intervertebral disc A disk-shaped piece of specialized tissue that separates the bones of the spinal column. Intervertebral discs form the intervertebral joints and provide protection and shock absorbing functions for the spine. The center of a disc, called the nucleus, is soft, springy, and receives the shock of standing, walking, running, etc. The outer ring…
intestinal obstruction Blockage of the intestine by infolding (intussusception), malformation, tumor, digestive problems, a foreign body, or inflammation. Symptoms of intestinal obstruction can include crampy abdominal pain, lack of ability to normally eliminate feces, and eventually shock. On examining the abdomen, the physician may feel a mass. Abdominal X-rays may suggest intestinal obstruction, but a…
insulin A hormone that is made by the beta cells in the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas and that controls the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Insulin helps the body use glucose for energy. Cells cannot utilize glucose without insulin. If the beta cells that make insulin degenerate, preventing the body from…
insulin pump A mechanical device used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus that delivers insulin 24 hours per day via a catheter placed under the skin. Insulin pumps deliver basal insulin doses, and user controls allow for the administration of bolus doses of insulin for carbohydrate-containing meals as well as corrective or supplemental doses when…
insulin reaction See diabetic shock.
insulin shock See diabetic shock.
insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus See diabetes, type 1.
intelligence, nonverbal The innate or learned ability to understand and carry out motor tasks, such as solving physical puzzles. Also known as performance IQ.
intelligence, verbal The innate or learned ability to understand and answer questions given in writing or verbally.
intelligence quotient See IQ.
intelligence test A questionnaire or series of exercises designed to measure intelligence. There are many types of intelligence tests, and they may measure learning and/or ability in a wide variety of areas and skills. Scores may be presented as an IQ (intelligence quotient), as a mental age, or on a scale.
intensive care See critical care.