Glossary B

B

Bacteria

Very small organisms (microbes) that are normally in the gut (intestines). There are over 500 different kinds known to live in the gut; most (up to several billion) bacteria are in the large intestine (colon). "Normal" bacteria have important functions in life and health. Bacteria that can cause infection are called "pathogens." Normal bacteria protect against pathogens.

Barium

A metallic, chemical, chalky, liquid used to coat the inside of organs so that they will show up on an x-ray.

Basic science

The fundamental approach to understanding how systems work. Basic research takes place in the laboratory and often involves the study of molecules and cells.

Bile

Secretions of the liver that aid in digestion and absorption, and stimulate coordinated contractionsin the intestinal tract (peristalsis).

Bifidobacterium infantis 35624

A type of bacteria that, in the right amount, may have a beneficial effect (probiotic), and help lessen some bowel symptoms.

Biliary tract

Gall bladder and the bile ducts.

Biomedical model

The model of illness and disease in Western medical education and research. It has two assumptions: (1) reductionism - that all conditions can be linearly reduced to a single cause, and (2) dualism - where illness and disease are divided either to an "organic" disorder having an objectively defined cause, or a "functional" disorder, with no specific cause or pathophysiology. The biomedical model is not sufficient to explain the functional GI disorders.[Rome II]

Biopsy

Tissue sample.

Biopsychosocial model

A model that proposes that illness and disease result from simultaneously interacting systems at the cellular, tissue, organismal, interpersonal, and environmental level. It incorporates the biologic aspects of the disorder with the unique psychosocial features of the individual, and helps explain the variability in symptom expression among individuals having the same biologic condition.

Blinding

A process in a clinical study that conceals a treatment from the patient.

Borborygmi

Audible rumbling abdominal sounds due to gas gurgling with liquid as it passes through the intestines.

Bowel

The intestines.

Brain-gut axis

The continuous bi-directional flow of information and feedback that takes place between the gastrointestinal tract, and the brain and spinal cord (which together comprise the central nervous system).

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