| A | B |
|---|
| bachelor's degree | degree awarded by a college or university after a person has completed a four-year course of study or its equivalent |
| bacteria | one-celled microorganism, some of which are beneficial and some of which cause disease |
| bandage | material used to hold dressing in place, secure splints, and support and protect body parts |
| bandage scissors | special scissors with a blunt lower end used to remove dressings and bandages |
| bargaining | process of negotiating an agreement, sale, or exchange |
| Bartholin's glands | Two small mucous glands near the vaginal opening |
| basal metabolism | The amount of energy needed to maintain life when the subject is at complete rest |
| base | Protective (dental) material placed over the pulpal area of a tooth to reduce irritation and thermal shock |
| base of support | standing with feet 8 to 10 inches apart to provide better balance |
| battery | unlawfully touching another person without that person's consent |
| bed cradle | A device placed on a bed to keep the top linens from contacting the legs and feet |
| benign | not malignant or cancerous |
| bias | a preference that inhibits impartial judgment |
| bicuspids | Also called premolars; the teeth that pulverize or grind food and are located between cuspids and molars |
| bifurcated | having two roots (as in teeth) |
| bile | liver secretion this is concentrated to store in the gallbladder; aids in the emulsification of fats during digestion |
| binders | devices applied to hold dressings in place, provide support, apply pressure, or limit motion |
| biohazardous | contaminated with blood or body fluid and having the potential to transmit disease |
| biopsy | excision of a small piece of tissue for microscopic examination |
| bitewing | Also called a cavity-detecting X-ray; a dental X-ray that shows only the crowns of the teeth |
| bladder | membranous sac or storage area for a secretion (gallbladder); also, vesicle that acts as the reservoir for urine |
| bland diet | diet containing only mild-flavored foods with soft textures |
| block style | letter format in which all parts of the letter start at the left margin |
| blood | fluid that circulates through the vessels in the body to carry substances to all body parts |
| blood pressure | measurement of the force exerted by the heart against the arterial walls when the heart contracts (beats) and relaxes |
| blood smear | A drop of blood spread thinly on a slide for microscopic examination |
| body | main content, or message part, of a letter |
| body mechanics | the way in which the body moves and maintains balance; proper body mechanics involves the most efficient use of all body parts |
| bolus | Food that has been chewed and mixed with saliva |
| bowel | the intestines |
| Bowman's capsule | Part of the renal corpuscle in the kidney; picks up substances filtered from the blood by the glomerulus |
| brachial | pertaining to the brachial artery in the arm which is used to measure blood pressure |
| bradycardia | slow heart rate, usually below 60 beats per minute |
| bradypnea | slow respiratory rate, usually below 10 respirations a minute |
| brain | soft mass of nerve tissue inside the cranium |
| brand name | company or product name given to a medication or product |
| breast | mammary, or milk, gland located on the upper part of the front surface of the body |
| bronchi | two main branches of the trachea; air tubes to and from the lungs |
| bronchioles | small branches of the bronchi; carry air in the lungs |
| budget | an itemized list of income and expected expenditures for a period of time |
| buccal surface | outside surface of the posterior teeth; surface facing the cheek; facial surface of bicuspids and molars |
| buffer period | period of time kept open on an appointment schedule to allow for emergencies, telephone calls, and other unplanned situations |
| bulimarexia | psychological condition in which person eats excessively and then uses laxatives or vomits to get rid of the food |
| bulimia | psychological condition in which person alternately eats excessively and then fasts or refuses to eat |
| burn | injury to body tissue cause by heat, caustics, radiation, and/or electricity |
| burs | small, rotating instruments of various types; used in dental handpieces to prepare cavities for filling with restorative materials |
| calcaneous | large tarsal bone that forms the heel |
| calculus | also called tartar; hard calcium-like deposit that forms on the teeth; stone that forms in various parts of the body from a variety of different substances |
| calorie | unit of measurement of the fuel value of food |
| cane | a rod used as a aid in walking |
| capillary | tiny blood vessels that connects arterioles and venules and allows for exchange of nutrients and gases between the blood and the body cells |
| carbohydrate-controlled diet | diet in which the number and types of carbohydrates are restricted or limited |
| carbohydrates | group of chemical substances including sugars, cellulose, and starches; nutrients that provide the greatest amount of energy in the average diet |
| cardiac | pertaining to the heart |
| cardiopulmonary | pertaining to the heart and lungs |
| cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) | procedure of providing oxygen and chest compressions to a victim whose heart has stopped beating |
| cardiovascular | pertaining to the heart and blood vessels |
| caries | tooth decay, an infectious disease that destroys tooth tissue |
| carious lesion | an occurrence of tooth decay |
| carpal | bone of the wrist |
| carpule | a glass cartridge that contains premeasured amount of anesthetic solution; used for dental anesthesia |
| cataract | condition of the eye where the lens becomes cloudy or opaque, leading to blindness |
| catheter | a rubber, metal, or other type of tube that is passed into a body cavity and used for injecting or removing fluids |
| caudal | pertaining to any tail or tail-like structure |
| cavitation | the cleaning process employed in an ultrasonic unit; bubbles explode to drive cleaning solution onto article being cleaned |
| cavity | a hollow space, such as a body cavity (which contains organs) or a hole in a tooth |
| cell | mass of protoplasm; the basic unit of structure of all animals and plants |
| cell membrane | outer, protective, semipermeable covering the cell |
| cellulose | fibrous form of carbohydrate |
| cement | dental material used to seal inlays, crowns, bridges, and orthodontic appliances in place |
| cementun | hard, bonelike tissue that covers the outside of the root of a tooth |
| central nervous system | the division of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord |
| central processing unit | unit that controls all of the work of a computer; frequently called the "brains" of a computer. |
| centrifuge | a machine that uses centrifugal (driving away from the center) force to separate heavier materials from lighter ones. |
| centrosome | that area of cell cytoplasm that contains two centrioles; important in reproduction of the cell. |
| cerebellum | the section of the brain that is dorsal to the pons and medulla oblongata; maintains balance and equilibrium. |
| cerebrovascular accident | also called a "stroke" or "apoplexy"; an interrupted supply of blood to the brain, caused by formation of a clot, blockage of an artery, or rupture of a blood vessel. |
| cerebrospinal fluid | watery, clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. |
| cerebrum | largest section of brain; involved in sensory interpretation and voluntary muscle activity. |
| certification | the issuing of a statement or certificate by a professional organization to a person who has met the requirements of education and/or experience and who meets the standards set by the organization. |
| cervical | pertaining to the neck portion of the spinal column or to the lower part of the uterus. |
| cervix | anatomical part of a tooth where the crown joins with the root; entrance to or lower part of the uterus. |
| chain of infection | factors that lead to the transmission or spread of disease. |
| character | the quality of respirations (e.g., deep, shallow, or labored). |
| charge slip | a record on which charges or costs for services are listed. |
| check | a written order for payment of money through a bank. |
| chemical | the method of aseptic control in which substances or solutions are used to disinfect articles; does not always kill spores and viruses. |
| chemical abuse | use of chemical substances without regard for accepted practice; dependence on alcohol or drugs. |
| chemotherapy | treatment of a disease by way of chemical agents. |
| Cheyne-Stokes respirations | periods of difficult breathing (dyspnea) followed by periods of no respirations (apnea). |
| chiropractic | system of treatment based on manipulation of the spinal column and other body structures. |
| cholelithiasis | condition of stones in the gallbladder. |
| cholesterol | fat-like substance synthesized in the liver and found in body cells and animal fats. |
| choroid | middle or vascular layer of the eye, between the sclera and retina. |
| chromatin network | that structure in the nucleus of a cell that contains chromosomes with genes, which carry inherited characteristics. |
| chronic | lasting a long period of time; reoccurring. |
| cilia | hairlike projections. |
| circumduction | moving in a circle at a joint, or moving one end of a body part in a circle while the other end remains stationary. |
| citizenship | status of being a citizen (including associated duties, rights, and privileges). |
| clavicle | collarbone. |
| clean | free from organisms causing disease. |
| clear-liquid diet | diet containing only water-based liquids; nutritionally inadequate. |
| clinic | institution that provides care for outpatients; a group of specialists working in cooperation. |
| closed bed | bed that is made following the discharge of a patient. |
| coccyx | the tailbone; lowest bones of the vertebral column. |
| cochlea | snail-shaped section of the inner ear; contains the organ of Corti for hearing. |
| collection | to receive; a letter requesting payment on an account. |
| colon | the large intestine. |
| colostomy | an artificial opening into the colon; allows for the evacuation of feces. |
| communicable disease | disease that is transmitted from one individual to another. |
| communication | process of transmission; exchange of thoughts or information. |
| compensation | something given or received as an equivalent for a loss, service, or debt; defense mechanism involving substitution of one goal for another goal to achieve success. |
| competent | able, capable. |
| complementary therapy | method of treatment used in conjunction with biomedical therapies. |
| complete bed bath | a bath in which all parts of a patient's body are bathed while the patient is confined to bed. |
| complimentary close | courtesy closing of a letter (e.g., "Sincerely"). |
| composite | the dental restorative or filling material used most frequently on anterior teeth. |
| compress | a folded wet or dry cloth applied firmly to a body part. |
| computer-assisted instruction (CAI) | teaching method in which a computer and computer programs are used to control the learning process and deliver the insturctional material to the learner. |
| computerized tomography (CT) | a scanning and detection system that uses a minicomputer and display screen to visualize an internal portion of the human body; formerly known as CAT (computerized axial tomography). |
| concave | curved inward; depressed. |
| confidential | not to be shared or told; to be held in confidence, or kept to oneself. |
| congenital | present at birth (as in a congenital defect). |
| conjunctiva | mucous membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the anterior part of the sclera of the eye. |
| connective tissue | body tissue that connects, supports, or binds body organs. |
| constipation | difficulty in emptying the bowel; infrequent bowel movements. |
| constrict | to contract or narrow; to make smaller. |
| consultation | process of seeking information or advice from another person. |
| contamination | containing infection or infectious organisms or germs. |
| contra angle | attachment used on dental handpieces to cut and polish. |
| contract | to shorten, decrease in size, or draw together; an agreement between two or more persons. |
| contracture | tightening or shortening of a muscle. |
| conventional-speed handpiece | low-speed handpiece in dental units; used to remove caries and for fine-finishing work. |
| convex | curved outward; projected. |
| convulsion | also called a "seizure"; a violent, involuntary contraction of muscles. |
| cornea | the transparent section of the sclera; allows light rays to enter the eye. |
| cortex | the outer layer of an organ or structure. |
| cost containment | procedures used to control costs or expenses. |
| Cowper's glands | the pair of small mucous glands near the male urethra |
| cranial | pertaining to the skull or cranium |
| cranium | part of the skull; the eight bones of the head that enclose the brain. |
| criticism | judgment regarding worth; censure, disapproval; evaluation. |
| cross index/reference | a paper or card used in filing systems to prevent misplacement or loss of records. |
| cross-match | a blood test that checks the compatibility of the donor's blood and the recipient's blood before a transfusion. |
| crown | the anatomical portion of a tooth that is exposed in the oral cavity, above the gingiva, or gums. |
| crust | a scab; outer covering or coat. |
| crutches | artificial supports that assist a patient in walking. |
| cryotherapy | use of cold applications for treatment |
| cultural assimilation | absorption of a culturally distinct group into a dominant or prevailing culture. |
| cultural diversity | differences among individuals based on cultural, ethnic, and racial factors. |
| culture | values, beliefs, ideas, customs, and characteristics passed from one generation to the next. |
| culture specimen | a sample of microorganisms or tissue cells taken from an area of the body for examination. |
| cuspid | also called a "canine" or "eyetooth"; the type of tooth located at angle of lips and used to tear food. |
| custom tray | dental impression tray specially made to fit a particular patient's mouth. |
| cyanosis | bluish color of the skin, nail beds, and/or lips due to an insufficient amount of oxygen in the blood. |
| cystitis | inflammation of the urinary bladder. |
| cytoscope | instrument for examining the inside of the urinary bladder. |
| cytoplasm | the fluid inside a cell; contains water, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, minerals, and salts. |
