Dictionary

iritis Inflammation of the iris. Iritis can be associated with an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. It can also occur as a result of infection, other inflammatory conditions, or injury.

iron A mineral that is necessary for the transport of oxygen via hemoglobin in red blood cells and for the oxidation process in cells by cytochromes. Food sources of iron include meat, poultry, eggs, vegetables, and cereals, especially those fortified with iron. See also deficiency, iron; excess iron; iron poisoning.

iron poisoning An abnormally excessive ingestion of iron resulting in injury to body tissues. Iron supplements meant for adults, such as pregnant women, are a major cause of poisoning in children. Children should never be given supplements or multivitamins containing iron unless they have been prescribed by a physician, and iron preparations for adults should…

irrigate To wash out. For example, one can irrigate a wound to clean it.

irrigation of the colon The use of liquid solutions given by enema to remove material from the rectum or colon, ostensibly to eliminate toxins from the bowel. Unless ordered by a physician, irrigation of the colon is rarely advisable. Irrigation of the colon carries a number of risks, including interference with the normal digestive process…

irritable bowel syndrome A functional intestinal disorder of the bowels and their nerves. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may be caused by either abnormal motility (abnormal contractions) of the intestinal muscles or abnormally sensitive nerves in the intestines (visceral hyper-sensitivity). IBS is characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, mucus in stools, and irregular bowel habits, with alternating…

ischemia Inadequate blood supply to a local area due to blockage of blood vessels leading to that area. Treatment is directed toward increasing the circulation to the affected body area.

ischial bursitis See weaver’s bottom.

ischiopubic bar See ischium.

ischiopubic synchondrosis The central point of the ischium, which does not close until after the toddler years. See also ischium.

ischium The bone that makes up the lower-rear part of the pelvis. Also known as ischiopubic bar and ischiopubic bone.

islet cell transplantation A treatment for diabetes in which insulin-producing islet cells are taken from a donor’s pancreas and transferred into a person with diabetes. Once transplanted, the donor islets begin to make and release insulin, actively regulating the level of glucose in the blood. As with other transplant procedures, immune suppressant drugs must be…