Category: B

  • Bremsstrahlung radiation

    Diagnostic radiation produced at the target of the anode in an x-ray tube. An electron is accelerated at high speed from the x-ray tube cathode filament. It interacts with the nuclear field of a target atom, changing direction and losing energy that is emitted in the form of an ionizing radiation photon. The result is…

  • Background radiation

    Total radioactivity from cosmic rays, natural radioactive materials, and other radiation that is present in a specific area. Total radioactivity that may be in a particular area from cosmic rays, natural materials and other radiation sources. High-energy radiation that comes from natural sources. The emanation of radiation in the natural surroundings of human beings encompasses…

  • Blue pus

    Purulence with a blue tint; usually associated with infection due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa.  

  • Bumke’s pupil

    Dilatation of the pupil owing to psychic stimulus.  

  • Bounding pupil

    Rapid dilatation of a pupil, alternating with contraction.  

  • Blood pump

    A device for pumping blood. It is attached to an extracorporeal circulation system.  

  • Brachial pulse

    A pulse felt in the brachial artery.  

  • Bounding pulse

    A pulse that reaches a higher intensity than normal, then disappears quickly. Best detected when the arm is held aloft.  

  • Bisferiens pulse

    A pulse marked by two systolic peaks on the pulse waveform. It is characteristic of aortic regurgitation (with or without aortic stenosis) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.  

  • Bigeminal pulse

    A pulse in which two regular beats are followed by a longer pause. A pulse where the beats come in pairs, with a longer pause after every second beat.