Dictionary

biomarker A biologic feature that can be used to measure the presence or progress of disease or the effects of treatment. For example, prostate specific antigen (PSA) is a biomarker for cancer of the prostate.

biological therapy Treatment to stimulate or restore the ability of the immune system to fight infection and disease. Biological therapy is thus any form of treatment that uses the body’s natural abilities to cause the immune system to fight infection, treat disease, or to protect the body from side effects of treatment. For example, biological…

biological response modifier A substance that stimulates the body’s response to infection and disease. Abbreviated BRM. The body naturally produces small amounts of certain BRMs. Some BRMs are made in the laboratory in large amounts for use in treating cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, hepatitis, and other diseases. BRMs used in biological therapy include monoclonal…

biologic evolution A process mediated by genes that shows a slow rate of change and uses mutations and selection as agents of change. New variants in biologic evolution are often harmful, and when these new variants are transmitted from parents to offspring, this occurs according to classical genetics. Humans require cultural as well as biological…

biofeedback A method of treatment that uses a monitor to measure patients’ physiologic information of which they are normally unaware. By watching a monitor, patients can learn by trial and error to adjust their thinking and other mental processes in order to control “involuntary” bodily processes such as blood pressure, temperature, gastrointestinal functioning, and brain…

bio- Prefix indicating living plants or creatures, as in biology (the study of living organisms).

binocular vision The ability to maintain visual focus on an object with both eyes, creating a single visual image. Lack of binocular vision is normal in infants. Adults without binocular vision experience distortions in depth perception and visual measurement of distance.

binge eating disorder An eating disorder characterized by periods of extreme overeating, but not followed by purging behaviors, as in bulimia. Binge eating disorder can occur alone or in association with abnormality of the brain’s hypothalamus gland, Prader-Willi disorder, or other medical conditions. It can contribute to high blood pressure, weight gain, diabetes, and heart…

binge drinking The dangerous practice of consuming large quantities of alcoholic beverages in a single session. Binge drinking carries a serious risk of harm, including alcohol poisoning. See also alcohol poisoning.

binaural Relating to both ears. While hearing aids may be binaural (in both ears) or monaural (in just one ear), binaural aids are generally considered to be superior. Synonymous with stereophonic.

bilirubin A yellow-orange compound that is produced by the breakdown of hemoglobin from red blood cells.

biliary sludge Microscopic particulate matter in bile. The composition of biliary sludge varies. The most common particulate components are cholesterol crystals and calcium salts. Biliary sludge has been associated with certain conditions, including rapid weight loss, fasting, pregnancy, the use of certain medications (for example, ceftriaxone, octreotide), and bone marrow or solid organ transplantation. However,…