Glossary
B
blindness
The inability to see light.
blistering
The process in which the body forms blisters. When the top layer of skin is damaged a blister, a small sac of liquid, forms to protect the soft tissue underneath.
blood (animal material)
Fluid that circulates in the principal vascular system of vertebrate animals. W.
blood clotting
Where the blood changes within the body from a liquid to a solid state and produces a mass of clotted blood which can restrict blood flow.
blood donation
The donation of blood for the purposes of transfusion or testing.
blood glucose meter
A machine that tests the level of glucose in the blood. Blood is deposited on a special strip which is then inserted into the machine to give a reading.
blood letting needle
Needle used in Oriential Medicine for the process of blood letting
blood poisoning
The damage caused from absorbing harmful bacteria and toxins from the bloodstream.
blood pressure
The pressure at which blood is pumped around the body, closely related to the heart rate.
blood sample card
used to collect blood samples for storage purposes
blood transfusion
An injection of healthy, donated blood into a patient to raise his or her number of red blood cells. The blood is matched according to type (A, B, O, AB).
bloodletting
Puncturing a vein in order to withdraw blood. A popular medical practice for over two thousand years. Bloodletting often involved withdrawing large quantities of blood in the belief that this would cure or prevent many illnesses and diseases. The practice has been abandoned for all but a few very specific conditions.
BMI
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a way of working out if a person is over or under weight. It is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in metres. The resulting number is then divided by height in metres again. Currently it is suggested that a healthy BMI lies between 18.5 and 25.
body lice
A small insect that attaches to the clothes and hair of humans. They thrive in unhygienic conditions and can transmit disease.
bone
The very hard and dense connective tissues that join to form the skeleton. Made of collagen fibres and bone salts.
bone forceps
forceps used to seize or remove fragments of bone
bone plate
plates used to bridge fracture sites
bone reamer
A rotating finishing or drilling tool used to shape or enlarge a hole.
bone saw
Special type of surgical saw for cutting through bone
booklet
Small book consisting of a few sheets that are glued, stitched or stapled together between thin card or paper covers.