Bma Illustrated Medical Dictionary

intracytoplasmic sperm injection

(ICSI)A treatment for male infertility in

which a single sperm is collected from a

sample of semen and used to fertilize an

ovumin vitro (see in vitro fertilization).

The ovum is then placed in the uterus.

intractableA term to describe any condi-

tion that does not respond to treatment.

intradermal A medical term meaning

into or within the upper layers of the

skin. An intradermal injection is made

into the skin; whereas a subcutaneous

injectionis made under the skin.

intramuscularA medical term meaning

within a muscle, as in an intramuscular

injection, in which a drug is injected

deep within a muscle.

intraocular pressure The pressure with-

in the eye that helps to maintain the

shape of the eyeball, due to the balance

between the rate of production and

removal of aqueous humour. Aqueous

humour is continually produced from

the ciliary bodyand exits from the

drainage angle (a network of tissue be-

tween the iris and cornea). If drainage is

impeded, intraocular pressure builds up

(a condition known as glaucoma). If the

ciliary body is damaged (as a result of

prolonged inflammation),

less fluid is produced and

the eye becomes soft.

intrauterine contracep-

tive deviceSee IUD.

intrauterine growth re-

tardation Poor growth in

a fetus, usually resulting

from a failure of the pla-

centato provide adequate

nutrients (often related to

pre-eclampsia) or some-

times from a fetal defect.

Severe maternal disease,

such as chronic kidney

failure, can reduce fetal

growth. Fetal problems

such as an intrauterine in-

fection or genetic disorder

can also impair growth.

Smoking during preg-

nancy may reduce fetal

growth and birth weight.

Intrauterine growth retar-

dationmay be suspected

on antenatalexamination;

ultrasound scanningmay be performed

to assess the problem. The underlying

cause is treated, if possible. If the baby’s

growth is slowing, induction of labouror

a caesarean sectionmay be necessary.

Most babies whose growthwas retarded

in the uterus gain weight rapidly after

delivery. However, if an intrauterine infec-

tion or genetic disorder wasthe cause,

poor growth may continue.

intravenousA term meaning within a

vein, as in intravenous infusion (slow

introduction of a substance into a vein)

and intravenous injection (rapid intro-

duction of a substance into a vein).

intravenous infusionThe slow intro-

duction, over hours or days, of fluid into

the bloodstream through a cannula (thin

plastic tube) inserted into a vein. Com-

monly known as a drip, an intravenous

injection is used to give blood (see blood

transfusion) or, more commonly, fluids

and essential salts. Other uses include

providing nutrients to people unable to

digest food(see feeding, artificial) and

the administration of certain drugs.

intravenous urographyAn X-ray pro-

cedure, commonly abbreviated to IVU,

used to give a clear image of the urinary

INTRAVENOUS UROGRAPHY

INTRACYTOPLASMIC SPERM INJECTION INTRAVENOUS UROGRAPHY

I

Adjustable

arm

Beam of

X-rays

Drawer

containing

X-ray film

X-ray source

Site of

injection

X-ray

table

Control

panel