Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

BSA
See 
body surface area.
B-type natriuretic peptide
A 32-amino-acid
polypeptide secreted by the ventricles of the heart in
response to excessive stretching of heart muscle
cells. The levels of B-type natriuretic peptide are
elevated in patients with congestive heart failure,
and correlate with both the severity of symptoms
and the prognosis. Also known as BNP.
bubo
An enlarged lymph node that is tender and
painful. Buboes particularly occur in the groin and
armpit (the axillae). These swollen glands are seen
in a number of infectious diseases, including gon-
orrhea, syphilis, tuberculosis, and the eponymous
bubonic plague.
bubonic plague
An infectious disease that is
caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis and is trans-
mitted to humans from infected rats by the oriental
rat flea. It is named for the characteristic feature of
buboes (painfully enlarged lymph nodes) in the
groin, armpits, neck, and elsewhere. Other symp-
toms of bubonic plague include headache, fever,
chills, and weakness. Bubonic plague can lead to
gangrene (tissue death) of the fingers, toes, and
nose. Also called Black Death and Black Plague.
buccal mucosa
The inner lining of the cheeks
and lips.
bulbourethral gland
A pea-sized gland in the
male located behind and to the side of the urethra
that discharges a component of seminal fluid into
the urethra. There are two bulbourethral glands,
one on each side. Also known as the Cowper’s
gland.
bulimia
An eating disorder characterized by
periods of extreme overeating, often interrupted by
periods of anorexia. Bulimia is usually accompa-
nied by self-induced vomiting or other forms of
purging, including the use of laxatives, obsessive
exercise, or fasting. Bulimia can be life-threatening
due to dehydration, and it can cause permanent
damage to the bowels, liver, kidney, teeth, and heart.
It also raises a person’s risk of seizures. It is
believed to be closely related to obsessive-compul-
sive disorder. Treatment may include cognitive
behavior therapy, dietary and health education, and
antidepressant medication. Also known as bulimia
nervosa. See also 
anorexia nervosa; body dysmor-
phic disorder; obsessive-compulsive disorder.