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biopsy
Removal and exam of a tissue sample taken from a living body. This procedure helps determine if the tissue is…
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bipolar affective disorder
A psychiatric disorder in which the affected person has both depressed and happy, energetic (manic) episodes. This is a newer…
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blackhead
A dark-topped plug of fatty material in the opening of a hair follicle. The color is the result of exposure…
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blackout
1. Short-term loss of vision and consciousness. 2. In an alcoholic person, loss of memory for a period of…
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bladder
The organ that temporarily stores a substance. Commonly used in reference to the urinary bladder, which holds urine until it’s…
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blepharitis
Inflammation of the eyelid.
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blepharoplasty
Plastic surgery on the eyelid.
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blindness
Loss of vision. Legally, visual acuity less than 20/200 with glasses.
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blister
Buildup of watery or bloody fluid under the skin.
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blood
The fluid circulating through the heart, arteries and veins. Blood is responsible for transporting oxygen to body tissues, carrying waste…
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blood poisoning
Infection within the circulatory system. A potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt treatment.
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blood pressure
The pressure exerted by the blood against the walls of the blood vessels.
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boil
A skin infection characterized by a localized buildup of pus.
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bone marrow
The tissue within the cavity of the bones where new blood cells are made.
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Borrelia
A class of disease-causing bacteria that includes the organisms that cause relapsing fever and Lyme disease.
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botulism
An extremely dangerous form of food poisoning caused by the toxin of Clostridium botulinum.
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bovine
Having to do with cattle. For example, bovine insulin is insulin obtained from cattle.
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bowel
The tube involved in digestion and extending from the stomach to the anus. Consists of the small intestine and the…
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Bowen's disease
A precancerous skin condition that first appears as psoriasis-like scaling.
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bowleg
A deformity of the legs in which the space between the knees is greater than normal.
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brace
A device used to support a body part, correct or prevent deformities, or control movement.