Medical Glossary

This glossary contains:
19186
medical terms

Beta particle




Beta particle

An electron ejected from the nucleus of a decaying atom. Although beta particles can be stopped by a thin sheet of aluminum, they can penetrate the dead skin layer, potentially causing burns. They can pose a serious direct or external radiation threat and can be lethal depending on the amount received. They also pose a serious internal radiation threat if beta-emitting atoms are ingested or inhaled.

RELATED TERMS
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Nucleus
Plural: nuclei. The compartment of a cell that contains the chromosomes.

Atom
The smallest part of any material that cannot be broken up by chemical means. Each atom has a center (the nucleus) which contains protons and neutrons. Electrons orbit around the nucleus. The atom is primarily empty space.

Skin
Skin is an organ of the integumentary system; which is composed of a layer of tissues that protect underlying muscles and organs. Skin is used for insulation, vitamin D production, sensation, and excretion (through sweat).



SIMILAR TERMS
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Beta adrenergic blocking agents
"A class of drugs, also called beta blockers, that block beta-adrenergic substances such as adrenaline (epinephrine), a key agent in the ""sympathetic"" portion of the autonomic (involuntary) nervous system."

Beta agonist
See: Beta-agonist.

Beta blocker
An antihypertensive medication that limits the activity of epinephrine (a hormone that increases blood pressure).

Beta Blocker
A drug that slows heart rate, lowers blood pressure, controls angina and protects patients with prior heart attacks from future heart attacks.

Beta carotene
"A vitamin that acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells against oxidation damage. Beta carotene is converted by the body to vitamin A. Food sources of beta carotene include vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach and other leafy green vegetables; and fruit such as cantaloupes and apricots. Excessive carotene in the diet can color the skin yellow, a condition called carotenemia. Carotenemia is sometimes seen in infants fed too many mashed carrots and is a reversible condition. Beta carotene supplements have been found not to reduce the risks for cancer or heart disease."

Beta catenin
A protein that is associated with cells that are destined to become hair follicle cells.

Beta Cell
A type of cell in the pancreas in areas called the Islets of Langerhans. Beta cells make and release insulin, a hormone that controls the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood.

Beta cell, pancreatic
A type of cell in the pancreas (the organ of the digestive system located behind the stomach). Within the pancreas, the beta cells are located in areas called the islets of Langerhans. They constitute the predominant type of cell in the islets. The beta cells are important because they make insulin. Degeneration of the beta cells is the main cause of type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus.

Beta error
"The statistical error (said to be ""of the second kind"" or type II) made in testing when it is concluded that something is negative when it really is positive. Beta error is often referred to as a false negative."

Beta error (statistics)
See Type 2 error.

Beta lipotropin
The biochemical precursor substance from which the body synthesizes endomorphins.

Beta protein 1
Abbreviated and better known as BP1. See: BP1.

Beta-2
Beta-2 is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): isoetharine hydrochloride.

Beta-2 agonist
See: Beta-agonist.

Beta-agonist
"A bronchodilator medicine that opens the airways by relaxing the muscles around the airways that may tighten during an asthma attack or in COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Beta-agonists can be administered by inhalers or orally. They are called ""agonists"" because they activate the beta-2 receptor on the muscles surrounding the airways. Activation of beta-2 receptors relaxes the muscles surrounding the airways and opens the airways. Dilating airways helps to relieve the symptoms of dyspnea (shortness of breath). Beta-2 agonists have been shown to relieve dyspnea in many asthma and COPD patients. The action of beta-2 agonists starts within minutes after inhalation and lasts for about 4 hours. Because of their quick onset of action, beta-2 agonists are especially helpful for patients who are acutely short of breath but, because of their short duration of action, several doses of beta-agonists are often necessary each day. The side effects of beta-2 agonists include anxiety, tremor, palpitations or fast heart rate, and low blood potassium. "

Beta-blocker
An agent that inhibits the action of beta-adrenergic receptors, which modulate cardiac functions, respiratory functions, and the dilation of blood vessels. Beta-blockers are of value in the treatment of hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, and migraine. In psychiatry, they have been used in the treatment of aggression and violence, anxiety-related tremors and lithium-induced tremors, neuroleptic-induced akathisia, social phobias, panic states, and alcohol withdrawal.

Beta-defensin
See: Defensin.

Beta-hc
Beta-hc is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): hydrocortisone.

Beta-val
Beta-val is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): betamethasone valerate.

Beta2-agonist
ß2-agonists are used in the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) and are used to relax the smooth muscles in the bronchi, which contract during an asthma attack. ß2-agonists are available in short-acting and long-acting formulations for inhalation and as tablets.

Betaderm
Betaderm is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): betamethasone valerate.

Betadine
Betadine is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): povidone-iodine.

Betagan
Betagan is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): levobunolol hydrochloride.

Betalin 12
Betalin 12 is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): cyanocobalamin.

Betalin s
Betalin s is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): thiamine hydrochloride.

Betamethasone dipropionate
Betamethasone dipropionate is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): betamethasone dipropionate.

Betamethasone sodium phosphate
Betamethasone sodium phosphate is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): betamethasone sodium phosphate.

Betamethasone valerate
Betamethasone valerate is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): betamethasone valerate.

Betapace
Betapace is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): sotalol hydrochloride.

Betapace af
Betapace af is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): sotalol hydrochloride.

Betapar
Betapar is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): meprednisone.

Betapen-vk
Betapen-vk is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): penicillin v potassium.

Betaprone
Betaprone is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): propiolactone.

Betaseron
Betaseron is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): interferon beta-1b.

Betatrex
Betatrex is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): betamethasone valerate.

Betaxolol
Betaxolol is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): betaxolol hydrochloride.

Betaxolol hcl
Betaxolol hcl is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): betaxolol hydrochloride.

Betaxon
Betaxon is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) legal in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): levobetaxolol hydrochloride.



PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS
--------------------------------------

Beta agonist
See: Beta-agonist.

Beta carotene
"A vitamin that acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells against oxidation damage. Beta carotene is converted by the body to vitamin A. Food sources of beta carotene include vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach and other leafy green vegetables; and fruit such as cantaloupes and apricots. Excessive carotene in the diet can color the skin yellow, a condition called carotenemia. Carotenemia is sometimes seen in infants fed too many mashed carrots and is a reversible condition. Beta carotene supplements have been found not to reduce the risks for cancer or heart disease."

Beta cell, pancreatic
A type of cell in the pancreas (the organ of the digestive system located behind the stomach). Within the pancreas, the beta cells are located in areas called the islets of Langerhans. They constitute the predominant type of cell in the islets. The beta cells are important because they make insulin. Degeneration of the beta cells is the main cause of type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus.

Beta error
"The statistical error (said to be ""of the second kind"" or type II) made in testing when it is concluded that something is negative when it really is positive. Beta error is often referred to as a false negative."

Beta particle

Beta protein 1
Abbreviated and better known as BP1. See: BP1.

Beta-2 agonist
See: Beta-agonist.

Beta-agonist
"A bronchodilator medicine that opens the airways by relaxing the muscles around the airways that may tighten during an asthma attack or in COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Beta-agonists can be administered by inhalers or orally. They are called ""agonists"" because they activate the beta-2 receptor on the muscles surrounding the airways. Activation of beta-2 receptors relaxes the muscles surrounding the airways and opens the airways. Dilating airways helps to relieve the symptoms of dyspnea (shortness of breath). Beta-2 agonists have been shown to relieve dyspnea in many asthma and COPD patients. The action of beta-2 agonists starts within minutes after inhalation and lasts for about 4 hours. Because of their quick onset of action, beta-2 agonists are especially helpful for patients who are acutely short of breath but, because of their short duration of action, several doses of beta-agonists are often necessary each day. The side effects of beta-2 agonists include anxiety, tremor, palpitations or fast heart rate, and low blood potassium. "

Beta-defensin
See: Defensin.

Betel nut
The nut of the Areca palm tree and an ingredient of betel nut quid, an addictive mix chewed in some Pacific and Asian cultures. Its use is associated with aggressive oral cancers affecting especially the inner lining of the cheeks and lips are the primary tumor sites. Other sites include the tongue, lower lip, tonsil and floor of the mouth.

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This dictionary contains 19186 terms.







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