staphylococci but sometimes other
types, surrounded by a hyaline capsule that sometimes exhibits
clublike bodies around its periphery; the anatomic structure of the
lesion resembles that of actinomycosis and mycetoma.
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Botryomycotic
Relating to or affected by botryomycosis.
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Bots
The larvae of several species of botflies.
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Bottcher cells
Cells of the basilar membrane of the cochlea.
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Bottcher crystals
Small crystals observed microscopically in prostatic fluid that is
treated with a drop or two of 1% solution of ammonium phosphate.
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Bottcher ganglion
Ganglion on the cochlear nerve in the internal acoustic meatus.
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Bottle
A container for liquids.
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Botulinum toxin
The most poisonous substance known; even a small amount is lethal.
It is produced by bacteria in the Clostridium genus. The United
States State Department reports that a number of countries that
support terrorism are developing or have the toxin as a
germ-warfare weapon. Some terrorists have tried attacks using
botulinum toxin produced from bacterial spores found in the dirt.
The toxin causes the disease botulism. In tiny doses, the toxin is
injected as a treatment for eyelid muscle spasms, migraine
headaches, and other conditions.
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Botulinus toxin
A potent exotoxin that is highly neurotoxic derived from
Clostridium botulinum. Occurs in seven serotypes, noted as A-G (A,
B, and E are responsible for most human disease). Serotype A is a
variant used in medical experiments.
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Botulism
A potentially deadly illness that is caused by a toxin produced by
bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. These bacteria are found in
the soil and at the bottom of lakes, streams, and oceans. The
intestinal tracts of fish, mammals, crabs, and other shellfish may
contain C. botulinum and its spores. The bacteria's spores can
survive in improperly prepared foods.
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Botulism antitoxin
Antitoxin specific for a toxin of one or more strains of
Clostridium botulinum.
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Botulogenic
Botulism-producing.
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Bouchard disease
Myopathic dilation of the stomach.
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Bouchut tube
A short cylindrical tube used in intubation of the larynx.
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Bougie
A cylindric instrument, usually somewhat flexible and yielding,
used for calibrating or dilating constricted areas in tubular
organs, such as the urethra or esophagus; sometimes containing a
medication for local application.
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Bougie a boule
A ball-tipped bougie.
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Bougienage
Examination or treatment of the interior of any canal by the
passage of a bougie or cannula.
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Bouillon
A clear beef tea.
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Bouin fixative
A solution of glacial acetic acid, formalin, and picric acid;
useful for soft and delicate tissues (as those of embryos) and
small pieces of tissues; it preserves glycogen and nuclei and
permits brilliant staining, but penetrates slowly, distorts kidney
tissue and mitochondria, and does not permit Feulgen stain for DNA.
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Bound
1. Limited; circumscribed; enclosed. 2. Denoting a substance, such
as iodine, phosphorus, calcium, morphine, or some other drug, which
is not in readily diffusible form but exists in combination with a
high molecular weight substance, especially protein. 3. Fixed to a
receptor, such as on a cell membrane.
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Bound water
Water held to colloids and other substances and not removed by
simple filtration.
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Boundaries
In psychiatry and psychology, various guidelines that define the
role of the mental health professional and the setting and scope of
the therapeutic interaction to provide a sage therapeutic
environment clearly differentiated from that of a social
environment. This will facilitate optimal therapeutic benefit to
the patient and limit any personal gratification to the therapist
save that derived from the therapeutic work itself.
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Boundary lamina
A basement membranelike structure that invests muscle cells, fat
cells, and Schwann cells.
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Bouquet
A cluster or bunch of structures, especially of blood vessels,
suggesting a bouquet.
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Bourdonnement
The noise of muscle fiber contraction.
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Bourneville-Pringle disease
Facial lesions with tuberous sclerosis, first reported as adenoma
sebaceum, but now recognized as angiofibromas.
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Bourneville's disease
Also known as tuberous sclerosis, this is a multi-system inherited
condition that can affect the brain, eyes, heart, lungs, kidneys,
and other organs. Many of the clinical manifestations of TS result
from malformations in the affected organs, and abnormal neuronal
migration plays a major role in neurologic dysfunction. The
predominate neurologic manifestations are mental retardation,
epileptic seizures, and psychiatric and behavioral problems. It is
inherited as an autosomal dominant trait.
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Bouton
A button, pustule, or knoblike swelling.
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Bouton en chemise
Small abscess of the intestinal mucosa that is seen in association
with amebic dysentery.
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Boutonniere
A traumatically produced slit or buttonholelike opening.
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Boutonniere deformity
Flexion of the proximal interphalangeal joint with hyperextension
of the distal interphalangeal joint of the finger, caused by
separation of the extensor hood and protrusion of the head of the
proximal phalanx through the resulting "buttonhole"; can result
from degeneration (rheumatoid arthritis) or trauma.
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Boutons en passage
Consecutive synapses along the course of an axon.
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Bovicola
A genus of biting lice now named Damalinia.
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Bovine
Relating to cattle.
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Bovine amyloidotic spongiform encephalopathy
A prion disease of cattle resulting in amyloid plaques in the
brain.
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Bovine antitoxin
Antitoxin prepared from cattle instead of horses, used in the
treatment of people who are sensitive to horse serum; the cattle
are immunized against the toxin for which specific antitoxin is
desired.
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Bovine brucellosis
A disease in cattle caused by Brucella melitensis biovar abortus;
in pregnant cows, characterized by abortion late in pregnancy,
followed by retained placenta and metritis; in bulls, orchitis and
epididymitis may occur; the organism may localize in the udder and
thus appear in milk from infected cows.
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Bovine ketosis
A common metabolic disease of cows that usually appears within a
few weeks after parturition; characterized by hypoglycemia,
ketonuria, loss of appetite, lethargy, loss of milk production, and
rapid emaciation.
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Bovine leukemia virus
A BLV-HTLV retrovirus in the family Retroviridae, commonly
infecting cattle, especially dairy cows; in a small proportion of
infected cattle, it will cause enzootic bovine leukosis.
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Bovine papular stomatitis virus
A poxvirus of the genus Parapoxvirus, reported from North America,
Africa and Europe, causing bovine papular stomatitis.
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Bovine rhinoviruses
Viruses that cause widespread subclinical and occasionally mild
clinical respiratory diseases of calves in the United Sates and
Europe.
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Bovine serum albumin
A source of albumin commonly used during in vitro biologic studies.
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Bovine spongiform encephalopathy
A disease of cattle first reported in 1986 in Great Britain;
characterized clinically by apprehensive behavior, hyperesthesia,
and ataxia, and histologically by spongiform changes in the gray
matter of the brain stem; caused by a prion, like spongiform
encephalopathies of other animals (scrapie) and human beings
(Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease [vCJD]).
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Bovine virus diarrhea virus
A virus of the genus Pestivirus, in the family Flaviviridae,
causing bovine virus diarrhea; New York, Oregon, and Indiana
strains of the virus are recognized.
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Bow
Any device bent in a simple curve or semicircle and possessing
flexibility.
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Bowditch effect
Homeometric autoregulation of cardiac function induced by changing
heart rate.
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Bowditch law
Consistently total response to any effective stimulus.
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Bowel
The long tube-shaped organ in the abdomen that completes the
process of digestion. There is both a small and a large bowel. Also
called the intestine.
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Bowel bypass syndrome
Recurrent fever, chills, malaise, and inflammatory cutaneous
papules and pustules on the extremities and upper trunk with
diffuse neutrophil infiltration, sometimes with polyarthralgia or
polyarthritis following bowel bypass surgery.
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Bowel disimpaction
Manual removal of impacted fecal matter from a patient's rectum.
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Bowel movement
Defecation.
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Bowel sounds
Relatively high-pitched abdominal sounds caused by propulsion of
intestinal contents through the lower alimentary tract.
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Bowen technique, therapy
Form of bodywork and vibrational healing originated by Australian
engineer Tom Bowen (d. 1982) in the early 1950s, developed by
Oswald Rentsch (an osteopath) and Elaine Rentsch (who holds a
diploma in Bach flower therapy) in Australia, and introduced in the
United States in 1990. Its theory posits chi ("universal life
energy") and human "energy vortexes." ("Bowen System" and "Bowen
Technique" may be synonymous.)
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Bowenoid cells
Cells characteristic of Bowen disease; scattered large, round
intraepidermal keratinocytes with a hyperchromatic nucleus and pale
cytoplasm.
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Bowenoid papulosis
A clinically benign form of intraepithelial neoplasia that
microscopically resembles Bowen disease or carcinoma in situ,
occurring in young people of both sexes on the genital or perianal
skin usually as multiple well-demarcated pigmented warty papules.
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Bowen's disease
A skin disease marked by scaly or thickened patches on the skin and
often caused by prolonged exposure to arsenic. The patches often
occur on sun-exposed areas of the skin and in older, white men.
These patches may become malignant (cancerous). Also called
precancerous dermatosis or precancerous dermatitis.
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Bowie stain
A stain for juxtaglomerular granules in which the kidney sections
are stained in a mixture of Biebrich scarlet red and ethyl violet;
juxtaglomerular granules and elastic fibers are stained a deep
purple, erythrocytes are amber, and background tissue appears in
shades of red.
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Bowles type stethoscope
A stethoscope in which the chest piece is a shallow metal cup about
4.5 cm in diameter, the mouth of which is covered by a hard rubber
or celluloid diaphragm.
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Bowman discs
Disks resulting from transverse segmentation of striated muscular
fiber treated with weak acids, certain alkaline solutions, or
freezing.
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Bowman probe
A double-ended probe for the lacrimal duct.
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Bowman-Birk inhibitor
A polypeptide that will inhibit both trypsin and chymotrypsin.
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Box
Container; receptacle.
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Boxed warning
An alert to medical practitioners about potentially serious adverse
drug reactions, contraindications, or other special problems with a
given drug, contained in a ruled box at a site specified within the
label format by the FDA.
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Boxer's dementia
Dementia resulting from cumulative damage sustained over some years
in boxing, with slowed thought, memory loss, dysarthria, and other
movement disorders.
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Boxer's fracture
Fracture of the neck of a metacarpal bone, typically of the fifth
metacarpal.
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Boxing
In dentistry, the building up of vertical walls, usually in wax,
around a dental impression after beading, to produce the desired
size and form of the dental cast, and to preserve certain landmarks
of the impression.
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Boxing wax
Wax used for boxing impressions.
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Boyd communicating perforation vein
A vein connecting the superficial and deep venous system in the
anteromedial calf.
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Boyden meal
A meal consisting of three or four egg yolks, beaten up in milk and
seasoned with sugar, port wine, and other ingredients, used to test
the evacuation time of the gallbladder; two thirds to three
quarters of the contents will be normally evacuated within 40
minutes.
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Boyer cyst
A subhyoid cyst.
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Boyle law
At constant temperature, the volume of a given quantity of gas
varies inversely with its absolute pressure.
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Bozeman operation
An operation for uterovaginal fistula, the cervix uteri being
attached to the bladder and opening into its cavity.
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Bozeman position
Knee-elbow position, the patient being strapped to supports.
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Bozeman-Fritsch catheter
A slightly curved, double-channel, uterine catheter with several
openings at the tip.
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Bozzolo sign
Pulsating vessels in the nasal mucous membrane, noted occasionally
in aneurysm of the thoracic aorta.
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bp
Abbreviation for base pair.
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BP
Abbreviation for blood pressure.
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BPF
Abbreviation for bronchopleural fistula.
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BPH
Abbreviation for benign prostatic hypertrophy. A benign
(noncancerous) condition in which an overgrowth of prostate tissue
pushes against the urethra and the bladder, blocking the flow of
urine. Also called benign prostatic hyperplasia.
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Bq
Abbreviation for becquerel.
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Br
Symbol for bromine.
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Braasch catheter
A bulb-tipped catheter used for dilation and calibration.
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Brace
An orthosis or orthopedic appliance that supports or holds in
correct position a part of the body and can allow motion at
adjacent joints, in contrast to a splint, which prevents motion of
the part.
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Braces
Colloquialism for orthodontic appliances.
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Brachia
Plural of brachium.
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Brachial
Relating to the arm.
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Brachial anesthesia
Anesthetization of an upper extremity by injection of local
anesthetic solution about the brachial plexus.
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Brachial artery
Origin, is a continuation of the axillary beginning at the inferior
border of the teres major muscle; branches, deep brachial, superior
ulnar collateral, inferior ulnar collateral, muscular, and
nutrient; terminates in the cubital fossa (elbow level) by
bifurcating into radial and ulnar arteries.
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Brachial autonomic plexus
Periarterial automic plexus of the brachial artery.
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Brachial fascia
The deep fascia surrounding the arm; it is continuous proximally
with the pectoral fascia and the fascia covering the deltoid;
distally it is continuous with the antebrachial fascia.
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Brachial gland
One of the lymph nodes of the arm.
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Brachial lymph nodes
Lymph nodes located on the medial aspect of the upper limb between
the cubital and humeral axillary lymph nodes.
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Brachial plexopathy
A condition marked by numbness, tingling, pain, weakness, or
limited movement in the arm or hand. It is caused by an impairment
of the brachial plexus, a network of nerves that affect the arm and
hand.
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Brachial plexus
A network of nerves that sends signals from the spine to the arm
and hand.
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Brachial plexus injury
Also known as a burner or a stinger, an injury to the bundle of
nerves that runs from the back of the neck into the arm.
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Brachial region
Region of the arm, between deltoid and axillary regions proximally
and cubital region distally.
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Brachial veins
Venae comitantes of the brachial artery which empty into the
axillary vein.
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Brachialgia
Pain in the arm.
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Brachialgia statica paresthetica
Pain in the arm and transient paresthesia occurring only at night.
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Brachialis
Deep muscle of anterior (flexor) compartment of arm; origin, lower
two thirds of anterior surface of humerus; insertion, coronoid
process of ulna; action, flexes elbow; nerve supply,
musculocutaneous, usually with a minor contribution from the
radial.
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Brachiocephalic
Relating to both arm and head.
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Brachiocephalic (arterial) trunk
Origin, arch of aorta; branches, right subclavian and right common
carotid; occasionally it gives off the thyroidea ima.
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Brachiocephalic arteritis
Giant-cell arteritis seen in older adults; characterized by
inflammatory lesions in medium-sized arteries, most commonly in the
head, neck, and/or pectoral girdle area; lesions include fragmented
elastin, macrophages, and giant cells. Erythrocyte sedimentation
rate is usually markedly elevated. Visual loss can occur.
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Brachiocephalic lymph nodes
Located in the superior mediastinum in relation to the great
vessels, these nodes receive lymph from the thymus, pericardium,
and right side of the heart; their efferent vessels join those of
the tracheal nodes to form the bronchomediastinal trunks.
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Brachiocrural
Relating to both arm and thigh.
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Brachiocubital
Relating to both arm and elbow or to both arm and forearm.
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Brachiogram
Tracing of the brachial artery pulse.
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Brachioradial reflex
With the arm supinated to 45°, a tap near the lower end of the
radius causes contraction of the brachioradial (supinator longus)
muscle.
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Brachioradialis
Muscle of posterior (extensor) compartment of forearm; origin,
lateral supracondylar ridge of humerus; insertion, anterior aspect
of base of styloid process of radius; action, flexes elbow and
assists in returning the pronated or supinated limb to the neutral
position; nerve supply, (common) radial.
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Brachium
An anatomic structure resembling an arm.
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Brachium of inferior colliculus
A fiber bundle passing from the inferior colliculus on either side
of the brainstem along the lateral border of the superior
colliculus to the posterior part of the thalamus, where it enters
the medial geniculate body. It forms part of the major ascending
auditory pathway.
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Brachium of superior colliculus
A band of fibers from the optic tract that bypasses the lateral
geniculate body to terminate in the superior colliculus and
pretectal region.
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Bracht maneuver
Delivery of a fetus in breech position by extension of the legs and
trunk of the fetus over the symphysis pubis and abdomen of the
mother; the fetal head is born spontaneously as the legs and trunk
are lifted above the maternal pelvis, and as the body of the infant
is extended by the operator.
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Bracht-Wachter lesion
A focal collection of lymphocytes and mononuclear cells within the
myocardium in bacterial endocarditis.
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Brachy-
Short.
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Brachybasia
The shuffling gait characteristic of pyramidal tract disease.
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Brachybasocamptodactyly
Combined disproportionate shortness and crookedness of the fingers.
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Brachybasophalangia
Abnormal shortness of the proximal phalanges.
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Brachycephalic
Relating to or characterized by brachycephaly.
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Brachycephaly
Disproportionate shortness of head, the cranium having a cephalic
index over 80; among the brachycephalic races are Native Americans,
Malays, and Burmese.
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Brachycheilia
Abnormal shortness of the lips.
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Brachycnemic
Having short legs; specifically, relating to a tibiofemoral index
of less than 82 with the leg disproportionately shorter than the
thigh.
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Brachycranic
Brachycephalic with a cephalic index of 80.0 to 84.9.
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Brachydactylic
Denoting brachydactyly.
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Brachydactyly
Abnormal shortness of the fingers.
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Brachyesophagus
An abnormally short esophagus.
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Brachyglossal
Denoting an abnormally short tongue.
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Brachygnathia
Abnormal shortness or recession of the mandible.
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Brachygnathous
Having a receding mandible.
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Brachykerkic
Relating to a radiohumeral index of less than 75, with a forearm
relatively shorter than the upper arm.
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Brachymelia
Disproportionate shortness of the limbs.
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Brachymesophalangia
Abnormal shortness of the middle phalanges.
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Brachymetacarpia
Abnormal shortness of the metacarpals, especially the fourth and
fifth.
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Brachymetapody
Apparent shortness of toes or fingers resulting from shortness or
hypoplasia of the metacarpals or metatarsals.
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Brachymetatarsia
Abnormal shortness of the metatarsals.
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Brachymorphic
Having, or denoting, a shorter form than that of the usually
accepted norm.
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Brachyodont
Having abnormally short teeth.
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Brachyonychia
Short nails, in which the width of the nail plate and nail bed is
greater than the length; may be congenital or result from nail
biting, bone resorption in hyperparathyroidism, or psoriatic
arthropathy.
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Brachypellic
Denoting a transverse oval pelvis.
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Brachypellic pelvis
A pelvis in which the transverse diameter is more than 1 cm longer
but less than 3 cm longer than the anteroposterior diameter.
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Brachyphalangia
Abnormal shortness of the phalanges.
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Brachypodous
Having abnormally short feet.
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Brachyprosopic
Having a disproportionately short face.
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Brachyrhinia
Abnormal shortness of the nose.
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Brachyrhynchus
Abnormal shortness of the nose and maxilla, often associated with
cyclopia.
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Brachyskelic
Relating to abnormally short legs.
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Brachystaphyline
Having a short palate; having a palatomaxillary index higher than
85.
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Brachysyndactyly
Abnormal shortness of fingers or toes combined with a webbing
between the adjacent digits.
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Brachytelephalangia
Abnormal shortness of the distal phalanges.
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Brachytherapy
A procedure in which radioactive material sealed in needles, seeds,
wires, or catheters is placed directly into or near a tumor. Also
called internal radiation, implant radiation, or interstitial
radiation therapy.
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Bracing
In dentistry, resistance to horizontal components of masticatory
force.
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Bracket
In dentistry, a small metal attachment that is soldered or welded
to an orthodontic band or bonded directly to the teeth, serving to
fasten the arch wire to the band or tooth.
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Bradford frame
An oblong rectangular frame made of pipe, over which are stretched
transversely two strips of canvas; permits trunk and lower
extremities of a bed-ridden patient to move as a unit; now rarely
used.
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Brady-
Slow.
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Bradyarrhythmia
Any disturbance of the heart's rhythm resulting (by convention) in
a rate less than 50 beats/minute.
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Bradyarthria
A form of dysarthria characterized by an abnormal slowness or
deliberation in speech.
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Bradycardia
A slow heartbeat, defined as a heart rate that is less than 60
beats per minute in an adult, less than 70 beats per minute in a
child and less then 100 beats per minute in a fetus.
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Bradycardiac
Relating to or characterized by bradycardia.
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Bradycardic
A slowing of the heart rate to less than 50 beats per minute.
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Bradycrotic
Relating to or characterized by a slow pulse.
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Bradydiastole
Prolongation of the diastole of the heart.
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Bradyesthesia
Slow sensory perception.
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Bradygastria
Decreased rate of electrical pacemaker activity in the stomach,
defined as less than 2 cycles/minute for at least 1 minute. Normal
activity is defined as an electrical signal at a frequency of 2-4
cycles per minute using cutaneous electrogastrography. May be
associated with nausea, gastroparesis, irritable bowel syndrome,
and functional dyspepsia.
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Bradyglossia
Slow or difficult tongue movement.
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Bradykinesia
A decrease in spontaneity and movement. One of the features of
extrapyramidal disorders, such as Parkinson disease.
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Bradykinetic
Characterized by or pertaining to slow movement.
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Bradykinetic analysis
The analysis of a movement by means of slow cinematography.
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Bradykinin
The nonapeptide Arg-Pro-Pro-Gly-Phe-Ser-Pro-Phe-Arg, produced from
the decapeptide kallidin (bradykininogen) that is produced from
α2-globulin by kallikrein, normally present in blood in an inactive
form and similar to trypsin in action; bradykinin is one of several
plasma kinins, is a potent vasodilator, and is one of the
physiologic mediators of anaphylaxis released from cytotropic
antibody-coated mast cells following reaction with antigen
(allergen) specific for the antibody.
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Bradykinin potentiator B
The undecapeptide precursor of bradykinin and the angiotensins.
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Bradylexia
Abnormal slowness in reading.
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Bradypepsia
Slowness of digestion.
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Bradyphagia
Slowness in eating.
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Bradyphasia
A form of aphasia characterized by abnormal slowness of speech.
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Bradyphrenia
Slowness in mental processing due to a decreased ability to shift
quickly from one conceptual pattern to another; most often seen
with Parkinson disease.
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Bradypnea
Abnormal slowness of respiration, specifically a low respiratory
frequency.
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Bradypsychia
Slowness of mental reactions.
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Bradysoite
A slowly multiplying encysted form of sporozoan parasite typical of
chronic infection with Toxoplasma gondii. It has also been called a
merozoite or zoite; the complex of bradyzoites within an enclosing
membrane has also been called a pseudocyst, though it is now
regarded as a true cyst.
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Bradyspermatism
Absence of ejaculatory force, so that the semen trickles away
slowly.
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Bradysphygmia
Slowness of the pulse; can occur without bradycardia, as in
ventricular bigeminy when every alternate beat may fail to produce
a peripheral pulse.
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Bradystalsis
Slow bowel motion.
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Bradytachycardia syndrome
Alternate rapid and slow cardiac rates that may represent any
rhythm disturbances in any combination usually related to sinus
node disease.
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Bradyteleokinesia
Sudden arrest of a movement just before its intended termination,
then after a pause it is completed slowly or by jerks; a symptom of
cerebellar disease.
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Bradyuria
Slow micturition.
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Braille
A system of writing and printing by means of raised dots
corresponding to letters, numbers, and punctuation to enable the
blind to read by touch.
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Brain
The part of the central nervous system situated within the skull.
It includes two cerebral hemispheres - parallel masses of deeply
furrowed tissue - as well as the brainstem and cerebellum. Its
functions include muscle control and coordination, sensory
reception and integration, speech production, memory storage, and
the elaboration of thought and emotion.
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Brain cancer
Cancers that arise in the brain and affect the central nervous
system (CNS).
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Brain cicatrix
A scarring of the brain resulting from injury (reactive gliosis),
characterized by proliferation of mesodermal (vascular) and
ectodermal (glial) elements.
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Brain concussion
A clinical syndrome usually due to head trauma, characterized by
immediate but transient impairment of cerebral function,
principally alteration of consciousness, but also disturbance of
vision and equilibrium, without any detectable structural brain
damage.
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Brain congestion
Increased volume of the intravascular compartment of the brain;
often associated with brain swelling.
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Brain contusion
A bruising, usually of the surface, of the brain with infarction of
brain parenchyma and extravasation of blood but without rupture of
the pia-arachnoid; healing results in a superficial depressed
sclerotic area, possibly with incorporated meninges.
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Brain laceration
Gross tearing of neural tissue.
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Brain lipid
Impure cephalin with marked hemostatic action when locally applied.
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Brain metastasis
Cancer that has spread from the original (primary) tumor to the
brain.
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Brain murmur
Sounds produced by intracranial aneurysms or arterial venous
aneurysms in congenital dysplastic angiomatosis.
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Brain potential
The electrical charge of the brain as compared with a point on the
body; the potential may be steady (DC potential) or may fluctuate
at specific frequencies when recorded against time, giving rise to
the electroencephalogram.
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Brain stem
The part of the brain that is connected to the spinal cord.
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Brain stem glioma
A tumor located in the part of the brain that connects to the
spinal cord (the brain stem). It may grow rapidly or slowly,
depending on the grade of the tumor.
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Brain stem tumor
An abnormal growth on the back of the head where the spinal cord
joins the brain
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Brain swelling
A pathologic entity, localized or generalized, characterized by an
increase in bulk of brain tissue, due to expansion of the
intravascular (congestion) or extravascular (edema) compartments
that may coexist or may occur separately and be clinically
indistinguishable; clinical manifestations depend on disturbed
neuronal function due to local swelling, shifting of intracranial
structures, and the effects of intracranial hypertension or
circulatory disturbance.
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Brain tumor
The growth of abnormal cells in the tissues of the brain. Brain
tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
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Brain wave
Colloquialism for electroencephalogram.
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Brain wave complex
A specific combination of fast and slow electroencephalographic
activity that recurs frequently enough to be identified as a
discrete phenomenon.
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Brain wave cycle
The complete upward and downward excursion of a single wave,
complex, or impulse as seen on an electroencephalogram.
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Brainerd diarrhea
Explosive and urgent watery diarrhea, often lasting for months,
with fecal incontinence, which may occur in outbreaks; of uncertain
cause.
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Brain-heart infusion agar
A medium used for the isolation of fastidious microorganisms,
especially fungi.
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Brainstem glioma
A glioma, generally an astrocytoma, arising in the medulla, pons,
or midbrain.
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Brainstem hemorrhage
Hemorrhage into the pons or mesencephalon, often secondary to
brainstem distortion by transtentorial herniations due to rapidly
expanding intracranial lesions.
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Brainwashing
Inducing a person to modify attitudes and behavior in certain
directions through various forms of psychological pressure or
torture.
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Bran
A by-product of the milling of wheat, containing approximately 20%
of indigestible cellulose; a bulk cathartic, usually taken in the
form of cereal or special bran products.
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Branch
An offshoot; in anatomy, one of the primary divisions of a nerve or
blood vessel. A branch.
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Branch migration
A process in which the cross-connection around the position where
two DNA helices are joined moves along the strands.
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Branch migration enzyme
Enzymes that promote movement of Holiday junction along DNA and so
generate increasing lengths of DNA heteroduplex, a step critical
for recombination.
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Branch to angular gyrus
The last branch of the terminal part of the middle cerebral artery
distributed to parts of the temporal parietal and occipital lobes.
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Branches of auriculotemporal nerve to tympanic membrane
Sensory branch of the auriculotemporal nerve (from CN V3) supplying
the external surface of the tympanic membrane.
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Branches of internal carotid artery to trigeminal ganglion
Branch to trigeminal ganglion; a small branch of the cavernous part
of the internal carotid artery to the trigeminal ganglion.
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Branches of lingual nerve to isthmus of fauces
Branches of the lingual nerve of CN V, conveying general sensation
from the oral mucosa between the oral cavity and oropharynx.
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Branchia
The gills, or organs of respiration, in water-living animals.
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Branchial
1. Relating to branchiae or gills (in fish). 2. In human
embryology, denoting the various structures constituting the
pharyngeal apparatus.
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Branchial arches
Typically, six arches in vertebrates; in lower vertebrates, they
bear gills; they are pharyngeal arches in human embryos.
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Branchial clefts
A bilateral series of slitlike openings into the pharynx through
which water is drawn by aquatic animals; in the walls of the clefts
are the vascular gill filaments that take up oxygen from the water
passing through the clefts; sometimes wrongly applied to the
pharyngeal grooves of mammalian embryos, which are imperforate,
rudimentary homologues of complete gill clefts.
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Branchial cyst
A cervical cyst arising from developmental persistence of an
ectodermal pharyngeal groove, usually the second. It is frequently
located anterior to the inferior third of the sternocleidomastoid
muscle.
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Branchial fissure
A persistent pharyngeal groove or cleft.
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Branchial sinus
An abnormal cavity or space that opens externally on the inferior
third of the neck, anterior to the sternocleidomastoid muscle; it
usually results from failure of the second pharyngeal groove and
cervical sinus to obliterate.
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Branching
Dividing into parts; sending out offshoots; bifurcating.
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Branching factor
1,4-α-glucan-branching enzyme.
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Branching type of renal pelvis
Form of renal pelvis in which no common, expanded, saclike pelvis
occurs; rather the major calices merely merge to form the ureter.
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Branching villus
A stem or anchoring villus that has several branches.
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Branchiogenic
Originating from the pharyngeal (branchial) arches.
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Branchiomere
An embryonic segment from which a pharyngeal or branchial arch is
developed.
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Branchiomeric muscles
Muscles associated with the pharyngeal arches; provide a large
portion of the musculature for the face and neck; the myoblasts for
these muscles originate from paroxial mesoderm, whereas the neural
crest provides their connective tissue.
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Branchiomerism
Arrangement into branchiomeres.
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Branchiomotor
Relating to or controlling the movement of muscles associated with
the pharyngeal (branchial) arches.
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Branchio-oto-renal syndrome
An autosomal dominant disorder manifested by branchial cysts,
preauricular skin tags or sinuses, ear anomalies, and kidney
malformations; caused by mutation in the EYA1 gene on 8q.
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Brandy
An alcoholic liquid obtained by the distillation of the fermented
juice of sound ripe grapes and usually containing 40-54% ethyl
alcohol.
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Branham sign
Bradycardia following compression or excision of an arteriovenous
fistula.
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Branny
Small husklike scales, used in reference to skin flakes.
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Brasdor method
Treatment of aneurysm by ligation of the artery immediately below
(on the distal side of) the tumor.
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Brass founder's fever
An occupational disease, characterized by malarialike symptoms, due
to inhalation of particles and fumes of metallic oxides. Fumes are
formed by evaporation at high temperature and condensation in air
into fine particles.
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Brassy body
A dark-colored, usually shrunken erythrocyte in which there is a
malarial parasite.
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Brassy cough
Loud metallic barking cough associated with subglottic edema.
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BRAT diet
A limited diet often used in regimens for acute gastroenteritis;
acronym for bananas, rice, apples (juice or sauce), and toast.
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Braun anastomosis
Anastomosis between afferent and efferent loops of jejunum, after a
loop gastroenterostomy.
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Braune valve
A fold of mucous membrane at the junction of the esophagus with the
stomach.
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Brawny
Thickened (lichenified) and dusky (a darkened hue), as of a
swelling.
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Brawny arm
A swollen upper limb caused by lymphedema, can be seen after
ipsilateral radical mastectomy.
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Brawny schleritis
A gelatinous-appearing swelling surrounding, and with a tendency to
involve the periphery of, the cornea.
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Braxton Hicks contraction
Irregular myometrial activity occurring during the later course of
a pregnancy that usually causes the patient little or no pain.
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Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale
A scale used by obstetricians, pediatricians, and pediatric
psychologists to assess the sensory, motor, emotional and physical
development of the neonate, usually beginning at birth or in the
first month of life.
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Brazilein
A red oxidation product of brazilin.
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Brazilian blastomycosis
Obsolete term for paracoccidioidomycosis.
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Brazilian spotte fever
Fulminating sepsis, usually beginning with conjunctivitis,
characterized by purpuric skin lesions and a high fatality rate;
thought to be due to Haemophilus aegyptius.
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Brazilin
A red natural dye obtained from the bark of several species of
tropical trees and oxidized to the active red dye brazilein;
resembles hematoxylin in origin, chemistry, and usage; used as a
nuclear stain and as an indicator (red in alkalies, yellow in
acids).
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Brazing
In dentistry, to solder.
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BRCA1
A gene on chromosome 17 that normally helps to suppress cell
growth. A person who inherits an altered version of the BRCA1 gene
has a higher risk of getting breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer.
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BRCA2
A gene on chromosome 13 that normally helps to suppress cell
growth. A person who inherits an altered version of the BRCA2 gene
has a higher risk of getting breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer.
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Bread pill
A placebo made of bread crumbs or other inactive substances.
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Bread-and-butter pericardium
Fibrinous pericarditis in which the visceral and parietal surfaces
of the pericardium resemble those of two pieces of buttered bread
that have been pressed together and then pulled apart, when they
are separated at surgery or necropsy.
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Break
Separation into parts.
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Break shock
The shock produced by breaking a constant current passing through
the body.
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Breakoff phenomenon
The occurrence, during high-altitude flight, of a sensation of
being totally detached from the earth and from other people.
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Breakpoint
In helminth epidemiology, the critical mean wormload in a
community, below which the helminth mating frequency is too low to
maintain reproduction. Below this level, helminth infection in the
community will progressively decline, ultimately to zero.
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Breakthrough
A sudden manifestation of new insights and more constructive
attitudes following a period of resistance during psychotherapy.
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Breakthrough dose
An as-needed dose of medication for sporadic worsening of pain;
given to palliate breakthrough pain.
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Breakthrough pain
Intense increases in pain that occur with rapid onset even when
pain-control medication is being used. Breakthrough pain can occur
spontaneously or in relation to a specific activity.
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Breakthrough varicella
Mild varicella occurring in a patient who was recently vaccinated.
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Breast
Glandular organ located on the chest. In women, the breast is made
up of connective tissue, fat, and breast tissue that contains the
glands that can make milk. Also called mammary gland.
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Breast cancer
A life-threatening tumor that begins in the breast.
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Breast cancer in situ
Abnormal cells that are confined to the ducts or lobules in the
breast. There are two forms, called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS).
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Breast density
Describes the relative amount of different tissues present in the
breast. A dense breast has less fat than glandular and connective
tissue. Mammogram films of breasts with higher density are harder
to read and interpret than those of less dense breasts.
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Breast duct endoscopy
A method used to examine the lining of the breast ducts to look for
abnormal tissue. A very thin, flexible, lighted tube attached to a
camera is inserted through the nipple, and threaded into the breast
ducts deep in the breast. Tissue and fluid samples may be removed
during the procedure.
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Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System
Abbreviated as BI-RADS. A method used by radiologists to interpret
and report in a standardized manner the results of mammography,
ultrasound, and MRI used in breast cancer screening and diagnosis.
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Breast implant
A silicone gel-filled or saline-filled sac placed under the chest
muscle to alter or restore breast shape.
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Breast pump
A suction instrument for withdrawing milk from the breast.
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Breast reconstruction
Surgery to rebuild the shape of the breast after a mastectomy.
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Breast self-exam
An exam by a woman of her breasts to check for lumps or other
changes.
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Breast self-examination
Procedure by which breasts and accessory anatomic structures are
observed and palpated to detect changes or abnormalities that may
indicate the presence of malignancy. It is recommended that women
undertake breast self-examination once a month. Nurses and other
healthcare professionals play an important role in teaching women
to perform this procedure correctly.
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Breast shell
Flat discs with a hemispheric dome used under a firm brassiere to
assist in reshaping a retracted nipple for better nursing.
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Breast-conserving surgery
An operation to remove the breast cancer but not the breast itself.
Types of breast-conserving surgery include lumpectomy (removal of
the lump), quadrantectomy (removal of one quarter, or quadrant, of
the breast), and segmental mastectomy (removal of the cancer as
well as some of the breast tissue around the tumor and the lining
over the chest muscles below the tumor). Also called breast-sparing
surgery.
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Breast-feed
To nourish an infant by the act of suckling; to obtain breast milk
by sucking at the mother's breast.
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Breast-sparing surgery
An operation to remove the breast cancer but not the breast itself.
Types of breast-sparing surgery include lumpectomy (removal of the
lump), quadrantectomy (removal of one quarter, or quadrant, of the
breast), and segmental mastectomy (removal of the cancer as well as
some of the breast tissue around the tumor and the lining over the
chest muscles below the tumor). Also called breast-conserving
surgery.
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Breath
1. The respired air. 2. An inspiration.
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Breath Regenesis®
Variation of rebirthing.
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Breath sounds
The sounds heard through a stethoscope placed on the chest over the
lungs.
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Breath test
Any diagnostic test in which endogenous or exogenous materials are
measured in samples of breath as a means of identifying pathologic
processes; examples include hydrogen breath testing for lactose
intolerance or urea breath testing to detect gastric colonization
with Helicobacter pylori.
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Breatharianism
"Dietary practice" advocated in the 1980s by Wiley Brooks, author
of Man's Higher Consciousness. Brooks claimed that food is a
"poison" and that breathing is sufficient for life.
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Breath-holding
Voluntary or involuntary cessation of breathing; often seen in
young children as a response to frustration.
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Breath-holding spell
Stereotyped sequence seen in children responding to frustration or
anger, with vigorous crying, and subsequent apnea and cyanosis
followed by cessation of breathing and skin color changes with loss
of consciousness.
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Breathing
Inhalation and exhalation of air or gaseous mixtures.
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Breathing bag
A collapsible reservoir from which gases are inhaled and into which
gases may be exhaled during general anesthesia or artificial
ventilation.
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Breathing reserve
A collapsible reservoir from which gases are inhaled and into which
gases may be exhaled during general anesthesia or artificial
ventilation.
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Breathing therapy
Purportedly, the art and science of cultivating ki through correct
breathing.
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Breathwork
Multiform "healing modality" characterized by stylized breathing.
Its purported design is to effect physical, emotional, and
spiritual change. Breathwork allegedly: (a) can dissolve "limiting
programs" that are "stored" in the mind and body; and (b) increases
one's ability to handle "more energy." Modes of breathwork include
rebirthing, "Essential Breathing," "Middendorf," and "Vivation."
Also called conscious breathing.
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Bredouillement
Omission of parts of words related to extremely rapid speech.
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Breech delivery
Extraction or expulsion of a fetus that presents by the buttocks or
feet.
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Breech extraction
Obstetric extraction of a fetus that has presented by the buttocks.
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Breech presentation
Presentation of any part of the pelvic extremity of the fetus, the
nates, knees, or feet; more properly only of the nates. 1. Frank
breech presentation: occurs when the fetus presents by the pelvic
extremity; the thighs may be flexed and the legs extended over the
anterior surfaces of the body. 2. Full breech presentation: the
thighs may be flexed on the abdomen and the legs upon the thighs.
3. Footling presentation: the feet may be the lowest part. 4.
Incomplete foot presentation, incomplete knee presentation: one leg
may retain the position that is typical of one of the other breech
presentations, while the other foot or knee may present.
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Breeding
Selected mating of individuals to produce a strain that is
desirable or of scientific interest.
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Breema
Afghan variation of the laying on of hands.
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Breema bodywork
Purportedly, an ancient health-improvement method whose design is:
(a) to "release" tension; (b) to promote health, vitality, and
"inner harmony"; and (c) to create emotional, physiological,
structural, and "energetic" balance in the practitioner and
"recipient."
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Bregma
The point on the skull corresponding to the junction of the coronal
and sagittal sutures.
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Bregmatic
Relating to the bregma.
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Bregmatolambdoid arc
The line running along the sagittal suture from the bregma to the
apex of the lambdoid suture.
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Brei
A fine and uniform mince or mush of tissue in which the cells are
for the most part intact.
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Bremsstrahlung
Continuous spectrum radiation produced by the slowing of electrons
in a beam by nuclei in their vicinity.
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Brenner tumor
A relatively infrequent benign neoplasm of the ovary, consisting
chiefly of fibrous tissue that contains nests of cells resembling
transitional type epithelium, as well as glandlike structures that
contain mucin; origin is controversial, but it may arise from the
Walthard cell rest; ordinarily found incidentally in ovaries
removed for other reasons, especially in postmenopausal women.
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Brepho-
Prefix denoting a primitive stage of development.
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Brescia-Cimino fistula
A direct, surgically created, arteriovenous fistula; used to
facilitate chronic hemodialysis.
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Breslow thickness
Maximal thickness of a primary cutaneous melanoma measured in
tissue sections from the top of the epidermal granular layer, or
from the ulcer base (if the tumor is ulcerated), to the bottom of
the tumor; metastatic rates correlate closely with tumor thickness.
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BRETH™
"Process" founded by Kamala Hope Campbell, an Australian. It
encompasses conscious breathing, High Touch, and spiritual healing.
Also called "Breath Releasing Energy for Transformation and
Happiness," "Breath Releasing Energy for Transformation &
Healing."
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Bretylium
An antiarrhythmic used to treat life-threatening ventricular
arrhythmias. Initially releases norepinephrine, then blocks its
reuptake, thus depressing excitability of sympathetic nerve
terminals.
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Brevetoxins
Structurally unique neurotoxins produced by the "red tide"
dinoflagellate Ptychodiscus brevis Davis (Gymnodinium breve Davis),
a species of algae responsible for large fish kills and for mollusk
and human food poisoning in the Gulf of Mexico and along the
Florida coast. Unlike previously isolated dinoflagellate toxins,
such as saxitoxin, which are water-soluble sodium channel blockers,
the brevotoxins are lipid-soluble sodium channel activators.
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Brevibacterium
A bacterial genus of nonmotile, non-spore-forming, gram-positive
rods found as normal human skin flora and in raw milk and on the
surface of cheeses; some species, recovered from patients with
septicemia and from the peritoneum of patients undergoing
peritoneal dialysis, appear to be opportunistic human pathogens.
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Brevicollis
Abnormal shortness of the neck.
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Brevis
Brief, short.
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Brewer infarcts
Dark-red, wedge-shaped areas resembling infarcts, seen on section
of a kidney in pyelonephritis.
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Brewer's yeast
Dried pulverized cells of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae; a
by-product from the brewing of beer.
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Brickdust deposit
A sediment of urates in the urine.
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Bricker operation
An operation utilizing an isolated segment of ileum to collect
urine from the ureters and conduct it to the skin surface.
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Brickmaker's anemia
Anemia associated with hookworm disease.
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Bridge
1. The upper part of the ridge of the nose formed by the nasal
bones. 2. One of the threads of protoplasm that appear to pass from
one cell to another.
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Bridging
The existence or formation of a physical connection, normal or
abnormal, between two structures.
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Bridging hepatic fibrosis
Area of liver fibrosis that bridges adjacent portal areas to
central veins due to excess deposition of collagen determined by
microscopic review of liver tissue sample.
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Bridging hepatic necrosis
Area of liver necrosis that bridges adjacent portal areas and
central veins; subsequent postnecrotic collapse and fibrosis is
likely to result in cirrhosis.
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Bridle
A band of fibrous material stretching across the surface of an
ulcer or other lesion or forming adhesions between opposing serous
or mucous surfaces.
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Bridle stricture
Aarrowing of a canal by a band of tissue stretching across part of
its lumen.
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Bridle suture
A suture passed beneath the superior rectus muscle to rotate the
globe downward in eye surgery.
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Brief Pain Inventory
A questionnaire used to measure pain.
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Brief psychotherapy
Any form of psychotherapy or counseling designed to produce
emotional or behavioral therapeutic change within a minimal amount
of time (generally not more than 20 sessions). Brief therapy is
usually active and directive; it is more clearly indicated when
there are clearly defined symptoms or problems, and where the goals
are limited and specific.
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Brigg test
A test using the reduction of molybdate to follow the excretion of
homogentisic acid.
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Bright disease
Nonsuppurative nephritis with albuminuria and edema, associated in
fatal cases with large white kidneys; or with hematuria and red
kidneys; or with contracted granular kidneys, corresponding to the
stages of glomerulonephritis now termed subacute or membranous,
acute, and chronic, respectively.
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Brightness differene threshold
The smallest difference that can be perceived as a difference in
brightness.
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Brilliant green
An indicator dye that changes from yellow to green at pH 0-2.6;
also used as a topical antiseptic and as a selective bacteriostatic
agent in culture media.
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Brilliant yellow
An indicator dye that changes from yellow to orange or red at pH
6.4 to 8.
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Brill-Zinsser disease
An endogenous reinfection associated with the "carrier state" in
patients who previously had epidemic typhus fever; it is a rather
mild disease and may be mistaken for endemic (murine) typhus; first
described by Brill in New York City but not recognized as a
recrudescent form of epidemic typhus until after the work of
Zinsser.
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Brim
The upper edge or rim of a hollow structure.
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Brimacombe fragment
A ribonucleoprotein fragment obtained by mild ribonuclease
treatment of ribosomes.
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Brindle
A hair coat color in which there is a uniform mixture of gray or
tawny hairs with others of white or black; a composite color.
Usually results in a black tiger stripe pattern on tan background;
governed by the e allele at the extension locus.
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Brinell hardness number
A number related to the size of the permanent impression made by a
ball indenter of specified size (usually 10 mm in diameter) pressed
into the surface of the material under a specified load: where P =
applied load in kg, D = diameter of the ball in mm, and d =
diameter of the impression in mm.
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Briquet disease
1. Classic hysteria; a chronic disorder, principally of women,
which begins in the teens or early twenties, characterized by a
variety of symptoms involving almost every organ system; currently
classified as conversion disorder or somatization disorder. 2.
Functional (hysteric) anesthesia of the skin with resulting
inaccuracies in movement (labeled "ataxia"). 3. Functional dyspnea
and aphonia.
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Briquet's syndrome
Also known as a somatization disorder, an individual constantly
suffers for many years from many physical illnesses, but does not
have specific medical illnesses that can explain the symptoms.
These symptoms cause distress and negatively affect the
individual's ability to function day-to-day.
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Brisement forcé
Procedure infrequently used to treat frozen shoulder in which a
forceful manipulation is performed to restore range of motion that
usually results in disruption of adhesions and tearing of the joint
capsule.
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Brissaud reflex
Tickling the sole causes a contraction of the tensor fasciae latae
muscle, even when there is no responsive movement of the toes.
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Brissaud-Marie syndrome
Functional spasms of the lips and glossolabial paralysis (related
to conversion disorder).
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Brissaud-Sicard syndrome
Hemiparesis and contralateral hemifacial spasm resulting from a
pontine lesion.
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Bristol stool form scale
A classification of stool form used in judging bowel problems such
as irritable bowel syndrome, ranging from small, hard,
difficult-to-pass lumps to purely liquid stools, with seven
gradations.
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British gum
A form of dextrin.
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British thermal unit
The quantity of heat required to raise 1 lb of water from 3.9°C to
4.4°C; equal to 251.996 calorie or 1055.056 J.
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Brittle nails
A condition characterized by splitting or breaking at the nail tip.
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Brix
A unit of measure showing the percentage of sugar contained in a
solution.
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BRM
Abbreviation for biological response modifier. Treatment to
stimulate or restore the ability of the immune system to fight
infections and other diseases. Also used to lessen certain side
effects that may be caused by cancer treatment. Also called
immunotherapy, biotherapy, or biological therapy.
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BRM therapy
Abbreviation for biological response modifier therapy. Treatment to
stimulate or restore the ability of the immune system to fight
cancer, infections, and other diseases. Also used to lessen certain
side effects that may be caused by cancer treatment. Also called
immunotherapy, biotherapy, or biological therapy.
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Broach
A dental instrument for removing the pulp of a tooth or exploring
the canal.
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Broad beta disease
Type III familial hyperlipoproteinemia.
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Broad ligament of the uterus
The peritoneal fold passing from the lateral margin of the uterus
to the wall of the pelvis on either side, and in so doing also
ensheathing the ovaries and uterine tubes.
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Broad spectrum
A term indicating a broad range of activity of an antibiotic
against a wide variety of microorganisms.
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Broadbent law
Lesions of the upper segment of the motor tract cause less marked
paralysis of muscles that habitually produce bilateral movements
than of those that commonly act independently of the opposite side.
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Broadbent sign
A retraction of the thoracic wall, synchronous with cardiac
systole, visible anywhere, but particularly in the left posterior
axillary line; a sign of adherent pericardium.
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Broadcasting
Form of absent healing originated by chiropractor Ruth Drown.
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Broad-spectrum antibiotic
An antibiotic having a wide range of activity against both
gram-positive and gram-negative organisms.
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Broca basilar angle
The angle formed at the basion of lines drawn from the nasion and
the alveolar point.
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Broca center
The posterior part of the inferior frontal gyrus of the left or
dominant hemisphere, corresponding approximately to Brodmann area
44; Broca identified this region as an essential component of the
motor mechanisms governing articulated speech.
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Broca diagonal band
A white fiber bundle descending in the precommissural septum toward
the base of the forebrain, immediately rostral to the lamina
terminalis; this band consists of a horizontal limb (crus
horizontale) and a vertical limb (crus verticale), and the cells
associated with the band form the nucleus of the diagonal band
(nucleus striae diagonalis); at the base, the bundle turns in the
caudolateral direction; traveling through a ventral stratum of the
innominate substance alongside the optic tract, it fades before
reaching the amygdala.
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Broca facial angle
The angle formed by the intersection at the biauricular axis of
lines drawn from the supraorbital point and the alveolar point.
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Broca fissure
The fissure surrounding Broca convolution.
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Broca formula
A fully developed man (30 years old) should weigh as many kilograms
as he is centimeters in height over and above 1 meter.
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Broca visual plane
A plane drawn through the visual axes of each eye.
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Brock operation
Transventricular valvotomy for relief of pulmonic valvar stenosis.
Obsolete procedure.
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Brockenbrough sign
Absolute decrease in pulse pressure of the beat immediately
following a premature beat; a sign of idiopathic hypertrophic
subaortic stenosis.
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Brödel bloodless line
Line running somewhat posterior to the lateral convex border of the
kidney between anterior and posterior renal segments demarcating
the areas of distribution of the anterior and posterior branches of
the renal artery; it is in fact only relatively avascular.
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Brodie abscess
A chronic abscess of bone surrounded by dense fibrous tissue and
sclerotic bone; may represent area of resolved currently inactive
suppuration.
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Brodie bursa
Medial subtendinous bursa of gastrocnemius muscle.
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Brodie disease
Hysterical spinal neuralgia, simulating Pott disease, following a
trauma.
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Brodie fluid
An aqueous salt solution used in manometers designed for testing
gas evolution or uptake, as in cell respiration.
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Brodie knee
Chronic hypertrophic synovitis of the knee.
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Brodmann areas
Areas of the cerebral cortex mapped on the basis of
cytoarchitectural patterns.
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Brom-
1. Foul-smelling. 2. Indicating the presence of bromine in a
compound.
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Bromate
Salt or anion of bromic acid.
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Bromated
Combined or saturated with bromine or any of its compounds.
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Bromcresol green
An indicator dye changing from yellow to blue at pH 4.7; used to
track DNA in agarose electrophoresis, and in a dye-binding method
for analysis of serum albumin.
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Bromcresol purple
A substituted triphenylmethane dye (pKa 6.3), practically insoluble
in water but soluble in alcohol and dilute alkalies; used as an
indicator of pH (yellow at pH 5.2, purple at pH 6.8).
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Bromelain
The protein-digesting enzyme found in pineapple.
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Bromhidrosis
Fetid or foul-smelling perspiration. Apocrine bromhidrosis affects
the axillae after puberty, and eccrine bromhidrosis is generalized,
with excessive.
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Bromic
Relating to bromine; denoting especially bromic acid, HBrO3.
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Bromide
The anion Br−; salt of hydrogen bromide (HBr); several salts
formerly used as sedatives, hypnotics, and anticonvulsants.
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Bromide acne
Follicular eruption on face, trunk, and extremities, due to bromide
ingestion or hypersensitivity to agent.
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Bromidrosiphobia
Morbid fear of giving forth a bad odor from the body, sometimes
with the belief that such an odor is present.
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Bromine
A nonmetallic, reddish, volatile, liquid element; atomic no. 35,
atomic wt. 79.904; valences 1-7, inclusive; it unites with hydrogen
to form hydrobromic acid, and this reacts with many metals to form
bromides, some of which are used in medicine.
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Bromine water
A water containing the bromides of magnesium, potassium, or sodium
in therapeutic amounts.
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Bromism
Chronic bromide intoxication, characterized by headache,
drowsiness, confusion and occasionally violent delirium, muscular
weakness, cardiac depression, an acneform eruption, foul breath,
anorexia, and gastric distress.
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Bromobenzylcyanide
A lacrimator used in tear gases in training and in riot control.
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Bromodeoxyuridine
A compound that competes with uridine for incorporation in RNA and
fluoresces in ultraviolet light; used in BrDu-banding.
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Bromoderma
An acneform or granulomatous eruption due to hypersensitivity to
bromide.
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Bromohyperhidrosis
Excessive secretion of sweat having a fetid odor, usually eccrine
and generalized or affecting the feet.
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Bromphenol blue
A substituted triphenylmethane dye (MW 670, pK 4.0), used as an
acid-base indicator (yellow at pH less than 3.1, blue at pH more
than 4.7); also used for histochemical and electrophoretic
demonstration of proteins.
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Bromphenol test
A colorimetric test for measurement of protein, albumin, and
globulin in the urine by use of reagent strips.
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Bromsulphalein
A bitter white crystalline disodium salt derived from
phenolphthalein that is used as a dye in liver function tests using
an injected dye and measuring its excretion from the liver and thus
assessing the general functioning of the liver (especially
cirrhosis.)
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Bromthymol blue
A substituted triphenylmethane dye (MW 624, pK 7), used primarily
as a hydrogen ion indicator (yellow at pH 6, blue at pH 7.6); also
a weak but toxic vital stain.
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Bronchi
The large air passages that lead from the trachea (windpipe) to the
lungs.
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Bronchia
Plural of bronchium.
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Bronchial
Having to do with the bronchi, which are the larger air passages of
the lungs, including those that lead from the trachea (windpipe) to
the lungs and those within the lungs.
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Bronchial adenoma
Obsolete term formerly used to encompass carcinoid tumors,
mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and adenoid cystic carcinoma.
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Bronchial anastomoses
Anastomoses between parts of bronchi following resection of lung as
cancer therapy.
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Bronchial arteriography
Radiography of bronchial arteries by selective injection of the
intercostal arteries from which they arise.
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Bronchial asthma
An acute or chronic disorder characterized by widespread and
largely reversible reduction in the caliber of bronchi and
bronchioles, due in varying degrees to smooth muscle spasm, mucosal
edema, and excessive mucus in the lumens of airways. Cardinal
symptoms are dyspnea, wheezing, and cough. Attacks or exacerbations
may be induced by airborne allergens (molds, pollens, animal
dander, dust mite and cockroach antigens), inhaled irritants (cold
air, cigarette smoke, ozone), physical exercise, respiratory
infection, psychological stress, or other factors. The signs and
symptoms of bronchial asthma are caused by the local release of
spasmogens and inflammatory mediators (histamines, leukotrienes,
prostaglandins) and other substances from mast cells, eosinophils,
lymphocytes, neutrophils, and epithelial cells. Airway caliber may
be abruptly and drastically reduced during a paroxysm or after
diagnostic challenge with methacholine or histamine, and may
quickly return to normal after administration of a bronchodilator
(inhaled β-adrenergic agonist or subcutaneous epinephrine).
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Bronchial atresia
Severe focal narrowing or obliteration of a segmental,
subsegmental, or lobar bronchus, usually associated with distal air
trapping and bronchial mucoid impaction distal to the obstruction.
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Bronchial branches
Branches of arteries, vessels, or nerves distributed to the
bronchi; the following have branches so named: 1) thoracic aorta;
2) internal thoracic artery; 3) vagus nerves.
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Bronchial breathing
Breath sounds of a harsh or blowing quality, heard on auscultation
of the chest, made by air moving in the large bronchi and barely,
if at all, modified by the intervening lung; duration of the
expiratory sound is as long as or longer than that of the
inspiratory sound, and its pitch as high as or higher than that of
the inspiratory sound; may be heard over a consolidated lung, above
a pleural effusion due to an underlying compressed lung, and rarely
over a pulmonary cavity; whispered pectoriloquy is another
manifestation that usually can be elicited when bronchial breathing
is present.
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Bronchial bud
Lateral outgrowths from the tracheal bud that give rise to the
primary respiratory bronchi.
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Bronchial cast
A fragment of thick, tenacious mucus in the shape of a small
bronchus. It is often coughed up as an acute asthma attack
resolves.
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Bronchial fremitus
Adventitious pulmonary sounds or voice sounds perceptible to the
hand resting on the chest, as well as by the ear.
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Bronchial glands
Mucous and seromucous glands with secretory units that lie outside
the muscle of the bronchi.
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Bronchial mucous gland adenoma
A rare benign tumor arising from the mucous glands of bronchial
mucosa.
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Bronchial polyp
A polyp growing from the bronchial mucosa.
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Bronchial respiration
A tubular blowing sound caused by the passage of air through a
bronchus in an area of consolidated lung tissue.
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Bronchial stenosis
Narrowing of the lumen of a bronchial tube.
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Bronchial tubes
1. The bronchi and their branches. 2. An airway inserted into a
bronchus by way of the trachea.
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Bronchial veins
Many veins running in front of and behind the bronchi and uniting
into two main trunks that empty on the right side into the azygos
vein, on the left into the accessory hemiazygos or the left
superior intercostal vein.
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Bronchiectasis
Chronic dilation of bronchi or bronchioles as a sequel of
inflammatory disease or obstruction often associated with heavy
sputum production.
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Bronchiectatic
Relating to bronchiectasis.
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Bronchiloquy
Rarely used term for bronchophony.
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Bronchiole
A tiny branch of air tubes in the lungs.
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Bronchiolectasis
Bronchiectasis involving the bronchioles.
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Bronchioli
Plural of bronchiolus.
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Bronchiolitis
A childhood disease that affects the lungs. It occurs when a virus
enters the breathing system and causes the tiny airways in the
lungs to become swollen. As a result, a thick fluid, called mucus,
collects in the airways and makes it hard for air to flow freely in
the lungs. Usually, the infection goes away after 7-10 days. Some
children show very mild symptoms, but in others, the disease can be
severe. Older children are less at risk, and if they get
bronchiolitis, they do not get as sick as younger children.
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Bronchiolitis fibrosa obliterans
Obstruction of bronchioles and alveolar ducts by fibrous
granulation tissue induced by mucosal ulceration; the condition may
follow inhalation of irritant gases or may complicate pneumonia;
associated with obstructive findings.
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Bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia
Bronchiolitis fibrosa obliterans complicated by pneumonia with
organization.
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Bronchiolo-
Bronchiole.
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Bronchiologram
A radiographic image in which one or more bronchioles are outlined
by the contrast between the air they contain and surrounding
consolidated lung tissue.
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Bronchiolopulmonary
Relating to the bronchioles and the lungs.
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Bronchitic
Relating to bronchitis.
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Bronchitis
Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the bronchial tube.
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Bronchium
A term sometimes used for a subdivision of a bronchus that is
larger than a bronchiole.
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Broncho-
Bronchus, and, in ancient usage, the trachea.
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Bronchoalveolar lavage
Procedure for collecting the cellular milieu of the alveoli
(microorganisms, types of inflammatory cells) by use of a
bronchoscope or other hollow tube through which saline is instilled
into distal bronchi and then withdrawn.
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Bronchobiliary fistula
Communication between a bronchus and the biliary system, after a
ruptured hepatic abscess.
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Bronchocavernous
Relating to a bronchus or bronchial tube and a pulmonary pathologic
cavity.
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Bronchocavitary fistula
A communication between the bronchus and a lung abscess cavity.
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Bronchocele
A circumscribed dilation of a bronchus.
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Bronchoconstriction
Reduction in the caliber of a bronchus or bronchi, usually
referring to a dynamic process as in asthma and emphysema, rather
than a fixed constriction (the latter is a bronchial stenosis).
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Bronchoconstrictor
1. Causing a reduction in caliber of a bronchus or bronchial tube.
2. An agent that possesses this action (histamine, acetylcholine).
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Bronchodilator
Increases the diameter of the air passages to the lungs.
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Bronchoedema
Swelling of the mucosa of the bronchi.
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Bronchoesophageal fistula
Communication between a bronchus and the esophagus; may occur in
association with either infection or tumors involving a bronchus or
the esophagus.
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Bronchoesophageus
Muscular fascicles, arising from the wall of the left bronchus,
which reinforce the musculature of the esophagus.
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Bronchoesophagology
The specialty concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of
diseases of the tracheobronchial tree and esophagus by endoscopy
and other means.
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Bronchoesophagoscopy
Examination of the tracheobronchial tree and esophagus through
appropriate endoscopes.
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Bronchogenic
Of bronchial origin; emanating from the bronchi.
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Bronchogenic carcinoma
Lung cancer; although the term was formerly limited to malignant
neoplasms arising from the epithelium of a bronchus or bronchiole,
it is now applied generally to any primary malignancy of the lung
or bronchial tract. Lung cancers are divided on the basis of
predominant cell type into small cell carcinomas (15-25%) and
non-small cell carcinomas (75-85%). Some tumors contain both cell
types. Not included in this dichotomy are a small number (2-3%) of
miscellaneous tumors (carcinoid, cylindroma, mucoepidermoid
carcinoma). Small cell carcinomas of the lung tend to grow rapidly
and metastasize early. They often produce hormones and antibodies
capable of inducing paraneoplastic conditions such as
hypercalcemia, Cushing syndrome, and myasthenia. Non-small cell
carcinomas are subdivided into adenocarcinomas (50-60%; the most
common type in women and nonsmokers), glandular cancers that
usually arise peripherally, produce mucin, form tubular or
papillary structures, and metastasize widely and early; squamous
cell carcinomas (30-40%), which tend to develop centrally and in
lower lobes and to metastasize more slowly; and the highly
anaplastic large cell carcinomas (10%), which grow rapidly and
produce carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA).
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Bronchogenic cyst
A cyst lined by ciliated columnar epithelium believed to represent
bronchial differentiation; smooth muscle and mucous glands may be
present.
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Bronchogram
A radiograph obtained by bronchography; radiographic visualization
of a bronchus.
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Bronchography
Radiographic examination of the tracheobronchial tree following
introduction of a radiopaque material, usually an iodinated
compound in a viscous suspension; rarely performed today, having
been superseded by high resolution computed tomography.
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Broncholith
A hard concretion in a bronchus, usually resulting from the erosion
of a tuberculous or other granulomatous lymph node through the
bronchial wall into the lumen.
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Broncholithiasis
Bronchial inflammation or obstruction caused by broncholiths.
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Bronchomalacia
Degeneration of elastic and connective tissue of bronchi and
trachea.
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Bronchomediastinal trunk
A lymphatic vessel arising from the union of the efferent
lymphatics from the tracheobronchial and mediastinal nodes on
either side. On the left side, it may be largely replaced by direct
drainage into the thoracic duct.
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Bronchomotor
1. Relating to a change in caliber, dilation, or contraction of a
bronchus or bronchiole. 2. An agent possessing this action.
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Bronchomycosis
Any fungal disease of the bronchial tubes or bronchi.
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Bronchophony
Increased intensity and clarity of voice sounds heard over a
bronchus surrounded by consolidated lung tissue.
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Bronchoplasty
Surgical alteration of the configuration of a bronchus.
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Bronchopleural fistula
Communication between a bronchus and the pleural cavity; usually
caused by necrotizing pneumonia or empyema; also may follow
pulmonary surgery or irradiation.
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Bronchopleural-cutaneous fistula
A communication that traverses between the tracheobronchial tree
and the skin.
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Bronchopneumonia
Acute inflammation of the walls of the smaller bronchial tubes,
with varying amounts of pulmonary consolidation due to spread of
the inflammation into peribronchiolar alveoli and the alveolar
ducts; may become confluent or may be hemorrhagic.
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Bronchopulmonary
Relating to the bronchi and the lungs.
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Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
A chronic lung disease that mainly affects infants born
prematurely. Babies with BPD have trouble breathing because their
lungs do not work properly. The condition usually develops during
the first four weeks after birth.
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Bronchopulmonary lymph nodes
Lymph nodes in the hilum of the lung that receive lymph from the
pulmonary nodes, and drain to the tracheobronchial nodes.
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Bronchopulmonary segment
Smallest surgically resectable subdivision of the lobes of the
lungs, supplied exclusively by a tertiary (segmental) bronchus and
the corresponding tertiary branch of the pulmonary artery
(segmental pulmonary artery); typically, the right lung has ten
bronchopulmonary segments, and the left has eight or nine due to a
merging of the apical and posterior segments of the upper lobe and
of the anterior and medial basal segments of the lower lobe.
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Bronchopulmonay sequestration
A congenital anomaly in which a mass of lung tissue becomes
isolated, during development, from the rest of the lung; the
bronchi in the mass are usually dilated or cystic and are not
connected with the bronchial tree; it is supplied by a branch of
the aorta.
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Bronchorrhaphy
Suture of a wound of the bronchus.
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Bronchorrhea
Excessive secretions from the bronchial mucosa, resulting in
copious production of thin sputum and most often due to diffuse
bronchoalveolar carcinoma or pulmonary alveolar proteinosis.
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Bronchoscope
A procedure in which a thin, lighted tube is inserted through the
nose or mouth. This allows examination of the inside of the trachea
and bronchi (air passages that lead to the lung), as well as the
lung. Bronchoscopy may be used to detect cancer or to perform some
treatment procedures.
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Bronchoscopic brush
A small brush for insertion through a bronchoscope to wipe off
cells for microscopic identification in suspected bronchial
carcinoma and in obtaining microbiologic material for staining and
culture.
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Bronchoscopy
The use of an endoscope to examine and take biopsies from the
interior of the bronchia.
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Bronchospasm
Contraction of smooth muscle in the walls of the bronchi and
bronchioles, causing narrowing of the lumen.
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Bronchospasmolytic
Relieving a bronchospasm.
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Bronchospirography
Use of a single-lumen endobronchial tube for measurement of
ventilatory function of one lung.
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Bronchospirometer
A rare device for measurement of rates and volumes of air flow into
each lung separately, using a double-lumen endobronchial tube.
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Bronchospirometry
Use of a bronchospirometer to measure ventilatory function of each
lung separately.
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Bronchostenosis
Chronic narrowing of a bronchus.
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Bronchostomy
Surgical formation of a new opening into a bronchus.
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Bronchotomy
Incision of a bronchus.
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Bronchotracheal
Relating to the trachea and bronchi.
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Bronchovesicular
Relating to the bronchi and alveoli in the lungs, especially as
regards lung sound heard by auscultation.
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Bronchovesicular breath sounds
Sounds intermediate between bronchial and vesicular breath sounds;
they can be abnormal, but are normal when heard between the 1st and
2nd intercostal spaces anteriorly and posteriorly between scapulae.
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Bronchovesicular respiration
Combined bronchial and vesicular respiration.
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Bronchus
A large air passage that leads from the trachea (windpipe) to the
lung.
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Bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue
Patches of lymphoid tissues composed mainly of B and T lymphocytes
and extending throughout the bronchial airways of the lung.
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Bronsted acid
An acid that is a proton donor.
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Bronsted base
Any molecule or ion that combines with a proton, OH−, CN−, NH3;
this definition replaces the older and more limited concepts of
base.
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Bronsted theory
That an acid is a substance, charged or uncharged, liberating
hydrogen ions in solution, and that a base is a substance that
removes them from solution (NH4+, CH3COOH, and HSO4− are acids;
NH3, CH3COO−, and SO4− are bases); useful in the concept of weak
electrolytes and buffers.
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Brontophobia
Morbid fear of thunder.
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Bronze baby syndrome
A brown or bronze discoloration of the skin that may occur in
children with hyperbilirubinemia who have received phototherapy.
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Bronze diabetes
Diabetes mellitus associated with hemochromatosis, with iron
deposits in the skin, liver, pancreas, and other viscera, often
with severe liver damage and glycosuria.
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Bronzed skin
The dark skin in Addison disease.
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Brood
To ponder anxiously; to meditate morbidly.
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Brood capsules
Small hollow projections from the lining membrane of a hydatid cyst
from which the scoleces arise.
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Brooke ileostomy
Ileostomy in which the divided proximal ileum, brought through the
abdominal wall, is evaginated and its edge is sutured to the
dermis; a 2-cm protrusion is the desired result of the procedure.
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Brosa
The element of trust in Kundalini yoga.
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Broviac catheter
A type of long-term central venous catheter with an external port
for administration of medication.
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Brow
The eyebrow.
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Brow Chakra
According to Ayurveda, the sixth chakra, located on the forehead
midway between the eyes and just above the eye brow line. Has to do
with clarity and insight, both with the physical eyes and with
one's inner vision.
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Brown lung
Obstructive airway disease with asthma produced by exposure to
cotton dust, flax, or hemp.
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Brown sign
Pulsation of the glomus tumor in the middle ear when positive
pressure is applied to the external auditory canal during otoscopy.
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Brown tumor
A mass of fibrous tissue containing hemosiderin-pigmented
macrophages and multinucleated giant cells, replacing and expanding
part of a bone in primary hyperparathyroidism.
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Brown-Adson forceps
An Adson forceps with about 16 delicate teeth on each tip.
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Brown-Brenn stain
A method for differential staining of gram-positive and
gram-negative bacteria in tissue sections; it uses a modified Gram
stain of crystal violet, Gram iodine, and basic fuchsin.
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Brownian
Relating to or described by Robert Brown.
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Brownian movement
Erratic, nondirectional, zigzag movement observed by
ultramicroscope in certain colloidal solutions and by microscope in
suspensions of light particulate matter that results from the
jostling or bumping of the larger particles by the molecules in the
suspending medium which are regarded as being in continuous motion.
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Brown-Séquard syndrome
Syndrome with unilateral spinal cord lesions, proprioception loss
and weakness occur ipsilateral to the lesion, while pain and
temperature loss occur contralateral.
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Broxuridine
A drug that makes cancer cells more sensitive to radiation and is
also used as a diagnostic agent to determine how fast cancer cells
grow.
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Bruce protocol
A standardized protocol for electrocardiogram-monitored exercise
using increasing speeds and elevations of the treadmill; a test for
ischemia usually due to coronary artery disease.
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Brucella abortus
A bacterial species that causes abortion in cows (bovine
brucellosis), mares, and sheep, undulant fever in humans, and a
wasting disease in chickens.
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Brucella canis
A bacterial species causing epididymitis, brucellosis, and abortion
in dogs; occasionally causes human disease.
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Brucella melitensis biovar cunis
A bacterial species that causes brucellosis in humans, abortion in
goats, and a wasting disease in chickens; it may infect cows and
hogs and be excreted in their milk; it is the type species of the
genus Brucella.
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Brucella melitensis biovar ovis
Former term for Brucella ovis.
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Brucella strain 19 vaccine
A live bacterial vaccine prepared from an attenuated variant strain
of Brucella abortus (strain 19); used for vaccinating cattle
against brucellosis.
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Brucella suis
A bacterial species causing abortion in swine, brucellosis in
humans, and a wasting disease in chickens; may also infect horses,
dogs, cows, monkeys, goats, and laboratory animals.
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Brucellaceae
A family of bacteria (order Eubacteriales) containing small,
coccoid to rod-shaped, gram-negative cells which occur singly, in
pairs, in short chains, or in groups. The cells may or may not show
bipolar staining. Motile and nonmotile species occur; motile cells
are peritrichous. V (phosphopyridine nucleotide) and/or X (hemin)
factors are sometimes required for growth. Blood serum may be
required or may enhance growth. Increased carbon dioxide tension
may also favor growth, especially on primary isolation. These
organisms are parasites and pathogens that affect warm-blooded
animals, including humans, rarely cold-blooded animals; formerly
called Parvobacteriaceae; type genus is Brucella.
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Brucellin
A preparation of antigenic material from several species of
Brucella; used in the diagnosis of brucellosis as a skin test
similar to that used for tuberculosis.
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Brucellosis
A rare bacterial disease that causes intermittent fevers.
Brucellosis is primarily passed among animals, but people can
acquire this disease from domesticated animals. It results in
flu-like symptoms, and may cause long-lasting symptoms. There are
only about 100-200 cases of brucellosis in humans in the United
States each year.
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Bruch glands
Lymph nodes in the palpebral conjunctiva.
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Bruch's membrane
The innermost membrane of the choroid layer within the retina. A
thin, compact layer of fibers located between the retina and the
underlying flat carpet of blood vessels that supplies the retina
with nourishment.
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Brucine
An alkaloid from Strychnos nux-vomica and S. ignatii (family
Loganiaceae), which produces paralysis of sensory nerves and
peripheral motor nerves; the convulsive action which is
characteristic of strychnine is almost entirely absent; formerly
used as a local anodyne and tonic.
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Bruck disease
A disease marked by osteogenesis imperfecta, ankylosis of the
joints, and muscular atrophy.
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Brücke muscle
The part of the ciliary muscle formed by the meridional fibers.
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Brücke-Bartley phenomenon
The sensation of glare in response to successive stimuli at
frequencies just below the fusion point.
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Brudzinski sign
1. In meningitis, on passive flexion of the leg on one side, a
similar movement occurs in the opposite leg. 2. In meningitis,
involuntary flexion of the knees and hips following flexion of the
neck while supine.
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Brug filariasis
Infection with filarial organism Brugia malayi, which causes
adenitis, fever, lymphangitis, and sometimes elephantiasis; occurs
primarily in southeast Asia, India, Indonesia, China, Japan, Korea,
and the Philippines.
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Brugia malayi
The Malayan filaria species, an important agent of human filariasis
and elephantiasis in Southeast Asia and Indonesia, transmitted to
humans by species of Mansonia and Anopheles mosquitoes; adult
parasites cause lymphangitis and lymphadenitis, but with less
involvement of the genital region and lower limbs, and a relatively
greater incidence of disease in the upper limbs than with
Wuchereria bancrofti infection. Formerly called Wuchereriamalayi.
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Bruise
1. To crush or beat, as a spice in a mortar and pestle. 2. An
injury through unbroken skin that ruptures small blood vessels,
thereby allowing a small amount of blood to leak from the vessels
and discolor the surrounding tissue.
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Bruissement
A purring auscultatory sound.
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Bruit
A harsh or musical intermittent auscultatory sound, especially an
abnormal one.
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Bruit de canon
The loud first heart sound heard intermittently in complete
atrioventricular block and in interference-dissociation when the
ventricles happen to contract shortly after the atria.
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Bruit de claquement
The sound of cardiac clicks.
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Bruit de cuir neuf
The sound of new leather (also bruit de craquement); a creaking
pericardial friction sound heard mainly in chronic pericarditis.
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Bruit de frolement
A rough, rustling sound made by a pleural or pericardial friction
rub.
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Bruit de la roue de moulin
Gurgling or splashing mill-wheel sounds heard when both fluid and
air are present in the pericardial sac.
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Bruit de lime
Introduced by R. Laënnec to describe a rough rasping murmur.
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Bruit de rape
Introduced by R. Laënnec to describe harsh, rasping murmurs.
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Bruit de rappel
Applied by J. B. Bouillaud to describe the cadence of a
split-second heart sound, or of the second sound followed by an
opening snap or early third heart sound.
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Bruit de scie
A harsh heart murmur heard in systole and diastole that produces a
sound resembling that of a saw.
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Bruit de soufflet
Introduced by R. Laënnec to describe a blowing murmur.
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Bruit de tabourka
A loud tambourlike or bell-like second heart sound heard at the
aortic area in syphilitic aortitis.
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Bruit de tambour
Reverberating, musical tone heard as the second heart sound over
the aortic area, associated with past syphilitic aortic valvular
disease.
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Bruit de triolet
Introduced by L. Gallavardin to describe the triple cadence
produced by a systolic click added to the first and second heart
sounds.
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Brunn membrane
The epithelium of the olfactory region of the nose.
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Brunn nest
Glandlike invagination of surface transitional epithelium in the
epithelium of the lower urinary tract.
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Brunn reaction
The increased absorption of water through the skin of the frog when
the animal is injected with pituitrin and immersed in water; one of
the physiologic reactions used to study and classify posterior
pituitary polypeptides and their analogues.
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Bruns ataxia
An ataxia manifested as a difficulty in initiation of forward
movement of the feet when they are in contact with the ground,
although leg strength, coordination, and forward movement is normal
when the person is supine; due to frontal lobe disease.
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Bruns nystagmus
A fine, jerking (vestibular) nystagmus on horizontal gaze in one
direction, together with a slower, larger amplitude (gaze, paretic)
nystagmus on looking in the opposite direction; due to lateral
brainstem compression, usually by a cerebellar-pontine angle mass
such as an acoustic neuroma.
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Brush
An instrument made of some flexible material, such as bristles,
attached to a handle or to the tip of a catheter.
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Brush biopsy
Biopsy obtained by abrading the surface of a lesion with a brush to
obtain cells and tissue for microscopic examination.
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Brush border
The apical epithelial surface bearing closely packed microvilli
about 2 mcm long, such as occur on the cells of the proximal tubule
of the nephron.
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Brush burn
A burn caused by friction of a rapidly moving object against the
skin or ground into the skin.
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Brush catheter
A ureteral catheter with a finely bristled brush tip that is
endoscopically passed into the ureter or renal pelvis and, by
gentle to-and-fro movement, brushes cells from the surface of
suspected tumors.
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Brush heap structure
Haphazard interlocking of fibrils in a gel or hydrocolloid
impression material.
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Brushfield spots
Light-colored condensations of the surface of the mid-iris; seen in
Down syndrome.
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Brushfield-Wyatt disease
A familial disorder characterized by unilateral nevus,
contralateral hemiplegia, hemianopia, cerebral angioma, and mental
retardation; possibly a variant of Sturge-Weber syndrome.
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Brushite
A naturally occurring acid calcium phosphate occasionally found in
dental calculus and renal calculi.
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Bruton tyrosine kinase
An intracellular enzyme involved in B-cell signaling. Congenital
deficiency of Btk occurs in X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA).
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Bruxism
Involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth.
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Bryant traction
Traction upon the lower limb placed vertically, employed especially
in fractures of the femur in children.
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Bryostatin-1
A drug used for its antitumor activity.
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BS
Abbreviation for Bachelor of Science (Baccalaureus Scientiae).
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BSA
Abbreviation for bovine serum albumin; body surface area.
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BSE
Abbreviation for bovine spongiform encephalopathy; breast
self-examination.
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BSER
Abbreviation for brainstem evoked response (audiometry).
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BSH
Abbreviation sodium borocaptate. A substance used in a type of
radiation therapy called boron neutron capture therapy. BSH is
injected into a vein and becomes concentrated in tumor cells. The
patient then receives radiation treatment with atomic particles
called neutrons. The neutrons react with the boron in BSH and make
radioactive particles that kill the tumor cells without harming
normal cells.
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BSN
Abbreviation for Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
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BSO
Abbreviation for bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.
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BT
Abbreviation for bleeding time.
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Btk
Abbreviation for Bruton tyrosine kinase.
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BTPS
Symbol indicating that a gas volume has been expressed as if it
were saturated with water vapor at body temperature (37°C) and at
the ambient barometric pressure; used for measurements of lung
volumes.
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BTU
Abbreviation for British thermal unit.
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BTX
Abbreviation for brevetoxins; botulinum toxin.
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B-type natriuretic peptide
Cardiac neurohormone secreted by the left ventricle in response to
elevated volume and pressure, leading to dilated blood vessels and
sodium and water loss.
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Buaki
A nutritional (protein deficiency) disease observed in residents in
the Republic of Congo; characterized by edema, skin lesions, and
anemia; possibly related to kwashiorkor.
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Bubble gum dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis developing around the lips in children
who chew bubble gum; caused by plastics in the gum substance.
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Bubble of light technique, meditation
Mode of magical healing promoted by Martin Hart, N.D. Its theory
posits a part of the unconscious where anything is possible and
nothing is secret.
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Bubbling rale
Moist sound heard through the stethoscope as a result of air
entering portions of lung tissue containing exudate and thus
creating bubbles; sometimes associated with resolving pneumonia or
small lung cavities.
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Bubo
Inflammatory swelling of one or more lymph nodes, usually in the
groin; the confluent mass of nodes usually suppurates and drains
pus.
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Bubonalgia
Rarely used term for pain in the groin.
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Bubonic
Relating in any way to a bubo.
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Bubonic plague
The usual form of plague manifestations of which include
inflammatory enlargement of the lymphatic glands in the groin,
axillae, or other parts.
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Bubonulus
1. An abscess occurring along the course of a lymphatic vessel. 2.
One of a number of hard nodules, often breaking down into ulcers,
which form along the course of acutely inflamed lymphatic vessels
of the dorsum of the penis.
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Buccal
Pertaining to, adjacent to, or in the direction of the cheek.
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Buccal angles
Angles formed by the buccal surface of a tooth joining the other
surfaces.
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Buccal artery
Origin, maxillary; distribution, buccinator muscle, skin, and
mucous membrane of cheek; anastomosis, buccal branch of facial
artery.
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Buccal branches of facial nerve
Motor branches of the parotid plexus of the facial nerve
distributed to buccinator muscle and other muscles of facial
expression below orbit and above chin.
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Buccal caries
Caries beginning with decay on the buccal surface of a tooth.
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Buccal curve
The line of the dental arch from the canine, or cuspid tooth to the
third molar.
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Buccal digestion
That part of digestion carried on in the mouth, the action of
salivary amylases.
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Buccal embrasure
A space existing on the facial aspect of the interproximal contact
area between adjacent posterior teeth.
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Buccal fat-pad
An encapsuled mass of fat in the cheek on the outer side of the
buccinator muscle, especially marked in the infant; supposed to
strengthen and support the cheek during the act of sucking.
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Buccal flange
The portion of the flange of a denture that occupies the buccal
vestibule of the mouth.
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Buccal gingiva
That portion of the gingiva that covers the buccal surfaces of the
teeth and alveolar process.
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Buccal glands
Numerous racemose, mucous, or serous glands in the submucous tissue
of the cheeks.
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Buccal lymph node
One of the chain of facial lymph nodes located superficial to the
buccinator muscle.
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Buccal mucosa
The inner lining of the cheeks and lips.
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Buccal nerve
A sensory branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal
nerve; it passes downward, emerging from beneath the ramus of the
mandible to run forward on the buccinator muscle, piercing (but not
supplying) it to supply the buccal mucous membrane and skin of the
cheek near the angle of the mouth.
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Buccal occlusion
1. Malposition of a tooth toward the cheek. 2. The occlusion as
seen from the buccal side of the teeth.
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Buccal pit
A structural depression found on the buccal enamel of molars.
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Buccal region
The region of the cheek, corresponding approximately to the
outlines of the underlying buccinator muscle.
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Buccal root of tooth
Root of a multirooted tooth that is located toward the buccal side
of the alveolar ridge.
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Buccal smear
A cytologic smear containing material obtained by scraping the
lateral buccal mucosa above the dentate line, smearing, and fixing
immediately; used principally for determining somatic sex as
indicated by the presence of the sex chromocenter (Barr body).
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Buccal surface
1. The mucosa of the cheek. 2. In prosthodontics, the side of a
denture adjacent to the cheek.
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Buccal surface of tooth
Cheek portion of vestibular surface of tooth.
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Buccal tablet
Usually a small, flat tablet intended to be inserted in the buccal
pouch, where the active ingredient is absorbed directly through the
oral mucosa; such a tablet dissolves or erodes slowly.
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Buccal vestibule
That part of the oral vestibule related to the cheek.
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Buccinator
Facial muscle of cheek; origin, posterior portion of alveolar
portion of maxilla and mandible and pterygomandibular raphe;
insertion, angle of mouth; also become interspersed with more
horizontal portions of the orbicularis oris; action, flattens
cheek, retracts angle of mouth; plays an important role in
mastication, working with tongue and orbicularis oris muscle to
keep food between teeth; when it is paralyzed, as in Bell palsy,
food accumulates in the oral vestibule; nerve supply, facial.
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Buccinator crest
A ridge passing from the base of the coronoid process of the
mandible to the region of the last molar tooth; it gives attachment
to the mandibular part of the buccinator muscle.
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Bucco-
Cheek.
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Buccoaxial
Referring to the line angle formed by the buccal and axial walls of
a cavity.
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Buccoaxiocervical
Referring to the point angle formed by the junction of the buccal,
axial, and cervical (gingival) walls of a cavity.
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Buccoaxiogingival
Referring to the point angle formed by the junction of buccal,
axial, and gingival (cervical) walls.
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Buccocervical
1. Relating to the cheek and the neck. 2. In dental anatomy,
referring to that portion of the buccal surface of a bicuspid or
molar tooth adjacent to its cementoenamel junction.
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Buccocervical ridge
A convexity within the cervical third of the buccal surface of
molars.
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Buccoclusal
Incorrect term referring to the line angle formed by the junction
of a buccal and pulpal wall.
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Buccodistal
Referring to the line angle formed by the junction of a buccal and
distal wall of a cavity.
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Buccogingival
Relating to the cheek and the gum.
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Buccogingival ridge
A distinct ridge on the buccal surface of a deciduous molar tooth,
approximately 1.5 mm from the crown-root junction.
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Buccolabial
1. Relating to both cheek and lip. 2. In dentistry, referring to
that aspect of the dental arch or those surfaces of the teeth in
contact with the mucosa of lip and cheek.
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Buccolingual
1. Pertaining to the cheek and the tongue. 2. In dentistry,
referring to that aspect of the dental arch or those surfaces of
the teeth in contact with the mucosa of the lip or cheek and the
tongue.
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Buccolingual diameter
The diameter of the crown of a tooth measured from the buccal to
the lingual surfaces.
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Buccolingual dimension
The diameter or dimension of a premolar or molar tooth from buccal
to lingual surface.
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Buccolingual relation
The position of a space or tooth in relation to the tongue and the
cheek.
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Buccomesial
Referring to the line angle formed by the junction of a buccal and
mesial wall of a cavity.
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Bucconasal membrane
A thin, transient epithelial sheet separating the primordial nasal
cavity from the stomodeum in the 7-week-old human embryo.
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Buccoocclusal angle
The line of junction of the buccal and occlusal surfaces of a
tooth.
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Buccopharyngeal
Relating to both cheek or mouth and pharynx.
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Buccopharyngeal fascia
The fascia that covers the muscular layer of the pharynx and is
continued forward onto the buccinator muscle.
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Buccopharyngeal membrane
A bilaminar (ectoderm and endoderm) membrane derived from the
prechordal plate; after the embryonic head fold has evolved it lies
at the caudal limit of the stomodeum.
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Buccopulpal
Referring to the line angle formed by the junction of a buccal and
pulpal wall of a cavity.
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Buccoversion
Malposition of a posterior tooth from the normal line of occlusion
toward the cheek.
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Buccula
A fatty puffing under the chin.
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Buchner extract
A cell-free extract of yeast, such as was prepared by Eduard and
Hans Büchner who observed it to catalyze alcoholic fermentation;
this observation essentially eliminated "vitalism" as being
responsible for biologic chemical reactions and initiated the
beginnings of modern biochemistry (enzymology).
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Buchner funnel
A porcelain funnel that contains a perforated porcelain plate upon
which filter paper can be laid.
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Buchu
The dried leaves of Barosma betulina, B. crenulata, or B.
serratifolia (family Rutaceae), a shrub growing in South Africa;
used as a carminative, diuretic, and urinary antiseptic.
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Buchwald atrophy
A progressive form of cutaneous atrophy.
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Buck bean
The leaves of Menyanthes trifoliata (family Gentianaceae); credited
with emmenagogue, antiscorbutic, and simple bitter properties.
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Buck tooth
An anterior tooth in labioversion.
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Buck traction
Apparatus for applying longitudinal skin traction on the leg
through contact between the skin and adhesive tape; friction
between the tape and skin permits application of force, which is
applied through a cord over a pulley, suspending a weight;
elevation of the foot of the bed allows the body to act as a
counterweight.
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Bucket-handle incision
A bilateral subcostal abdominal incision.
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Bucket-handle tear
A tear and separation in the central part of a semilunar cartilage
with the ends intact that produces a resemblance to the handle of a
bucket.
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Buckled innominate artery
Elongation of the innominate artery manifest as a pulsating mass in
the right supraclavicular space and as a radiographic appearance
mimicking an aneurysm or tumor of the apex of the right lung or
superior mediastinum.
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Buckthorn
Shrub or tree of family Rhamnaceae, Karwinskia humboldtiana
commonly called Coyotillo or Tullidora. Found in arid southwestern
U.S. environments; uncharacterized neurotoxin with high toxicity;
single intake of just 0.05-0.3% by body weight in plant material;
fruit is particularly toxic. Impaired cerebellar and peripheral
nerve function is characteristic; clinical signs include
hypersensitivity, tremors, abnormal gait, progressing to paralysis
especially in hind quarters; pulmonary edema in some cases also.
Toxin produces progressive polyneuropathy through segmental
demyelination and degenerative changes in axons of peripheral
nerves, followed by myodegeneration.
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Buckthorn polyneuropathy
Ascending polyneuropathy resulting from ingestion of the fruit of
Karwinskia humboldtiana, or coyotillo.
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Bucky diaphragm
In radiography, a diaphragm with a moving grid that avoids grid
shadows.
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Bucrylate
A tissue adhesive used in surgery.
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Bud
1. An immature shoot, often covered by scales. 2. To reproduce
asexually by pinching off from the parent.
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Bud stage
First stage of tooth development; development of the primordia of
the enamel organs, the tooth buds.
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Budde process
A method of milk sterilization; to the fresh milk, hydrogen
peroxide is added in the proportion of 15 mL of a 3% solution to 1
L milk, and the mixture is heated to 52°C (124°F) for 3 hours, by
which time the peroxide is decomposed and the nascent oxygen acts
as an efficient germicide; the milk is then rapidly cooled and put
into sealed bottles.
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Buddhist energy healing
Method whose principle is that all disorders arise from blockages
to chi.
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Buddhist medicine
A method that encompasses moxibustion and shiatsu massage.
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Buddhist psychology
Alleged comprehensive science of mind and being. It includes
"Abhidharma analysis." (The Abhidharma is the third part of the
Buddhist canon.)
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Budesonide
A drug used in the treatment of asthma and rhinitis. It is also
being studied in the treatment of cancer. Budesonide belongs to the
family of drugs called steroids.
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Bufa-
Prefixes denoting origin from toads; used in the systematic and
trivial names of toxic substances (genins) isolated from plants and
animals containing the bufanolide structure; prefixes denoting
species origin are often attached.
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Bufagins
A group of steroids (bufanolides) in the venom of a family of toads
(Bufonidae) having a digitalislike action on the heart; cardiac
glycosides having a six-membered lactone.
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Bufanolide
The fundamental steroid lactone of several vegetable (squill) and
animal (toad) venoms or toxins; also found in the form of
glycosides in plants (digitalis).
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Buffalo chest
A chest in which there is a single pleural space.
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Buffalo neck
Combination of moderate kyphosis with thick heavy fat pad on the
neck, seen especially in persons with Cushing disease or syndrome.
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Buffalo type
Term used to describe the distribution of a fat deposit seen
posteriorly over the upper thoracic spine; seen in
hyperadrenocorticalism (Cushing syndrome).
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Buffer
A chemical used to maintain the hydrogen-ion concentration (pH) by
neutralizing within limits both acids and bases.
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Buffer capacity
The amount of hydrogen ion (or hydroxyl ion) required to bring
about a specific pH change in a specified volume of a buffer.
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Buffer pair
An acid and its conjugate base (anion).
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Buffer value
The power of a substance in solution to absorb acid or alkali
without change in pH; this is highest at a pH value equal to the
pKa value of the acid of the buffer pair.
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Buffer value of the blood
The ability of the blood to compensate for additions of acid or
alkali without disturbance of the pH.
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Buffered crystalline penicillin G
Crystalline potassium penicillin G or crystalline sodium penicillin
G buffered with not less than 4% and not more than 5% of sodium
citrate.
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Buffy coat
The upper, lighter portion of the blood clot (coagulated plasma and
white blood cells), occurring when coagulation is delayed so that
the red blood cells have had time to settle; the portion of
centrifuged, anticoagulated blood that contains leukocytes and
platelets.
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Buffy coat concentration
Centrifugation of whole blood containing anticoagulant to obtain a
buffy coat layer containing white blood cells; blood films for
staining can be prepared from this layer of cells and examined for
the presence of parasites (trypanosomes and intracellular
leishmaniae).
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Bufonidae
A family of toads with dermal glands that secrete several kinds of
pharmacologically active substances that possess a cardiac action
similar to that of digitalis.
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Bufotenine
A psychotomimetic agent isolated from the venom of certain toads
(family Bufonidae) and also present in several plants; one of the
active principles of cohoba; raises the blood pressure by
vasoconstrictive action and produces psychic effects, including
hallucinations.
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Bufotoxins
1. A group of steroid lactones (conjugates of bufagins and
suberylarginine at C-3) of digitalis present in the venoms of toads
(family Bufonidae); their effects are similar to but weaker than
those of the bufagins. 2. Specifically, the main toxin of the
European toad (Bufo vulgaris).
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Bug
An insect belonging to the suborder Heteroptera. For organisms so
called, see the specific term.
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Bu-hang
A form of cupping.
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Bulb
1. Any globular or fusiform structure. 2. A short, vertical
underground stem of plants, such as onion and garlic.
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Bulb of hair
Hair bulb, the lower expanded extremity of the hair follicle that
fits like a cap over the papilla pili.
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Bulb of jugular vein
One of two dilated parts of the internal jugular vein, especially
evident via contrast radiography (venography): (1) the superior
bulb (Heister diverticulum) is a dilation at the beginning of the
internal jugular vein in the jugular fossa of the temporal bone
(bulbus superior venae jugularis; (2) the inferior bulb is a
dilated portion of the vein just before it reaches the
brachiocephalic vein (bulbus inferior venae jugularis).
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Bulb of occipital horn
A rounded elevation in the dorsal part of the medial wall of the
posterior horn of the lateral ventricle, produced by the major
forceps.
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Bulb of penis
The expanded proximal (posterior) part of the corpus spongiosum of
the penis lying in the interval between the crura of the penis and
containing the somewhat dilated and angulated portion of the spongy
urethra.
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Bulb of vestibule
A mass of erectile tissue on either side of the vagina united
anterior to the urethra by the commissure of bulbs.
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Bulbar
1. Relating to a bulb. 2. Relating to the rhombencephalon
(hindbrain). 3. Bulb-shaped; resembling a bulb.
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Bulbar apoplexy
Apoplexy due to vascular lesion in the brainstem.
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Bulbar conjunctiva
The part of the conjunctiva covering the anterior surface of the
sclera and the surface epithelium of the cornea.
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Bulbar corticonuclear fiber
Nerve fibers projecting from the motor and somatic sensory cortices
to motor and sensory relay nuclei of the medulla oblongata, such as
the hypoglossal nucleus, accessory nucleus, and gracile and cuneate
nuclei.
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Bulbar myelitis
Inflammation of the medulla oblongata.
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Bulbar pulse
A jugular pulse supposed to indicate tricuspid insufficiency.
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Bulbar ridge
One of two spiral subendocardial thickenings in the embryonic
bulbus cordis; when they fuse, they divide the bulbus into the
aorta and pulmonary artery.
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Bulbar septum
Obsolete term for aorticopulmonary septum.
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Bulbi
Plural of bulbus.
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Bulbitis
Inflammation of the bulbous portion of the urethra.
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Bulbo-
Bulb; bulbus
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Bulbocapnine
Drug derived from roots of Corydalis cava and C. tuberosa (family
Fumariaceae) and Dicentra canadensis (family Papaveraceae); blocks
the effects of dopamine on peripheral dopamine receptors.
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Bulbocavernosus reflex
A sharp contraction of the bulbocavernosus and ischiocavernosus
muscles when the glans penis is suddenly compressed or tapped.
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Bulboid
Bulb-shaped.
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Bulbomimic reflex
In a case of coma from severe apoplexy, pressure on the eyeballs
causes contraction of the facial muscles of expression on the side
opposite to the lesion; if coma results from diabetes, uremia, or
other toxic cause, the reflex is present on both sides.
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Bulbonuclear
Relating to the nuclei in the medulla oblongata.
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Bulbopontine
Relating to the rostral part of the rhombencephalon composed of the
pons and overlying tegmentum.
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Bulboreticulospinal tract
A tract that originates from the gigantocellular reticular nucleus
of the medulla, descends primarily as an uncrossed tract, and
terminates mainly in spinal laminae VII and VIII.
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Bulbospinal
Relating to the medulla oblongata and spinal cord, particularly to
nerve fibers interconnecting the two.
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Bulbospongiosus
Perineal muscle; in the male: origin, the perineal membrane fascia
on the dorsum of the bulb of the penis; insertion, central tendon
of the perineum and the median raphe on the free surface of the
bulb; action, voluntarily constricts bulbous urethra when
attempting to expel last drops after urination, or spasmodically
with, and after, ejaculation to expel semen. In the female: origin,
the dorsum of the clitoris, the corpus cavernosum, and the perineal
membrane; insertion, central tendon of the perineum; action, acts
as a weak sphincter of the vagina; when developed, is a part of
"cross-member musculature" of pelvic floor that resists prolapse of
pelvic viscera; surrounds and compresses greater vestibular gland,
especially during erection of bulb of vestibule, expressing
secretion. Nerve supply, pudendal (deep perineal branch).
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Bulbourethral
Relating to the bulbus penis and the urethra.
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Bulbourethral gland
One of two small compound racemose glands, which produce a mucoid
secretion, lying side by side along the membranous urethra just
above the bulb of the penis; they discharge through a small duct
into the spongy part of the urethra.
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Bulbous bougie
A bougie with a bulb-shaped tip, some are shaped like an acorn or
an olive.
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Bulboventricular loop
The portion of the U-shaped embryonic cardiac tube that evolves
into the ventricle and bulbus cordis.
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Bulboventricular ridge
An elevation on the inner surface of the embryonic heart at 4-5
weeks; it indicates the division between the developing ventricles
and the bulbus cordis.
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Bulbus cordis
A transitory dilation in the embryonic heart where the arterial
trunk joins the ventral roots of the aortic arches.
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Bulesis
The will; a willing.
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Bulimia
An eating disorder characterized by periods of binge eating and
purging.
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Bulimia nervosa
An eating disorder characterized by periods of binge eating.
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Bulimic
Relating to, or suffering from, bulimia nervosa.
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Bulinus
A genus and subgenus of freshwater snails in the family Planorbidae
(subfamily Bulininae), which includes many species that are
intermediate hosts of the human blood fluke, Schistosoma
haematobium, in Africa and the Middle East; divided into two
subgenera, Physopsis and Bulinus, the former being responsible for
transmission of S. haematobium south of the Sahara, the latter
responsible for transmission of this bladder blood fluke in north
Africa and the Middle East. Important species include Bulinus
truncatus and Bulinus forskalii, hosts for human and animal
schistosomes and several domestic animal amphistome flukes.
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Bulk laxative
Increases the volume of feces, producing larger, softer stools.
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Bulkage
Anything (agar) that increases the bulk of material in the
intestine, thereby stimulating peristalsis.
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Bulky disease
Term used for large tumors or lymph nodes; usually more resistant
to conventional therapy.
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Bull neck
A heavy thick neck caused by hypertrophied muscles or enlarged
cervical lymph nodes.
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Bull.
Abbreviation for L. bulliens, bulliat, or bulliant, boiling, let
boil.
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Bulla
Plural: bullae. A large blister or vesicle appearing as a
circumscribed area of separation of the epidermis from the
subepidermal structure or as a circumscribed area of separation of
epidermal cells caused by the presence of serum, sometimes mixed
with blood.
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Bulldog forceps
A soft-bladed forceps for occluding a blood vessel.
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Bullectomy
Resection of a bulla; helpful in treating some forms of bullous
emphysema, in which giant bullae compress functioning lung tissue.
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Bullet bubo
A hard, painless swelling of a gland in the groin, accompanying a
chancre.
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Bullet forceps
A forceps with thin curved blades with serrated grasping surfaces,
for extracting a bullet from tissues.
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Bullous
Relating to, of the nature of, or marked by, bullae.
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Bullous congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma
Diffusely red, eroded skin at birth, with subsequent scaling,
tending to improve in later life, characterized by generalized
epidermolytic hyperkeratosis and autosomal dominant inheritance.
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Bullous edema
A reddened, swollen appearance of the ureteral orifice in the
bladder wall, frequently observed with distal ureteral calculi or
in tuberculosis of the ureter.
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Bullous edema vesicae
A prominent area of focal edema involving the bladder epithelium,
consisting of elevated masses of edematous tissue or clusters of
clear fluid-filled vesicles; often associated with chronic
inflammation or irritation secondary to tubes, foreign bodies, or
perivesical inflammation.
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Bullous emphysema
Emphysema in which the enlarged airspaces are 1 to several cm in
diameter, often visible on chest radiographs. Thin-walled air sacs,
under tension, compress pulmonary tissue, either single or
multiple; sometimes amenable to surgical resection with improvement
in pulmonary function.
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Bullous impetigo of newborn
Usually, widely disseminated bullous lesions appearing soon after
birth, caused by infection with Staphylococcus aureus.
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Bullous keratopathy
Edema of the corneal stroma and epithelium; occurs in Fuchs
endothelial dystrophy, advanced glaucoma, iridocyclitis, and
sometimes after intraocular lens implantation.
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Bullous myringitis
Painful inflammation of the tympanic membrane accompanied by
bullae.
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Bullous pemphigoid
A chronic, generally benign disease, most commonly of old age,
characterized by tense nonacantholytic bullae in which serum
antibodies are localized to hemidesmosomal components of the
epidermal basement membrane, causing detachment of the entire
thickness of the epidermis.
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Bull's-eye maculopathy
An ocular condition in which edema or degeneration of the sensory
retina at the posterior pole of the eye causes alternating areas of
light and dark, as in a target; seen in toxic, inflammatory, and
hereditary conditions.
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Bumke pupil
Dilation of the pupil in response to anxiety or other psychic
stimuli.
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BUN
Abbreviation for blood urea nitrogen. The concentration of nitrogen
in the form of urea in the blood, which is used as a measure of
liver or kidney health.
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Bundhi mudra
Hand position for communication.
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Bundle
A structure composed of a group of fibers, muscular or nervous; a
fasciculus.
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Bundle bone
Immature bone containing thick bundles of collagen fibers arranged
nearly parallel to one another with osteocytes in between; a
similar type of bone is found in regions penetrated by fibers of
Sharpey, as at ligament and tendon attachments.
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Bundle-branch block
Intraventricular block due to interruption of conduction in one of
the two main branches of the atrioventricular bundle and manifested
in the electrocardiogram by marked prolongation of the QRS complex;
block of each branch has distinctive QRS morphology.
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Bungarotoxins
Constituent proteins of the venom of the southern Asian banded
krait Bungarus multicinctus, a snake of the Elapidae family.
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Bunina body
Small eosinophilic neuronal inclusion, typically between 2 and 5
mcm, often arranged in beaded chains, seen commonly, but not only,
in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Bunion
A thickened lump at the base of the big toe. It causes the big toe
to move toward the smaller toes and makes walking difficult.
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Bunionectomy
Excision of a bunion.
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Bunionette
Enlargement of the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint.
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Bunnell suture
A method of tenorrhaphy using a pull-out wire affixed to buttons.
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Bunodont
Having molar teeth with rounded or low conic cusps, in contrast to
lophodont.
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Bunolophodont
Having molar teeth with transverse ridges and rounded cusps on the
occlusal surface.
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Bunoselenodont
Having molar teeth with crescentic ridges and rounded cusps on the
occlusal surface.
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Bunostomum
A genus of hookworms (family Ancylostomatidae, subfamily
Necatorinae) found in cattle and other herbivores; similar to
Necator.
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Bunostomum phlebotomum
A species that occurs in cattle, sheep, and some wild ruminants in
many parts of the world.
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Bunostomum trigonocephalum
A cosmopolitan hookworm species in the small intestines of sheep
and goats.
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Bunsen burner
A gas lamp supplied with lateral openings admitting sufficient air
so that the carbon is completely burned, thus giving a very hot but
only slightly luminous flame.
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Bunsen solubility coefficient (α)
The milliliters of gas at STPD dissolved per milliliter of liquid
and per atmosphere (760 mm Hg) partial pressure of the gas at any
given temperature.
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Bunsen-Roscoe law
In two photochemical reactions, the darkening of a photographic
plate or film, if the products of the intensity of illumination and
the time of exposure are equal, the quantities of chemical material
undergoing change will also be equal; the retina for short periods
of exposure obeys this law.
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Bunyamwera fever
A febrile illness of humans in Africa caused by the Bunyamwera
virus (family Bunyaviridae) and transmitted by culicine mosquitoes.
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Bunyamwera virus
A serologic group of the genus Bunyavirus, composed of over 150
virus types in the family Bunyaviridae.
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Bunyaviridae
A family of arboviruses composed of more than 200 virus serotypes
and containing at least five genera: Bunyavirus, Hantavirus,
Phlebovirus, Nairovirus, and Tospovirus. Virions in all genera
except Hantavirus replicate in arthropods. Virions are 80-120 nm in
diameter, sensitive to lipid solvents and detergents, and enveloped
with glycopolypeptide surface projections; the nucleocapsid is of
helical symmetry containing three molecules of single-stranded RNA
(MW 5-8 × 106).
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Bunyavirus
A virus in the genus of the family Bunyaviridae that includes at
least 160 types, California encephalitis virus and LaCrosse
encephalitis virus.
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Bunyavirus encephalitis
Encephalitis of abrupt onset, with severe frontal headache and
low-grade to moderate fever, caused by members of the genus
Bunyavirus (Bunyaviridae family); infections also occur in rodents,
lagomorphs, and domestic animals.
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Buoyant density
The density that allows a substance to float in some standard
fluid.
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Buphthalmia
An affliction of infancy, marked by an increase of intraocular
pressure with enlargement of the eyeball.
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Bupropion
A substance that is used to treat depression and to help people
quit smoking. It belongs to the family of drugs called
antidepressants.
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Bur
1. A rotary cutting instrument. 2. In ophthalmology, a device used
to remove rust rings embedded in the cornea.
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Burette
A graduated glass tube with a tap as its lower end; used for
measuring liquids in volumetric chemical analyses.
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Burger triangle
A scalene triangle representing the frontal plane
electrocardiographic leads comparable to, but more accurate than,
the Einthoven triangle.
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Burger-Grutz disease
Obsolete term for idiopathic hyperlipemia.
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Burgundy pitch
A resinous exudation from the spruce fir or Norway spruce, Picea
excelsa; has been used as a counterirritant in the form of a
plaster.
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Burholderia pseudomallei
A species found in cases of melioidosis in humans and other animals
and in soil and water in tropical regions. New name for Pseudomonas
pseudomallei.
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Buried flap
Denoting either (1) a flap denuded of surface epithelium and
permanently transferred into the subcutaneous tissues; or (2) a
flap temporarily placed beneath the skin in a staged reconstruction
until it is retrieved and formally inset.
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Buried penis
Normal penis obscured by suprapubic fat.
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Buried suture
Any suture placed entirely below the surface of the skin.
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Burkholderia
A genus of motile, non-spore-forming gram-negative rods, containing
significant species of human pathogens formerly classified as
members of the genus Pseudomonas.
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Burkholderia cepacia
A bacterial species found in rotted onions and in clinical
specimens; commonly found in respiratory secretions in patients
with cystic fibrosis, it is frequently resistant to many
antibiotics.
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Burkholderia mallei
A bacterial species infectious to horses and donkeys, causing
glanders and farcy.
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Burkitt lymphoma
A lymph gland tumor classified as a non-Hodgkin's type of lymphoma.
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Burkitt's leukemia
A rare, fast-growing cancer of the blood. Also called B cell acute
lymphocytic leukemia or B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
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Burlew wheel
An abrasive-impregnated, knife-edged rubber polishing wheel used in
dentistry.
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Burn
Injuries to the skin caused by exposure to heat, chemicals,
radiation, chemicals, or friction.
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Burn and Rand theory
Posits that stimulation of sympathetic fibers results first in the
production of acetylcholine in the postganglionic nerve endings,
which then release norepinephrine to act on the active site of the
effector cell.
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Burner
Jiao. The upper burner is the area of body above the diaphragm, and
includes the heart, lungs, and head. The middle burner which
relates to digestion, lies between the navel and the diaphragm and
includes the stomach, spleen, liver, and gallbladder. The lower
burners is the area below the navel, and includes the kidneys and
bladder, intestines, reproductive organs, and the liver and
gallbladder channels.
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Burner syndrome
Multiple episodes of upper extremity burning pain, sometimes
accompanied by shoulder girdle weakness, experienced during contact
sports, especially football, with each forceful blow to the head or
shoulder; attributed to an upper trunk brachial plexopathy.
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Burners
Brief episodes of upper extremity burning, dysesthesias, and
weakness experienced mainly by young male athletes engaged in
contact sports (football and wrestling); due to transient injury to
the upper trunk of the brachial plexus caused by abrupt, forceful
depression of the shoulder.
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Burning drops sign
In certain cases of perforated gastric ulcer, a sensation of drops
of hot liquid falling into the abdominal cavity or as of a stream
of intensely hot liquid being poured into the cavity.
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Burning foot syndrome
A disorder observed in prisoners of war during World War II, now
thought to be due to a pantothenate deficiency.
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Burning mouth syndrome
A condition in which a person experiences ongoing moderate to
severe pain in the mouth and/or tongue.
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Burning tongue
A condition characterized by a burning sensation of the tongue.
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Burning tongue syndrome
An idiopathic syndrome of pain in the tongue without apparent
lesions, often associated with ageusia; more common in elderly
women.
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Burning vulva syndrome
Persistent vulvodynia in which a physical cause has not been
identified.
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Burnisher
An instrument for smoothing and polishing the surface or edge of a
dental restoration.
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Burnout
1. In dentistry, the elimination, by heat, of an invested pattern
from a set investment to prepare the mold to receive casting metal.
2. A psychological state of physical and emotional exhaustion
thought to be a stress reaction to a reduced ability to meet the
demands of one's occupation; symptoms include fatigue, insomnia,
impaired work performance, and an increased suscepibility to
physical illness and substance abuse.
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Burow solution
A preparation of aluminium subacetate and glacial acetic acid, used
for its antiseptic and astringent action on the skin.
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Burow triangle
A wedge of skin and subcutaneous fat excised, usually at the end of
a closed wound and created by flap transfer or advancement, so that
a smooth repair can be obtained.
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Burow vein
1. An occasional vein passing from the inferior epigastric,
sometimes receiving a tributary from the urinary bladder, which
empties into the portal vein. 2. One of the renal veins.
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Burpirone hydrochloride
Azaspirodecanedione; antianxiety agent used to manage anxiety
disorders or for short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety.
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Burr cell
A crenated red blood cell.
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Burr hole
A small opening in the skull made with a surgical drill.
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Burrow
1. A subcutaneous tunnel or tract made by a parasite (scabies
mite). 2. A sinus or fistula. 3. (Rare) To undermine or create a
tunnel or tract through or beneath various tissue planes.
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Bursa
A sac or pouch that contains a special fluid that lubricates
joints.
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Bursa fabricii
The bursa of Fabricius in poultry, a blind saclike structure
located on the posterodorsal wall of the cloaca; it performs a
thymuslike function.
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Bursa of extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle
The bursa between the tendon of the extensor carpi radialis brevis
and the base of the third metacarpal.
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Bursa of great toe
The bursa between the lateral side of the posterior base of the
first metatarsal bone and the medial side of the shaft of the
second metatarsal.
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Bursa of piriformis
A small bursa located between the tendons of the piriformis and
superior gemellus and the femur.
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Bursa of tendo calcaneus
Bursa between the tendo calcaneus and the superior part of the
posterior surface of the calcaneum.
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Bursa of tensor veli palatini
A small bursa located where the tendon of the tensor passes around
the pterygoid hamulus.
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Bursa quadrati femoris
Between the anterior aspect of the quadratus femoris muscle and the
lesser trochanter of the femur.
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Bursae of lower limb
All the bursae occurring within the lower limb, collectively.
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Bursal
Relating to a bursa.
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Bursal abscess
Suppuration within a bursa.
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Bursal cyst
A retention cyst in a bursa.
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Bursectomy
Surgical removal of a bursa.
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Bursitis
Inflammation of a bursa.
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Bursolith
A calculus formed in a bursa.
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Bursopathy
Any disease of a bursa.
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Bursotomy
Incision through the wall of a bursa.
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Burst
A sudden increase in activity.
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Burst forming unit-erythrocyte cell
A population of bone marrow-residing progenitor cells derived from
CFU-S cells, responsible for the formation of erythrocytes; they
require low concentrations of erythropoietin to undergo a "burst"
of mitotic activity to form a very large number of CFU-Es.
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Burst size
The number of phages produced by an infected cell.
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Bursula
A small pouch or bag.
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Bursula testium
Archaic term for scrotum.
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Burton line
A bluish line on the free border of the gingiva, occurring in lead
poisoning.
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Buruli ulcer
An ulcer of the skin, with widespread necrosis of subcutaneous fat,
due to infection with Mycobacterium ulcerans; occurs in Uganda in
persons living on the Nile river banks.
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BUS
Abbreviation for Bartholin glands, urethra, Skene glands.
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Busacca nodules
Inflammatory, granulomatous nodules located away from the pupillary
margin of the iris.
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Buserelin
An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called
gonadotropin-releasing hormones. In prostate cancer therapy,
buserelin blocks the production of testosterone in the testicles.
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Business Qigong
Use of Qigong to de-stress employees, improve their health, and
increase their productivity.
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Buspirone
A drug that is used to treat certain anxiety disorders. It belongs
to the family of drugs called antianxiety agents.
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Busquet disease
An osteoperiostitis of the metatarsal bones, leading to exostoses
on the dorsum of the foot.
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Busulfan
An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called
alkylating agents.
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Butanoic acid
Systematic name for normal n-butyric acid.
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Butanol
Preferred chemical name for N-butyl alcohol.
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Butanol-extractable iodine
Iodine that can be separated from plasma proteins by butanol or
other extractable solvents; used to measure thyroid function.
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Butanol-extractable iodine test
An obsolete test for thyroid function, applicable in patients who
have received large amounts of iodine or iodized products.
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Butanoyl
The radical of butanoic acid.
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Buthionine sulfoximine
A drug that may help prevent resistance to some anticancer drugs.
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Butopyronoxyl
An insect repellent, effective against the biting stable fly
(Stomoxys calcitrans).
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Butt
1. To bring any two square-ended surfaces in contact so as to form
a joint. 2. In dentistry, to place a restoration directly against
the tissues covering the alveolar ridge.
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Butter
1. A coherent mass of milk fat, obtained by churning or shaking
cream until the separate fat globules run together, leaving a
liquid residue, buttermilk. 2. A soft solid having more or less the
consistency of butter.
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Butter of antimony
A concentrated acid solution of antimony trichloride.
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Butter of tin
Stannic chloride pentahydrate.
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Butter stools
Fatty stools, occurring especially in steatorrhea.
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Butter yellow
A fat-soluble yellow dye (MW 225) that has hepatic carcinogenic
action in experimental animals; used as an indicator of pH (red, at
pH 2.9, yellow at pH 4).
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Butterfly
1. Any structure or apparatus shaped like a butterfly with
outstretched wings. 2. A scaling erythematous lesion on each cheek,
joined by a narrow band across the nose; seen in lupus
erythematosus and seborrheic dermatitis.
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Butterfly fragment
A broad triangular fragment that is commonly present in comminuted
fractures of the diaphysis.
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Butterfly lung
Hemorrhagic markings appearing on an animal's lung after
inoculation with Leptospira interrogans (L. icterohaemorrhagiae).
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Butterfly pattern
Bilateral, symmetric, pulmonary alveolar opacities sparing the
periphery, on chest radiographs; usually caused by pulmonary edema.
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Butterfly vertebra
A hemivertebra or sagittally cleft vertebra that has a butterfly
configuration on frontal radiographs; congenital in origin.
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Buttermilk
The fluid containing casein and lactic acid, left after the process
of making butter.
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Buttocks
The prominence formed by the gluteal muscles of either side.
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Button
A knob-shaped structure, lesion, or device.
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Button suture
A suture in which the threads are passed through the holes of a
button and then tied; used to reduce the danger of the threads
cutting through the flesh.
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Buttonhole
1. A short straight cut made through the wall of a cavity or canal.
2. The contraction of an orifice down to a narrow slit; the
so-called mitral buttonhole in extreme mitral stenosis.
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Buttonhole stenosis
Extreme narrowing, usually of the mitral valve.
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Buttress
A structure placed against the base of another to support or
stabilize it.
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Buttress plate
A metal plate used to support the internal fixation of a fracture
and prevent displacement.
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Butyl
A radical of N-butane.
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Butyl alcohol
Several isomeric forms are known: primary butyl alcohol, 1-butanol,
propylcarbinol, the butyl alcohol of fermentation; isobutyl
alcohol, isopropylcarbinol, 2-methyl-1-propanol, which is narcotic
in high concentrations; secondary butyl alcohol,
ethylmethylcarbinol, 2-butanol; and tertiary butyl alcohol,
trimethylcarbinol, 2-methyl-2-propanol, a denaturant for ethanol.
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Butyl aminobenzoate
A local anesthetic, highly insoluble and only slightly absorbed.
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Butylated hydroxyanisole
Hydroxytoluene propyl gallate, hydroquinone, methionine. An
antioxidant used in foods.
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Butylated hydroxytoluene
Antioxidant for food, animal feed, petroleum products, synthetic
rubbers, plastics, animal and vegetable oils, soap; also an
antiskinning agent in paints and inks.
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Butyraceous
Of a buttery consistency.
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Butyrate
A salt or ester of butyric acid.
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Butyric
Relating to butter.
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Butyric acid
A foul-smelling acid occurring in butter, cod liver oil, sweat, and
many other substances. It exists in two forms: normal butyric acid
(also written as N-butyric acid), butanoic acid, which occurs in
combination with glycerol in cow's butter; and isobutyric acid,
2-methylpropanoic acid, one of the intermediates in valine
catabolism, found in combination with glycerol in croton oil and
elsewhere.
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Butyrocholinesterase
Pseudocholinesterase or plasma cholinesterase.
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Butyroid
1. Buttery. 2. Resembling butter.
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Butyrometer
An instrument for determining the amount of butterfat in milk.
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Butyrous
Denoting a tissue or bacterial growth of butterlike consistency.
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Butyryl-CoA
Condensation product of coenzyme A and n-butanoic acid; an
intermediate in fatty acid degradation and in biosynthesis.
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Buzzard maneuver
Testing the patellar reflex while the sitting patient makes firm
pressure on the floor with the toes.
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BVMS
Abbreviation for Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery.
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Bwamba fever
A febrile illness of humans in Africa caused by a virus of the
family Bunyaviridae and transmitted by mosquitoes.
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Bwamba virus
A species of Bunyavirus in the family Bunyaviridae; associated with
cases of Bwamba fever in Uganda.
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Bx
Abbreviation for biopsy.
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Byars flap
Skin flap made of dorsal prepuce to resurface the ventral penis in
people with chordee or hypospadias.
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Byler disease
Progressive intrahepatic cholestasis, with early onset of loose,
foul-smelling stools, jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly, dwarfism, and
occasionally death; due to an error in conjugated bile salt
metabolism; autosomal recessive inheritance, caused by mutation in
the familial intrahepatic cholestasis 1 gene (FIC1) on chromosome
18q.
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Bypass
A surgical procedure in which the doctor creates a new pathway for
the flow of body fluids.
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By-product material
Radioactive material produced by nuclear fission or by neutron
irradiation in a nuclear reactor or similar device.
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Byssinosis
Obstructive airway disease in people who work with unprocessed
cotton, flax, or hemp; caused by reaction to material in the dust
and thought to include endotoxin from bacterial contamination.
Sometimes called "Monday morning asthma" given that patients
improve when away from work over the weekend.
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Bystander lysis
Complement-mediated lysis of nearby cells in the vicinity of a
complement activation site.
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Byte
A group of adjacent bits, commonly 4, 6, or 8, operating as a unit
for the storage and manipulation of data in a computer.
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Byzantine arch palate
Incomplete fusion of the palatal process with the nasal spine.
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