Dictionary

bifid Split in two.

bifid uvula See uvula.

big toe sign See Babinski reflex.

beef tapeworm The most common of the large tapeworms that parasitize people. Beef tapeworm can be contracted from infected beef that is raw or rare. Also known as Taenia saginata.

behavior modification The use of rewards and/or punishments to encourage desirable behavior.

behavioral disorder A condition characterized by undesirable behavior that is within the patient’s control (for example, substance abuse and antisocial behavior).

behavioral medicine An interdisciplinary field of research and practice that focuses on how people’s thoughts and behavior affect their health. Behavioral medicine is concerned, for example, with undesirable behaviors such as drug abuse, and utilizes behavior therapy techniques such as biofeedback, relaxation training, and hypnosis.

behaviorism The science of studying and modifying animal or human behavior, often through behavior modification techniques.

Behcet’s syndrome A chronic disease featuring inflammation of small blood vessels and characterized by a triad of features: ulcers in the mouth, ulcers of the genitalia, and inflammation of the eye (uveitis). The mouth ulcers typically present as recurring crops of aphthous ulcers. Arthritis is also commonplace. The cause of Behcet’s syndrome is not known….

belching A normal process of releasing through the mouth air that accumulates in the stomach, thereby relieving distention. Upper abdominal discomfort associated with excessive swallowed air may extend into the lower chest, producing symptoms that suggest heart or lung disease.

Bell’s palsy Paralysis of the nerve that supplies the facial muscles on one side of the face (the seventh cranial nerve, or facial nerve). Bell’s palsy often starts suddenly. The cause may be a viral infection. Treatment includes protecting the eye on the affected side from dryness during sleep. Massage of affected muscles can reduce…

belly See abdomen.