Ileocecal valve - a one-way valve
between the ileum and cecum that prevents the backflow of
contents from the colon into the small intestine.
Ileocolectomy - the surgical
removal of a section of intestine at the end of the ileum
and beginning of the colon.
Ileocolitis - an inflammation
of the ileum and colon.
Ileostomy - the surgical creation
of an opening from the ileum to the skin.
Ileum - the lowest third of
the small intestine, which connects to the colon (large intestine).
Ileus - an intestinal obstruction
that can result from surgery, abdominal infection, or electrolyte
imbalance.
Immunology - the study of the
body's immune response to disease.
Immunomodulators - medicines
that suppress or increase the body's immune response.
Immunosuppressants - drugs that prevent
the activation of the body's immune responses.
Infarction - a blockage of
blood vessels, usually caused by a blood clot.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- an inflammation of the intestinal lining caused by Crohn's
disease or ulcerative colitis.
Intestinal mucosa - the surface
lining of the intestines where cells absorb nutrients.
Intestinal obstruction - a
blockage of the small or large intestine that prevents the
normal passage of intestinal contents, possibly caused by
inflammation or scarring.
Intestinal pseudo-obstruction
- symptoms of obstruction with no actual blockage.
Intestinal resection - the
surgical removal of a diseased or damaged portion of the intestine.
Intractable - a condition that
does not respond to medical treatment.
Intravenous feeding - the infusion
of a nutrient solution through a vein.
In vitro - in a test tube.
In vivo - in an animal.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- a disorder of the intestines that causes abdominal pain,
which may or may not be accompanied by constipation, diarrhea
and/or bloating.
Ischemic colitis - a decreased
blood flow to the colon.
Isotonic - having the same
salt concentration as blood.
IV - intravenous.
This information
is provided as a general educational service
and is not intended to recommend any particular treatment plan
or to replace the advice of physicians. It is important that patients
seek and rely on the advice of a healthcare professional
about their individual medical conditions.
