Dictionary

intensive care unit psychosis See ICU psychosis.

intention tremor An abnormal, repetitive shaking movement of the body that appears during voluntary movement of a part of the body toward a target. An intention tremor suggests a problem with the cerebellum of the brain, the region important for coordination and balance. See also tremor.

inter- Prefix indicating between.

interatrial septum The partition that separates the upper chambers (atria) of the heart.

intercostal muscle The muscle tissue between any two ribs.

interferon A naturally occurring substance that interferes with the ability of viruses to reproduce. Interferon also boosts the immune system. There are a number of different interferons, and they fall into three main classes: alpha, beta, and gamma. All interferons are proteins (lymphokines) normally produced by the body in response to infection. Interferons can be…

interferon therapy The administration of interferon to help the body fight disease such as viral infection or cancer. In therapeutic doses, interferon can be hard to tolerate. Side effects include flu-like symptoms (fatigue, headache, and aches) and, less regularly, low thyroid activity, arthritis, low platelet count, and severe depression. Some of these side effects, particularly…

interleukin One of several similar protein substances that serve as signaling molecules within the body. Interleukins can be produced by a variety of different cells within the body and can be thought of as chemical messengers that help regulate the actions of the immune system. Abbreviated IL. They may be used in biological therapy to…

intermittent claudication See claudication, intermittent.

intern In medicine, a physician who has completed medical school and is engaged in the first year of postgraduate medical training (residency).

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.

inguinal Having to do with the groin.