Use the A-Z list to browse more than 6,000 health-related topics in our library. Clicking on a term opens the definition and, in most cases, links to more information.
A sealed chamber that measures air pressure to estimate body volume. Sensors estimate the amount of air displaced as a person sits in the sealed chamber.
The chemical make up or physical structure of the body. Commonly referred to as the scope of fat, muscle, bone and other tissues in the body. More Information on Body Composition: Weight & Obesity Basics
A measure used to determine obesity. BMI is weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared (wt/ht2). Patients with a BMI of greater than 25 are considered overweight while 30 or greater is considered obese. More Information on Body Composition Test: Weight & Obesity Basics
"Body Contouring" is more commonly referred to as "Liposuction" in the medical community. Liposuction
Also Known As: "Tumescent Liposuction"
Removal of excess body fat by suction with specialized surgical equipment. It is typically performed by a plastic surgeon and includes variations such as tumescent liposuction, the super-wet technique and ultrasound-assisted liposuction. More Information on Liposuction: Skin & Aging
Excessive preoccupation with a real or imagined defect in one's physical appearance. People with this condition have a distorted view of their body even when others reassure them that they look normal. More Information on Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Self Esteem & Motivation
The chemical make up or physical structure of the body. Commonly referred to as the scope of fat, muscle, bone and other tissues in the body. More Information on Body Fat Composition: Weight & Obesity Basics
The way a person perceives themselves, physically. It often changes with age and as body weight and body form change. More Information on Body Image: Self Esteem & Motivation
"Body Lice" is more commonly referred to as "Lice" in the medical community. Lice
Also Known As: "Pediculosis, Pediculus Corporis Infestation, Pediculus Infestation"
Tiny parasitic insects known as Pediculus humanus corporis that spread through close contact with other people. The three types are head lice, body lice and pubic lice. More Information on Lice: Parasitic Disease
Also Known As: "BMI Index, BMI, Body Composition Test"
A measure used to determine obesity. BMI is weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared (wt/ht2). Patients with a BMI of greater than 25 are considered overweight while 30 or greater is considered obese. More Information on Body Mass Index: Weight & Obesity Basics
"Body Plethysmogram" is more commonly referred to as "Plethysmogram" in the medical community. Plethysmogram
Also Known As: "Impedance Plethysmogram, Oculoplethysmogram"
A noninvasive test widely used to measure the blood flow in the veins of the arms or legs, in order to detect and assess the presence of any blockages. More Information on Plethysmogram: Vascular Disease
A test that measures the amount of gas left in the lungs at the end of a normal exhalation. Plethysmography often is used with a bronchoprovocation test because it can detect very subtle changes in the airways. More Information on Body Plethysmography: Lung Tests
The spontaneous rupture of the esophagus, generally associated with violent vomiting, excessive straining, childbirth or a blunt blow to the chest or abdomen More Information on Boerhaave Syndrome: Digestive Health Basics
Refers to a large quantity. The term may used to describe a dose of medication given at a single time or a soft mass of chewed food within the digestive system.
The formation of strong attachments between parents and their children. It is important for the mental, emotional and social development of infants. More Information on Bonding: Newborn Care
"Bone Age" is more commonly referred to as "Skeletal Maturity" in the medical community. Skeletal Maturity
Age at which a teen's growth spurt begins to slow to its adult rate. Girls reach skeletal maturity at about age 16.5 and boys by age 18. More Information on Skeletal Maturity: Puberty & Sexual Maturity
Abnormal growth of cells within the bone that are malignant (cancerous). Types include osteosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma (one of Ewing's family of tumors) and chondrosarcoma. Abnormal bone growths may also be benign (noncancerous). More Information on Bone Cancers: Leukemia & Bone Cancer
Also Known As: "Radiographic Absorptiometry, DEXA Scan, Dual Energy X Ray Absorptiometry Scan, Absorptiometry, Dual Photon Densitometry"
A method of estimating bone density by the amount of x-ray radiation absorbed by bones and tissues. It is used to diagnosis osteoporosis and related conditions. More Information on Bone Densitometry: Bone Health
Also Known As: "Bone Densitometry, Radiographic Absorptiometry, DEXA Scan, Dual Energy X Ray Absorptiometry Scan, Absorptiometry, Dual Photon Densitometry"
A method of estimating bone density by the amount of x-ray radiation absorbed by bones and tissues. It is used to diagnosis osteoporosis and related conditions. More Information on Bone Density Test: Bone Health
Also Known As: "Regenerative Surgery, Dental Bone Grafts"
Surgery to place new bone into spaces around a broken bone or in between holes and bone defects. New bone is taken from the patient's own healthy bone (autograft) or from frozen, donated bone (allograft). Bone grafts may be used in dental procedures to support implants. More Information on Bone Grafts: Bridges, Dentures & Implants
Promoting bone health involves eating enough calcium and engaging in weight bearing physical activity. These steps build strong bones, optimize bone mass and may reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life. More Information on Bone Health: Bone Health
The soft tissue at the center of bone. Yellow marrow is mostly fat being stored for energy. Red marrow is responsible for producing all types of blood cells (hematopoiesis). It can be donated and transplanted. More Information on Bone Marrow: Leukemia & Bone Cancer
A procedure in which a small amount of bone marrow is removed from the body through a needle to be examined under a microscope. It is usually performed on the hip or breast bone. More Information on Bone Marrow Aspiration: Leukemia & Bone Cancer
Also Known As: "Bone Marrow Biopsy, Bone Marrow Aspiration"
A procedure in which a small amount of bone marrow is removed from the body through a needle to be examined under a microscope. It is usually performed on the hip or breast bone. More Information on Bone Marrow Aspiration & Biopsy: Leukemia & Bone Cancer
A procedure in which a small amount of bone marrow is removed from the body through a needle to be examined under a microscope. It is usually performed on the hip or breast bone. More Information on Bone Marrow Biopsy: Leukemia & Bone Cancer
Cancer that has spread from its original location into bone marrow, the soft tissue at the center of bone responsible for producing blood cells. More Information on Bone Marrow Metastasis: Leukemia & Bone Cancer
The transfusion of healthy bone marrow to replace marrow cells that have been damaged or depleted. It is used in the treatment of leukemia and other forms of cancer. It can use the patient's own marrow (frozen for future use) or that of a donor. More Information on Bone Marrow Transplants: Leukemia & Bone Cancer
Cancer that occurs when cells from an initial tumor break off, travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, settle in the bone and start growing. It is much more common than primary bone cancer, which begins in the bone. More Information on Bone Metastasis: Cancer Basics
Also Known As: "Skeletal Scintigraphy, Radionuclide Bone Scan, Nuclear Bone Scan"
An imaging test that creates images of the bones to identify injured, damaged or diseased areas of the bone. It is performed by injecting a radioactive substance into the body that collects in areas of abnormality. More Information on Bone Scan: Pain Imaging Tests
A threaded metal device inserted into bone to immobilize bones or bone fragments. They also are used to affix other medical devices, such as metal bone plates, to bones.
Surgery to replace lost bone or otherwise modify bone. It is often necessary in the treatment of periodontal disease. More Information on Bone Surgery: Oral Infections
An x-ray of the bones that may be used to check for cancer that has spread from another area of the body (metastasis). More Information on Bone Survey: Cancer Basics
An x-ray of the bones that may be used to check for cancer that has spread from another area of the body (metastasis). More Information on Bone X ray: Cancer Basics
"Borderline Diabetes" is more commonly referred to as "Prediabetes" in the medical community. Prediabetes
Also Known As: "Chemical Diabetes, Impaired Fasting Glucose, Subclinical Diabetes, Impaired Glucose Tolerance, IFG, Latent Diabetes, IGT"
A condition in which glucose (blood sugar) levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to classify the patient as having diabetes. Formerly known as latent, borderline, subclinical or chemical diabetes, it may or may not progress to diabetes. More Information on Prediabetes: Diabetes & Endocrine Basics
A condition in which glucose (blood sugar) levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to classify the patient as having diabetes (formerly known as latent, borderline, subclinical or chemical diabetes). It may or may not progress to diabetes. More Information on Prediabetes & Children: Pediatric Diabetes
A classification of mental ability for people with IQ scores in the range of 71 to 84 who have only slight impairments in everyday living skills. More Information on Borderline Intellectual Functioning: Birth & Genetic Disorders
A classification of mental ability for people with IQ scores in the range of 71 to 84 who have only slight impairments in everyday living skills. More Information on Borderline Mental Retardation: Birth & Genetic Disorders
A condition characterized by impulsivity and instability in mood, self-image and personal relationships. This disorder is diagnosed more often in females than males and may be caused by both psychological and biological factors. More Information on Borderline Personality Disorder: Personality Disorders
"Bordetella Pertussis Infection" is more commonly referred to as "Whooping Cough" in the medical community. Whooping Cough
Also Known As: "Pertussis"
A contagious and dangerous disease characterized by fever, dry cough, running nose and sneezing. Over time, the cough worsens to produce a "whooping" sound and may come with vomiting. It is worse in children than adults and a vaccine is available. More Information on Whooping Cough: Pneumonia & Lung Infection
"Borrelia Burgdorferi Infection" is more commonly referred to as "Lyme Disease" in the medical community. Lyme Disease
Also Known As: "Lyme Carditis"
An infection caused by a deer tick bite. It can be cured by antibiotics if caught early. Left untreated, it can lead to problems with the heart, nervous system and joints (arthritis). More Information on Lyme Disease: Infection & Trauma Pain
Also Known As: "Clostridum Botulinim A Exotoxin, BTX, Botulinum Toxin Type A, Botulinum Exotoxin, Botulinum Toxin"
A substance that is injected into the muscles of the face to minimize the appearance of furrows and lines by causing the muscle to relax. More Information on Botox: Skin & Aging
A substance that is injected into the muscles of the face to minimize the appearance of furrows and lines by causing the muscle to relax. It may also be helpful in the treatment of certain neurological disorders. More Information on Botox & Neurological Conditions: Neuro Drug & Medication
"Bottle Mouth" is more commonly referred to as "Baby Bottle Tooth Decay" in the medical community. Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Also Known As: "Severe Early Childhood Caries, Early Childhood Tooth Decay"
Severe tooth decay in infants and young children. The front upper teeth are usually the first affected. More Information on Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Pediatric Dental
Packaged waters can come from a variety of sources, including natural springs, wells, water purification plants or even municipal water supplies. Some naturally contain low levels of fluoride. Others have fluoride added to it or none at all. More Information on Bottled Water: Water & Hydration
Also Known As: "Clostridum Botulinim A Exotoxin, BTX, Botulinum Toxin, Botulinum Toxin Type A"
A substance that is injected into the muscles of the face to minimize the appearance of furrows and lines by causing the muscle to relax. More Information on Botulinum Exotoxin: Skin & Aging
Also Known As: "Clostridum Botulinim A Exotoxin, BTX, Botulinum Toxin Type A, Botulinum Exotoxin"
A substance that is injected into the muscles of the face to minimize the appearance of furrows and lines by causing the muscle to relax. More Information on Botulinum Toxin: Skin & Aging
Also Known As: "Clostridum Botulinim A Exotoxin, BTX, Botulinum Exotoxin, Botulinum Toxin"
A substance that is injected into the muscles of the face to minimize the appearance of furrows and lines by causing the muscle to relax. More Information on Botulinum Toxin Type A: Skin & Aging
Also Known As: "Clostridium Botulinum, Clostridium Botulinum Infection"
Severe food poisoning caused by a bacterial toxin that may cause muscle weakness and paralysis. More Information on Botulism: Bioterror Related Diseases
"Bourneville's Disease" is more commonly referred to as "Tuberous Sclerosis" in the medical community. Tuberous Sclerosis
A genetic disease that often affects the central nervous system and causes benign tumors to grow in the brain and on other vital organs such as the kidneys, heart, eyes, lungs and skin. There is no cure, but treatments my help. More Information on Tuberous Sclerosis: Pediatric Brain & Nerve
A protein hormone that occurs naturally in the pituitary gland of cattle. It is a factor controlling the amount of milk produced by a dairy cow. It is also found in the milk extracted from a cow.
"Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy" is more commonly referred to as "Mad Cow Disease" in the medical community. Mad Cow Disease
A highly infectious degenerative brain disease that occurs in cattle. People can contract this disease by consuming infected meat, but the condition has a different name when occurring in humans (variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease). More Information on Mad Cow Disease: Encephalopathy
"Bowel Incontinence" is more commonly referred to as "Fecal Incontinence" in the medical community. Fecal Incontinence
Also Known As: "Soiling, Loss of Bowel Control"
Lack of control of bowel (fecal) function. It involves the inability to control the anal sphincter, resulting in the involuntary passage of stool and gas. Causes may be physical or psychological. More Information on Fecal Incontinence: IBS & Bowel Function
Cleaning the colon with enemas and laxatives. It is used before surgery of the colon, colonoscopy or barium enema x-ray. More Information on Bowel Prep: Digestive Treatments
"Bowel Resection" is more commonly referred to as "Colectomy" in the medical community. Colectomy
Also Known As: "Left Hemicolectomy, Open Colectomy, Right Hemicolectomy, Partial Colectomy, Laparoscopic Colectomy, Sigmoid Colectomy, Hemicolectomy"
Surgical removal of all or part of the colon (large intestine). Partial colectomy may also be called hemicolectomy. It may be performed in a open procedure (one large incision) or through laparoscopy (uses a camera and several smaller incisions). More Information on Colectomy: Digestive Treatments
Behavioral programs to establish or re-establish regular bowel control by improving the consistency of the stool and establishing regular times for bowel movements. More Information on Bowel Training: Digestive Treatments
Also Known As: "Precancerous Dermatosis, Precancerous Dermatitis"
A skin condition that may be classified as precancerous or a form of squamous cell carcinoma. It is marked by thickened or patchy areas of the skin, usually on sun-exposed areas, and may result from prolonged exposure to arsenic. More Information on Bowen Disease: Skin Growths
A condition in which the legs bend or curve outward in an abnormal way at or below the knees. It can be the result of malnutrition or conditions such as arthritis. More Information on Bowleg: Arm & Leg Pain
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