Glossary

Category: B

  • Blister

    Blister

    Thin vesicle on the skin containing serum and caused by rubbing, friction or burn. A swelling on the skin containing serum from the blood, caused by rubbing, burning or a disease such as chickenpox. Vesicle filled with serum; collection of fluid below the skin, usually resulting from a bum. A collection of fluid under the…

  • Blepharitis

    Blepharitis

    Inflammation of the eyelids, characterized by redness, swelling, and dried crusts of mucus and caused by infection, allergic reaction, or other factors. Inflammation of the edges of the eyelids. The eyelids look sticky, crusty, and reddened, with scales that cling to the bases of the lashes. The eye may feel gritty when blinking and itch…

  • Blennorrhea

    Inordinate discharge of mucus, especially a gonorrheal discharge from the urethra or vagina. A profuse watery discharge from the urethra. This, like blenorrhagia, is associated with either prostatitis or urethritis, and is cleared by the usual measures undertaken in the treatment of these conditions. Any discharge from mucous membranes.  

  • Blennorrhagia

    Gonorrhea. A copious discharge of mucus, particularly from the urethra. This usually accompanies urethritis and sometimes acute prostatitis. Treatment is directed to clearing the underlying causative organism by antibiotic administration. An abundant mucus secretion from any part of the body, especially the excessive pus-like discharge associated with gonorrhea from the penis or vagina, is also…

  • Bleeding diathesis

    Is an unusual susceptibility to bleeding (hemorrhage) due to a defect in the system of coagulation.  

  • Blebbing

    Bulging e.g. membrane blebbing also called membrane bulging or ballooning.  

  • Blastocystotoxic

    Agent that suppresses further development of the blastocyst through to the ovum stage.  

  • Blastocyst

    Blastocyst is an embryonic structure formed in the early embryogenesis of mammals after the formation of the morula, but before implantation. The fertilized egg in an early stage of cell division when the cells form a hollow sphere. An early stage in the development of an embryo. Embryonic stage, following the morula stage in human…

  • Bitter

    Bitter

    A medicinal agent with a bitter taste and used as a tonic, alterative or appetizer. Bitter taste stimulates flow of saliva and digestive juices, increasing appetite. A basic taste response, usually harsh and acrid. A tonic made with herbs or roots and usually blended with alcohol. Stimulates secretions of saliva and digestive juices, increasing appetite.…

  • Biotin

    Also known as vitamin B7. A vitamin, sometimes known as vitamin H, required for the synthesis of fatty acids and glucose, among other reactions, and in the control of gene expression and cell division. Optional on nutrition label unless added as a nutrient supplement. Biotin is part of the B-vitamin complex. It helps regulate the…