Dictionary

in vitro In glass, as in a test tube. An in vitro test is one that is done in glass or plastic vessels in the laboratory. In vitro is the opposite of in vivo.

in vitro fertilization A laboratory procedure in which sperm are put in a special dish with unfertilized eggs to achieve fertilization. The embryos that result can be transferred into the uterus or frozen (cryopreserved) for future use. Abbreviated IVF.

in vivo In the living organism. For example, an experiment that is done in vivo is done in the body of a living organism as opposed to in a laboratory method that does not use the living organism as the host of the test. In vivo is the opposite of in vitro.

inactivated polio vaccine See polio immunization; polio vaccine, inactivated.

inappropriate ADH secretion See ADH secretion, inappropriate.

inborn error of metabolism A heritable disorder of the biochemistry of the body. Examples of inborn error of metabolism include albinism and phenylketonuria (PKU). There are hundreds of known inborn errors of metabolism. See also albinism; cystinuria; phenylketonuria.

inbreeding See consanguinity.

incest Sexual activity between individuals so closely related that marriage is legally prohibited. Incest involving a child is a form of child abuse.

inch A length equivalent to one-twelfth of a foot, one-thirty-sixth of a yard, or 2.54 cm. Abbreviated in.

incidence The frequency with which something, such as a disease or trait, appears in a particular population or area.

incision A cut that is purposely made. When making an incision, a surgeon is making a cut.

incisional biopsy See biopsy, incisional.