Dictionary

incontinence The inability to control excretions, to hold urine in the bladder, or to keep feces in the rectum.

incontinence, fecal See encopresis.

incontinence, urinary See enuresis.

incontinent Unable to control excretions, to hold urine in the bladder, or to keep feces in the rectum.

incontinentia pigmenti One of the genetic diseases known as neurocutaneous disorders, which cause characteristic patterns of discolored skin and also involve the brain, eyes, nails, and hair. The disease is caused by the genomic rearrangement of the gene for NEMO, or nuclear factor kappa B essential modulator (IKBKG-IKK gamma). Symptoms include discolored skin that appears…

immunoglobulin G A class of immunoglobulins found in all body fluids. They are the smallest but most common antibodies (75 percent to 80 percent) in the body. Abbreviated IgG. IgG antibodies are very important in fighting bacterial and viral infections. IgG antibodies are the only type of antibody that can cross the placenta in a…

immunoglobulin M A class of immunoglobulins found in blood and lymph fluid that are the first type of antibody made in response to an infection. Abbreviated IgM. IgM antibodies make up about 5 percent to 10 percent of all the antibodies in the body.

immunohistochemistry A laboratory test to identify, under the microscope, particular chemicals or proteins in tissues or cells by attaching them to specific antibodies which, in turn, are linked to fluorescent dye or enzyme markers for visualization. For example, immunohistochemistry is used by pathologists in the diagnosis of cancers and other conditions.

immunologist A physician or another degreed professional who is knowledgeable about immunology.

immunology The study of all aspects of the immune system, including its structure and function, disorders of the immune system, blood banking, immunization, and organ transplantation.

immunosuppression Suppression of the immune system and its ability to fight infection. Immunosuppression may result from certain diseases, such as AIDS or lymphoma, or from certain drugs, such as some of those used to treat cancer. Immunosuppression may also be deliberately induced with drugs, as in preparation for bone marrow or other organ transplantation, to…

immunosuppressive agent A medication that depresses or halts immune system activity. For example, immunosuppressive agents may be given to prevent the body from forming an immune response to an organ transplant or to treat a disease that is caused by an overactive immune system, such as rheumatoid arthritis.