Ileum
/ˈɪliəm/
The third and longest portion of the small intestine, following the jejunum.
Immunity
/ɪˈmjuːnɪti/
The ability of an organism to resist a particular infection or toxin by the action of specific antibodies or sensitized white blood cells.
Immunoglobulin
/ˌɪmjʊnoʊˈɡlɒbjʊlɪn/
Any of a class of proteins levied in the serum and cells of the immune system, which function as antibodies.
Incisor
/ɪnˈsaɪzər/
A narrow-edged tooth at the front of the mouth, adapted for cutting.
Infarction
/ɪnˈfɑːrkʃən/
The obstruction of the blood supply to an organ or region of tissue, causing local death of the tissue.
Inferior Vena Cava
/ɪnˈfɪəriər ˈviːnə ˈkeɪvə/
A large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower and middle body into the right atrium of the heart.
Inflammation
/ˌɪnfləˈmeɪʃən/
A localized physical condition in which part of the body becomes reddened, swollen, hot, and often painful, especially as a reaction to injury or infection.
Inhibin
/ɪnˈhɪbɪn/
A gonadal hormone that inhibits the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the anterior pituitary.
Innervation
/ˌɪnɜːrˈveɪʃən/
The distribution or supply of nerves to a particular part of the body.
Inotropic
/ˌɪnoʊˈtrɒpɪk/
Relating to the force or energy of muscular contractions, particularly in the heart.
Insertion
/ɪnˈsɜːrʃən/
The point or mode of attachment of a skeletal muscle to the bone or other body part that it moves.
Inspiration
/ˌɪnspəˈreɪʃən/
The drawing in of breath; inhalation.
Insulin
/ˈɪnsjʊlɪn/
A hormone produced in the pancreas by the islets of Langerhans, which regulates the amount of glucose in the blood.
Integumentary
/ɪnˌtɛɡjʊˈmɛntəri/
Relating to the natural outer covering of the body, such as the skin, hair, and nails.
Intercalated Disc
/ɪnˈtɜːrkəˌleɪtɪd dɪsk/
Specialized cell junctions in cardiac muscle tissue that allow for rapid electrical transmission.
Interferon
/ˌɪntərˈfɪərɒn/
A protein released by animal cells, usually in response to the entry of a virus, which has the property of inhibiting virus replication.
Interstitial Fluid
/ˌɪntərˈstɪʃəl ˈfluːɪd/
The fluid found in the spaces around cells; it comes from substances that leak out of blood capillaries.
Intracellular
/ˌɪntrəˈsɛljʊlər/
Located or occurring within a cell or cells.
Ion Channel
/ˈaɪən ˈtʃænəl/
A specialized protein in the plasma membrane of a cell that allows ions to flow in and out of the cell.
Ipsilateral
/ˌɪpsɪˈlætərəl/
Belonging to or occurring on the same side of the body.
Ischemia
/ɪˈskiːmiə/
An inadequate blood supply to an organ or part of the body, especially the heart muscles.
Isotonic
/ˌaɪsoʊˈtɒnɪk/
Relating to a solution having the same osmotic pressure as some other solution, especially one in a cell or a body fluid.