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bacteria — microorganisms that can cause infections.

bacterial vaginosis (BV) — the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age, which happens when the normal bacteria (germs) in the vagina get out of balance, such as from douching or from sexual contact. Symptoms include vaginal discharge that can be white, gray, or thin and have an odor; burning or pain when urinating; or itching around the outside of the vagina. There also may be no symptoms.

benign — noncancerous

beta-blockers — a type of medication that reduces nerve impulses to the heart and blood vessels. This makes the heart beat slower and with less force. Blood pressure drops and the heart works less hard.

bile — a brown liquid made by the liver. It contains some substances that break up fat for digestion, while other substances are waste products.

bilirubin — when the hemoglobin in a person's blood breaks down, causing a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. It is a temporary condition in newborn infants.

binge eating disorder — an eating disorder caused by a person being unable to control the need to overeat.

biopsy — removal of a small piece of tissue for testing or examination under a microscope.

birth center — A special place for women to give birth. They have all the required equipment for birthing, but are specially designed for a woman, her partner, and family. Birth centers may be free standing (separate from a hospital) or located within a hospital.

bladder — the organ in the human body that stores urine. It is found in the lower part of the abdomen.

blood — fluid in the body made up of plasma, red and white blood cells, and platelets. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to and waste materials away from all body tissues. In the breast, blood nourishes the breast tissue and provides nutrients needed for milk production.

blood transfusion — the transfer of blood or blood products from one person (donor) into another person's bloodstream (recipient). Most times, it is done to replace blood cells or blood products lost through severe bleeding. Blood can be given from two sources, your own blood (autologous blood) or from someone else (donor blood).

body image — how a person feels about how she or he looks.

bowels — also known as the intestine, which is a long tube-like organ in the human body that completes digestion or the breaking down of food. The small bowel is the small intestine and the large bowel is the large intestine.

breast shell — a round plastic shell that fits around the breast. It is used to correct inverted or flat nipples. Also referred to as breast shield or milk cup.

bronchitis — inflammation of the bronchi, airways in the lungs.

bulimia nervosa — an eating disorder caused by a person consuming an extreme amount of food all at once followed by self-induced vomiting or other purging.