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In-depth Information
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Glossary
- bacteria
- microscopic single-celled organisms; some types can cause disease while others can help in body processes (like digestion)
- bevel
- opening at the tip of a needle or syringe that has been manufactured to be at an angle creating a very sharp point to help the needle puncture the skin easier. When injecting, the opening, or bevel, should be facing up.
- bile
- yellow-brown or green fluid made by the liver that helps in the digestion of fats; it is stored in the gall bladder until required
- bilirubin
- yellow pigment, a component of bile. The liver normally breaks down bilirubin for excretion. However, if the liver is not functioning properly bilirubin may accumulate in the blood causing jaundice (i.e. to turn yellow).
- binge
- period of time when a person takes an excessive amount of drugs, alcohol or food in a short period of time
- biopsy
- procedure in which a small portion of tissue is removed to identify disease; a liver biopsy takes a small piece of the liver to measure liver damage
- blood-borne
- carried through or in the blood
- body fluids
- any liquid in the body such as blood, urine, saliva, sputum, tears, semen, breast milk or vaginal secretions
- body mass index
- ration of weight and height to measure whether a person has a healthy weight or not
- bone marrow
- inside of bone where blood cells are formed
- botanical
- containing, made from, or referring to plants
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