Dictionary

intrahepatic Within the liver. For example, a liver tumor is an intrahepatic growth.

intramuscular Into the muscle. For example, an intramuscular medication is given by needle into the muscle. Abbreviated IM.

intraobserver variation The amount of variation one observer experiences when observing the same material more than once.

intraocular In the eye. For example, intraocular pressure is the pressure within the eye.

intraocular lens An artificial lens made of plastic, silicone, acrylic or other material that is implanted in the eye during cataract surgery. Abbreviated IOL.

intraocular pressure The pressure created by the continual renewal of fluids within the eye. Intraocular pressure is increased in glaucoma. In acute angle-closure glaucoma, intraocular pressure rises because the canal into which the fluid in the front part of the eye normally drains is suddenly blocked. In chronic glaucoma, there is a gradual imbalance between…

internal cardiac defibrillator See cardiac defibrillator, implantable.

internal ear See ear, inner.

internal genitalia, female See genitalia.

internal jugular vein The deeper of the two jugular veins in the neck that drain blood from the head, brain, face, and neck, and then convey it toward the heart. The internal jugular vein runs down the inside of the neck, outside the internal and common carotid arteries, and unites with the subclavian vein to…

internal medicine The medical specialty dedicated to the diagnosis and medical treatment of adults. A physician who specializes in internal medicine is referred to as an internist. Subspecialties of internal medicine include allergy and immunology, cardiology (heart diseases), endocrinology (hormone disorders), hematology (blood disorders), infectious diseases, gastroenterology (diseases of the gut), nephrology (kidney diseases), oncology…

internal pacemaker See pacemaker, internal.