Glossary
I
identity disc
worn by troops during World War 2
idiot
An out of date medical term for a person with profound mental developmental deficiencies. Now considered a term of abuse.
image analyser
consisting of a microscope, camera and detection unit; used to analyse and measure selected componets in an image
immune
To be protected against infectious disease.
immune serum
Immune serum, blood serum from an immunised animal used for passive immunisation, an antiserum, antitoxin or antivenin.
immunisation
A process that improves a organism's ability to resist or overcome infection.
immunity
The condition of being immune, the protection against infectious disease conferred either by the immune response generated by immunisation or previous infection or by other nonimmunologic factors.
immunoglobin
Immunoglobin is a Y-shaped protein that responds to specific attacks upon the body.
immunoglobulin
A specific protein substance that is produced by cells to aid in fighting infection
immunology
A biological speciality. Immunology is the study of the immune system, including how humans fight off disease.
impotence
The inability to gain an erection, or for long enough to sustain intercourse. Around one in ten men are affected regularly, and most men experience erectile dysfunction at some point.
incontinence
The inability to control the passage of urine or faeces.
incubator
A container in which environmental conditions can be maintained. When babies are born prematurely, they are placed in an incubator to maintain the correct temperature and humidity.
indenture
Legally binding agreements between two or more parties. Usually contracts binding one person to work for another for a given period of time.
induction coil
A type of electrical transformer used to produce a high-voltage alternating current from a low-voltage direct current source.
industrial fermenter
Large stainless steel tank used to grow micro-organisms for the industrial production of enzymes and other chemicals.
inflammation
The body’s response to injury. An inflammation is marked by redness, heat, pain, swelling, and often loss of function. The process leads to the elimination of noxious agents and of damaged tissue.
influenza
A highly contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory system. Common symptoms of the disease are chills and fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, weakness and general discomfort. In more serious cases, influenza may cause pneumonia, which can be fatal.
infusion
The introduction of a fluid other than blood into a vein.
inhalation
The drawing of air or other substances into the lungs
inhaler
A device for breathing in a drug in order to deliver it to the airways or lungs.
inkstand
Stand for holding inkwells, pens, sand, and other writing equipment.
inoculation
Introduction of material (usually a vaccine) into the body with the aim of producing or boosting immunity to a specific disease.
insecticide
A type of pesticide used specifically against insects.
insomnia
The inability to sleep. It may be caused by anxiety, pain or stimulants such as drugs.
instructions - document genre
Information in the form of outlines of procedure, as directions or commands.
instrument case
A case of any kind used to hold and/or protect instruments.
insulating table
Table used in electric shock therapy to isolate the charge
insulin
A hormone that causes the body's cells to take up glucose from the blood. (Diabetes is the loss of control of the body's levels of insulin.)
interference microscope
A type of electro-microscope that splits light into two beams. This allows a clearer examination of the specimen.
interferon
A substance produced by cells infected with a virus. It has the ability to stop further growth of the virus.
intubation
The insertion of a tube into a body canal or hollow organ, as into the trachea or stomach
intubation set
set of instruments used for intubation - the placement of a tube into an external orafice of the body.
invitation
Engraved, printed, or written expressions soliciting or requesting a person's company at a certain time and place.
iodine
A disinfectant used in the First World War.
IQ
Intelligence Quotient (IQ) is a score based on one of several different standardized tests designed to measure intelligence and reasoning ability.
iron
instrument, not metal
iron lung
An airtight cylinder which a person lies in who is unable to breathe. The air pressure is alternatively raised and lowered, producing suction that causes lungs to inflate and pressure that deflates the lungs. This mimics the breathing process.