Dictionary

beta error The statistical error (said to be “of the second kind,” or type II) that is made in testing when it is concluded that something is negative when it really is positive. Also known as false negative.

beta cell, pancreatic A cell that makes insulin and is found in the areas of the pancreas called the islets of Langerhans. Destruction of beta cells causes type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus. See also diabetes mellitus.

beta blocker A class of drugs that block the effect of beta-adrenergic substances such as adrenaline (epinephrine), that play a key role in the sympathetic portion of the involuntary nervous system. By blocking the action of the sympathetic nervous system on the heart, they slow the heartbeat and relieve stress on the heart. Beta blockers…

Bernstein test A test to find out if heartburn is caused by acid in the esophagus, and so to diagnose GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). The test involves dripping a mild acid, similar to stomach acid, through a tube placed in the esophagus. Also known as esophageal acid infusion test.

beriberi Inflammation of multiple nerves (polyneuritis), heart disease (cardiopathy), and edema (swelling) due to a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1) in the diet.

bereavement The period after a loss during which grief is experienced and mourning occurs. The duration of bereavement depends on both how attached the person was to the person (or pet) who died, and the amount of preparation time anticipating the loss.

benign rolandic epilepsy of childhood See epilepsy, benign rolandic.

benign prostatic hyperplasia A common, noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. The enlarged prostate may compress the urinary tube (urethra), which courses through the center of the prostate, impeding the flow of urine from the bladder through the urethra to the outside. Abbreviated BPH. If BPH is severe enough, complete blockage can occur. BPH generally…

benign partial epilepsy with centro-temporal spikes See epilepsy, benign rolandic.

benign intracranial hypertension See pseudotumor cerebri.

benign Not malignant. A benign tumor is one that does not invade surrounding tissue or spread to other parts of the body; it is not a cancer.

Bernard-Soulier syndrome A disorder in which the platelets crucial to normal blood clotting lack the ability to adequately stick to injured blood vessel walls, leading to abnormal bleeding. Bernard-Soulier syndrome usually appears in the newborn period, infancy, or early childhood, with bruises, nosebleeds, and gum bleeding. BernardSoulier syndrome is an inherited disease, transmitted as an…