B cell

A type of immune cell, responsible for making antibodies.

bacteraemia

(back-ter-ree-me-uh)

The presence of bacteria in the blood.

bacteria

(back-tear-ree-uh)

Single-celled micro-organisms.

baseline

(baes-line)

Starting point or value.

basophil

(bay-so-fill)

A type of white blood cell, also called a granular leukocyte, filled with granules of toxic chemicals, that can digest micro-organisms. Basophils are responsible for some of the symptoms of an allergy.

bd

Abbreviation of a Latin term meaning twice daily.

bid

Abbreviation of a Latin term meaning twice daily.

bile

A fluid produced by the liver. Partly a secretion of waste products and partly aids digestion by breaking down fats and assisting the absorption of nutrients.

bilirubin

(bill-i-roo-bin)

A chemical released by the liver as a result of damage caused by infection or drugs. Levels are assessed in the diagnosis of liver problems.

bioavailability

(by-o-a-vale-a-bill-i-tea)

How much of a drug is absorbed into the bloodstream.

biopsy

(by-op-see)

A small sample of tissue that can be examined for signs of disease.

blood-brain barrier

(blud-brayn ba-ree-uh)

The name for the body's defence system which makes it hard for many substances in the blood to get into the central nervous system.

bone marrow

Cells in the middle of bones which are responsible for producing blood cells.

bronchoscopy

(bron-kos-cop-ee)

A medical procedure using a flexible fibre-optic tube that enables examination and biopsy of the lungs.

buffalo hump

Fat accumulation on the back of the neck and shoulders associated with hormonal changes and lipodystrophy.