Medical Glossary

Terms starting with B

Abdominal aortic aneurysmBauchaortenaneurysma: An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an abnormal bulging of the large abdominal artery. It often causes no symptoms for a long time, but can become dangerous if the wall tears. Larger bulges are monitored regularly.
ABGBGA: «BGA» stands for blood gas analysis, a blood test that determines the oxygen and carbon dioxide content as well as the acid-base balance. It shows how well the lungs are supplying the blood with oxygen.
AnemiaBlutarmut: In anaemia there is too little red blood pigment or too few red blood cells, so that the blood carries less oxygen. Common signs are tiredness, pallor and rapid exhaustion.
AppendicitisBlinddarmentzündung: Appendicitis is an inflammation of the vermiform appendix on the large intestine. It shows itself through abdominal pain that often moves to the lower right abdomen, frequently with nausea and fever. It is a common reason for emergency surgery.
AppendixBlinddarm: In everyday language, «appendix» usually refers to the vermiform appendix, a small attachment at the start of the large intestine in the lower right abdomen. If it becomes inflamed, this is called appendicitis.
BacteremiaBakteriämie: Bacteraemia refers to the presence of bacteria in the blood. It can be harmless and temporary, but it can also be the beginning of a severe infection affecting the whole body.
BacteriaBakterien: Bacteria are tiny, single-celled organisms. Many are harmless or even beneficial – for example in the gut – while others can cause infections. Antibiotics work against disease-causing bacteria, but not against viruses.
bacterialbakteriell: «Bacterial» describes something that is caused by bacteria or is connected with them. A bacterial infection is therefore triggered by bacteria – in contrast to a viral infection.
Balanitis: Balanitis is an inflammation of the glans of the penis, often together with the foreskin. It shows itself through redness, swelling, itching or burning and can be triggered by pathogens or irritation.
Bandage: A support bandage is a supportive dressing made of elastic material that relieves and stabilises a joint or part of the body. It is used, for example, for sprains or to prevent injuries.
Barrett's esophagusBarrett-Ösophagus: In Barrett's oesophagus, the mucous membrane of the lower oesophagus changes, usually as a result of many years of reflux of stomach acid. This change is regarded as a precursor stage that can increase the risk of oesophageal cancer and is therefore monitored.
Basal cell carcinomaBasaliom: A basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. It grows slowly and destroys tissue locally, but only very rarely spreads to other organs. It usually develops on areas of skin that receive a lot of sun.
BasophilsBasophile: Basophils are a rare type of white blood cell. They are involved in allergic reactions and inflammatory processes and are included in the blood count.
benignbenigne: «Benign» means not cancerous. A benign finding – such as a tumour or lump – does not grow destructively and does not spread to other parts of the body; the opposite is «malignant» (cancerous).
Beta blockerBetablocker: Beta blockers are a group of medicines that reduce the effect of stress hormones on the heart. As a result, the heart beats more slowly and blood pressure falls; they are used for various cardiovascular conditions.
bilateral: «Bilateral» means on both sides, that is, affecting both sides of the body. A bilateral finding is present, for example, in both lungs or both kidneys; the opposite is «unilateral» (on one side).
BilirubinBilirubin: Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment that is produced when red blood cells break down and is excreted via the liver. Raised levels can indicate liver or gallbladder problems and show themselves as jaundice.
BiopsyBiopsie: In a biopsy, a small tissue sample is taken from the body. It is then examined under the microscope, for example to clarify whether a lump is benign or malignant.
BladderBlase: The urinary bladder is a muscular hollow organ in the lower abdomen that collects and stores the urine produced by the kidneys. When it is full, the urge to urinate arises and the urine is passed out through the urethra.
Blood clottingBlutgerinnung: Blood clotting is the body's own process that stops bleeding by making the blood clump together and clot at the injured site. Disorders can lead to increased bleeding or to dangerous blood clots.
Blood countBlutbild: The blood count is a laboratory test that counts and assesses the cells in the blood – red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. It provides indications of anaemia, infections or other conditions.
Blood cultureBlutkultur: For a blood culture, blood is drawn and incubated in the laboratory in order to detect bacteria or fungi. It helps to identify the pathogen causing an infection, for example when sepsis is suspected.
Blood donationBlutspende: In a blood donation, blood is voluntarily taken from a healthy person in order to treat sick or injured people. The donated blood is tested for blood group and pathogens.
Blood poisoningBlutvergiftung: In everyday language, «blood poisoning» means sepsis – an excessive reaction of the body to an infection that can become life-threatening. Contrary to what the name suggests, it does not involve a poison, but rather an immune response that has got out of control.
Blood pressureBlutdruck: Blood pressure is the pressure with which the blood acts on the walls of the blood vessels. It is given as two values: the upper (systolic) one during the heartbeat and the lower (diastolic) one during the relaxation phase.
Blood sedimentationBlutsenkung: The erythrocyte sedimentation rate measures how quickly the red blood cells settle in a tube. An accelerated value can indicate an inflammation or another condition in the body, but it is non-specific.
Blood sugarBlutzucker: Blood sugar is the amount of grape sugar (glucose) in the blood. It is the body's most important source of energy and is regulated by hormones such as insulin. Permanently raised values point to diabetes.
Blood transfusionBluttransfusion: In a blood transfusion, blood or individual blood components are administered through a vein, for example in cases of severe blood loss or severe anaemia. The donor blood must match the recipient's blood group.
Blood typeBlutgruppe: The blood group describes certain features on the surface of the red blood cells, such as the AB0 and the Rhesus system. It is important so that only compatible blood is given during a blood transfusion.
BMI: «BMI» is the abbreviation for body mass index. It relates weight to height and serves as a rough guide to whether body weight is within the normal range.
Body mass indexBody-Mass-Index: The body mass index relates body weight to height and serves as a rough assessment of whether the weight is within the normal range. However, it does not take into account the proportion of muscle and fat.
Botulinum toxinBotulinumtoxin: Botulinum toxin is a nerve poison produced by bacteria that temporarily paralyses muscles. In very small, controlled amounts it is used medically for muscle spasms and cosmetically against wrinkles.
BradycardiaBradykardie: Bradycardia is the term for a slowed heartbeat, usually below 60 beats per minute. In trained individuals this is normal; in other cases it can cause dizziness or weakness.
BRCA: «BRCA» refers to certain genes whose alterations significantly increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Detecting such alterations can be important for preventive care and family counselling.
Breast cancerBrustkrebs: Breast cancer is a malignant tumour of the breast gland tissue and the most common cancer in women. It may be felt as a lump or become visible on a mammogram. Rarely, men are affected as well.
Breech presentationBeckenendlage: In a breech presentation, the unborn child lies with its bottom or feet downward instead of its head towards the end of pregnancy. This can influence how the birth is planned.
Broca's areaBroca-Areal: Broca's area is a region in the cerebrum that is important for forming and articulating speech. If it is damaged, for example by a stroke, speaking becomes difficult, although comprehension is usually preserved.
BronchiBronchien: The bronchi are the branching airways that lead from the windpipe into the two lungs. Through them, the air you breathe in reaches the fine air sacs of the lungs.
Bronchial carcinomaBronchialkarzinom: Bronchial carcinoma is the medical term for lung cancer, a malignant tumour of the airways or the lung tissue. Smoking is the most important risk factor.
Bronchitis: Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi, that is, the larger airways. It mainly causes coughing and the production of mucus and is often caused by viruses. A long-lasting form is called chronic bronchitis.
BronchoscopyBronchoskopie: During a bronchoscopy, a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth or nose into the airways. This allows the windpipe and bronchi to be viewed from the inside and tissue samples to be taken.
BruisesBlutergüsse: A bruise occurs when blood leaks from injured vessels into the tissue and collects there. On the skin it appears as a blue-purple discolouration that turns yellowish-green as it heals.
BulimiaBulimie: Bulimia is an eating disorder involving recurrent binge-eating episodes followed by compensatory measures such as deliberate vomiting. Those affected are highly focused on their body shape and weight; the condition places a strain on both body and mind.
Bursitis: Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa, a small fluid-filled cushion at a joint. It shows itself through pain, swelling and warmth, frequently at the elbow, shoulder or knee.
Bypass: A bypass is a surgically created detour that bridges a narrowed or blocked section. The best known is the heart bypass, which circumvents narrowed coronary arteries and safeguards the blood supply to the heart muscle.
ChestBrustkorb: The chest (thorax) is the bony cage in the upper trunk formed by the ribs, the breastbone and the spine. It protects vital organs such as the heart and lungs.
ConjunctivitisBindehautentzündung: Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva — a thin mucous membrane that covers the inner side of the eyelids and the front part of the sclera; it does not cover the cornea itself. Typical symptoms are redness, burning, tearing, and, depending on the cause, discharge.
Connective tissueBindegewebe: Connective tissue is a widely distributed tissue that supports and connects organs and supplies them with nutrients. Among other things, it forms tendons, ligaments and the coverings of organs.
CystitisBlasenentzündung: A bladder infection is an inflammation of the urinary bladder, usually caused by bacteria. Typical symptoms are a frequent urge to urinate, burning when passing water and pain in the lower abdomen. Women are affected considerably more often.
Dietary fiberBallaststoffe: Dietary fibre consists of indigestible components of plant-based food, for example from vegetables, fruit and wholegrain products. It supports digestion and stimulates bowel activity. The body obtains hardly any energy from it.
Disc degenerationBandscheibendegeneration: Disc degeneration refers to age-related wear of the intervertebral discs, which lose height and elasticity in the process. This can promote back pain and lead to other signs of wear in the spine.
Disc protrusionBandscheibenprotrusion: In a disc protrusion, an intervertebral disc bulges outward without its outer fibrous ring tearing. It is a milder form than a herniated disc, but it can also press on nerves and cause pain.
ESRBSG: «BSG» stands for erythrocyte sedimentation rate, a simple blood test. It measures how quickly red blood cells settle and can indicate inflammation in the body.
Exercise ECGBelastungs-EKG: During an exercise ECG, the heart's activity is recorded while you exert yourself physically, usually on a bicycle or treadmill. This makes it possible to detect circulatory problems of the heart that remain hidden at rest.
Exertional dyspneaBelastungsdyspnoe: Exertional dyspnoea is shortness of breath that occurs during physical activity, for example when climbing stairs. It may indicate heart or lung disease if it sets in unusually early.
FindingsBefund: A finding is the result of a medical examination, for example an X-ray image, a blood sample or a physical examination. «No abnormal findings» means that nothing unusual was found.
FlatulenceBlähungen: Bloating is caused by an increased accumulation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract. It is characterised by a feeling of tension in the abdomen and the passing of wind, and is often related to certain foods.
Flexor tendonBeugesehne: Flexor tendons connect the flexor muscles of the forearm to the fingers and make it possible to bend the hand and fingers. An injury, for example from a cut, can severely limit finger mobility.
HemophiliaBluterkrankheit: Haemophilia is a usually inherited disorder of blood clotting. Those affected bleed for longer after injuries, and bleeding into joints and muscles can occur.
Herniated discBandscheibenvorfall: In a herniated disc, the soft core of an intervertebral disc protrudes out of its outer covering and presses on nerves. This can cause pain, numbness or signs of paralysis, frequently in the lower back or in the neck.
HypertensionBluthochdruck: High blood pressure means permanently raised pressure in the arteries. It often causes no symptoms, but in the long term it increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney damage.
Iliac crestBeckenkamm: The iliac crest is the upper, palpable edge of the pelvic bone at the side of the trunk. It serves as an attachment point for muscles and is occasionally used to obtain bone marrow.
Intervertebral discBandscheibe: The intervertebral discs are cartilaginous cushions between the individual vertebrae of the spine. They act like shock absorbers and allow the back to move.
Ligament ruptureBänderriss: A torn ligament is the partial or complete tearing of a ligament that connects bones at a joint. The ankle joint is frequently affected when you twist it; typical signs are swelling, pain and instability.
Lyme diseaseBorreliose: Lyme borreliosis is a bacterial infection transmitted by tick bites. An early sign can be a ring-shaped reddening of the skin around the bite site; if left untreated, the joints, nerves or heart may be affected later on.
malignantbösartig: «Malignant» describes a tumour that grows destructively into surrounding tissue and can form secondary deposits in other organs. It is the medical term corresponding to the everyday word «cancerous»; the opposite is «benign».
Movement therapyBewegungstherapie: Exercise therapy uses targeted physical exercises to relieve symptoms, improve mobility or rebuild strength after injuries. It is a sub-area of physiotherapy.
Musculoskeletal systemBewegungsapparat: The musculoskeletal system comprises all the organs that give the body support and enable movement: bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles. Disorders of this system are treated primarily by orthopaedics.
PallorBlässe: Pallor refers to a strikingly pale skin colour. It can be harmless, but it can also indicate anaemia, a drop in circulation or a state of shock.
PancreasBauchspeicheldrüse: The pancreas lies in the upper abdomen behind the stomach. It produces digestive juices for the intestine as well as hormones such as insulin, which regulate blood sugar.
Pelvic floorBeckenboden: The pelvic floor is a plate of muscle and connective tissue that closes off the abdominal cavity at the bottom. It supports the bladder, the bowel and, in women, the uterus, and is important for controlling urine and stool.
Pelvic obliquityBeckenschiefstand: With a pelvic obliquity, the pelvis is not level but tilted to one side. The cause may be legs of different lengths or muscular tension; it can contribute to back and hip complaints.
PeritonitisBauchfellentzündung: Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum — a thin serous membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers many abdominal organs. It is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition and requires prompt medical evaluation.
PlateletsBlutplättchen: Platelets are the smallest cellular components of the blood. They play a central role in blood clotting by attaching to wounds and sealing them.
SternumBrustbein: The breastbone is the flat bone in the middle of the front chest wall. The ribs are attached to it by cartilage, so that together they form the chest.
TSPBWS: «BWS» is the German abbreviation for the thoracic spine, the middle section of the spine between the neck and the lower back. It consists of twelve thoracic vertebrae, to which the ribs are attached.
UnconsciousnessBewusstlosigkeit: Unconsciousness is a state in which a person is unresponsive and does not react to stimuli. It can have many causes and is a medical emergency requiring prompt help.
VentilationBeatmung: Ventilation means supporting breathing mechanically or manually when a person cannot breathe adequately on their own. It ensures that enough oxygen reaches the body and that carbon dioxide is breathed out.