Dictionary

inheritance, holandric See inheritance, Ylinked.

inheritance The transmission of a gene from parent to child. The pattern of inheritance is the manner in which a gene is transmitted. For example, the pattern of inheritance may be as an autosomal dominant trait that is transmitted from father or mother to son or daughter.

inguinal orchiectomy Surgery to remove a testicle, with the incision made through the groin.

inguinal canal A passage in the lower anterior abdominal wall that in the male allows passage of the spermatic cord and in the female contains the round ligament. Because of the weakness the inguinal canal creates in the abdominal wall, it is the most frequent site for a hernia.

inguinal Having to do with the groin.

infraspinatus muscle A muscle that assists the lifting of the arm while turning the arm outward (external rotation). The tendon of the infraspinatus muscle is one of four tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and constitute the rotator cuff.

informed consent The process by which a patient learns about and understands the purpose, benefits, and potential risks of a medical or surgical intervention, including clinical trials, and then agrees to receive the treatment or participate in the trial. Informed consent generally requires the patient or responsible party to sign a statement confirming that they…

informatics The application of computers and statistics to the management of information.

influenza vaccine An immunization against certain types of the influenza virus. The “flu shot” is an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) given with a needle. The nasal-spray flu vaccine is a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses (sometimes called LAIV for “Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine”). The viruses in the vaccine change each year based…

influenza An illness caused by viruses that infect the respiratory tract. These viruses are divided into three types, designated A, B, and C. Symptoms of influenza include fever, appetite loss, an achy feeling throughout the body, and weakness. Most people who get influenza recover completely in 1 to 2 weeks, but some people develop serious…

inflammatory bowel disease See bowel disease, inflammatory.

inflammation A localized reaction that produces redness, warmth, swelling, and pain as a result of infection, irritation, or injury. Inflammation can be external or internal.