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Idiopathic- a term used to describe something that
occurs of an unknown cause. (Source: AMA)
Ileostomy- a surgical procedure in which the lower
part of the small intestine (the ileum) is cut and brought to an
opening in the abdominal wall, where feces can be passed out of
the body. (Source: AMA)
Ileum- the lowest section of the small intestine,
which attaches to the large intestine. (Source: AMA)
Ilium- one of the two bones that form the hip on
either side of the body. (Source: AMA)
Imaging- the technique of creating pictures of
structures inside of the body using X-rays, ultrasound waves, or
magnetic fields. (Source: AMA)
Immune deficiency- impairment of the immune system,
which reduces protection against infection and illness. (Source:
AMA)
Immune system- the cells, substances, and structures
in the body that protect against infection and illness. (Source:
AMA)
Immunity- resistance to a specific disease because of
the responses of the immune system. (Source: AMA)
Immunization- the process of causing immunity by
injecting antibodies or provoking the body to make its own
antibodies against a certain microorganism. (Source: AMA)
Immunocompromised-
weakening of the bodyâ??s immune system. (Source: AMA)
Immunodeficiency- failure of the bodyâ??s immune
system to fight disease. (Source: AMA)
Impacted fracture- a bone break in which the two
broken ends have been forced into each other. (Source: AMA)
Implant- an organ, tissue, or device surgically
inserted and left in the body. (Source: AMA)
Incontinence - Lack of urination and bowel control.
Independent Practice Association - Group of physician's contracted by an HMO
to provide services for its members.
Indigestion- uncomfortable symptoms brought on by
overeating or eating spicy, rich, or fatty foods; characterized
by heartburn, pain in the abdomen, nausea, and gas, and can be
more serious if recurrent. (Source: AMA)
Infarction- tissue death due to lack of blood supply.
(Source: AMA)
Infection- disease-causing microorganisms that enter
the body, multiply, and damage cells or release toxins. (Source:
AMA)
Infective arthritis- arthritis caused by bacteria from
a wound or the bloodstream entering a joint. (Source: AMA)
Inflammation- redness, pain, and swelling in an
injured or infected tissue produced as a result of the body's
healing response. (Source: AMA)
Inflammatory bowel disease- the general term for two
inflammatory disorders affecting the intestines; also known as
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. (Source: AMA)
Inflammatory joint disease- any type of arthritis that
causes a joint to become inflamed. (Source: AMA)
Influenza- a viral infection characterized by
headaches, muscle aches, fever, weakness, and cough; commonly
called the "flu". (Source: AMA)
Informed consent- agreement to undergo a medical
procedure after the technique, its risks, and its possible
complications have been explained. (Source: AMA)
Infusion- the introduction of a substance, such as a
drug or nutrient, into the bloodstream or a body cavity.
(Source: AMA)
Ingestion- taking something into the body through the
mouth. (Source: AMA)
Inhaler- a device used to introduce a powdered or
misted drug into the lungs through the mouth, usually to treat
respiratory disorders such as asthma. (Source: AMA)
In-Home Care - Broad term describing services ranging from light housekeeping
to intensive medical care. Can require several different types of health care
professionals. Allows elders to remain in their own homes.
Injection- the use of a syringe and needle to insert a
drug into a vein, muscle, or joint or under the skin. (Source:
AMA)
Intensive care- close monitoring of a patient who is
seriously ill. (Source: AMA)
Internal fixation- a method of holding a broken bone
in place using surgically inserted screws, rods, or plates.
(Source: AMA)
Interstitial lung disease- a disease of the connective
tissue surrounding the air sacs of the lungs that causes a dry
cough, scarring of lung tissue, and shortness of breath.
(Source: AMA)
Interstitial pulmonary fibrosis- scarring of
connective tissue in the lungs that leads to shortness of breath.
(Source: AMA)
Interstitial radiation therapy- a treatment for cancer
in which a radioactive material is inserted into or near a tumor
to provide direct radiation. (Source: AMA)
Intestinal bypass- a surgical procedure in which the
beginning of the large intestine is joined to its end so that
less food is absorbed; because of serious side effects, usually
performed only on seriously obese people. (Source: AMA)
Intestine- a long, tube-shaped organ that extends from
the stomach to the anus; absorbs food and water and passes the
waste products of digestion as feces. (Source: AMA)
Intra-aortic balloon pump- a small balloon inserted
into the aorta that helps to circulate blood by inflating
between heartbeats. (Source: AMA)
Intractable- describes a condition that does not
respond to treatment. (Source: AMA)
Intravenous- inside of or into a vein. (Source: AMA)
Intrinsic- a term used to describe something
originating from or located in a tissue or organ. (Source: AMA)
Intubation- the passage of a tube into an organ or
body structure; commonly used to refer to the passage of a tube
down the windpipe for artificial respiration. (Source: AMA)
Invasive- describes something
that spreads throughout body tissues, such as a tumor
or microorganism;
also describes a medical procedure in which body tissues are
penetrated. (Source: AMA)
Involuntary- occurring
without a personâ??s control or participation. (Source: AMA)
Iron-deficiency anemia-
a type of anemia
caused by a greater-than-normal loss of iron due to bleeding,
problems absorbing iron, or a lack of iron in the diet. (Source: AMA)
Irritable bladder-
involuntary contractions of muscles in the bladder, which can
cause lack of control of urination. (Source: AMA)
Irritable bowel
syndrome- abnormal muscle movement in the intestines,
which causes abdominal pain and irregular bowel movements
(diarrhea, constipation,
or both). (Source: AMA)
Ischemia- a condition in which
a tissue or organ does not receive a sufficient supply of blood. (Source: AMA)
Jaundice- yellowing of the skin
and whites of the eyes because of the presence of excess
bilirubin in the blood; usually a sign of a disorder of the
liver. (Source: AMA)
Keratitis- inflammation of the cornea. (Source: AMA)
Ketoacidosis- the dangerous accumulation of chemicals called
ketones in the blood, sometimes occurring as a complication of diabetes
mellitus; also called ketosis. (Source: AMA)
Kidney- one of two organs that are part of the urinary tract;
responsible for filtering the blood and removing waste products and
excess water as urine. (Source: AMA)
Kidney stone- a hard mass composed of substances from the
urine that form in the kidneys. (Source: AMA)
Kimmelstiel-Wilson syndrome- a kidney disorder that can occur
as a complication of diabetes mellitus; can cause swelling, high blood
pressure, and kidney failure. (Source: AMA)
Knee-jerk reflex- a test for a reflexive extension of the leg
to check the functioning of the nervous system; tapping the knee just
below the kneecap should cause the lower part of the leg to jerk upward. (Source: AMA)
Kyphosis- excessive curvature of the spine, which usually
affects the top part of the spine and causes a hump. (Source: AMA)
Lapse - A long-term care insurance policy will be terminated if the renewal
premiums are not paid. These policies usually allow for an interested party
other than the policy holder to be notified of imminent lapse. Automatic bank
drafts are usually available for payment of premiums as another method to
prevent a policy from lapse. There is usually a "grace period" allowed
before an insurance company will terminate a policy for failure to pay the
premium.
Lifetime Maximum Benefit - Maximum amount of benefits payable under a
long-term care insurance policy. This is determined by the daily benefit and the
benefit period chosen at the time of policy purchase. If an unlimited benefit
period is chosen, there is no lifetime maximum benefit.
Long-Term Care (LTC) - Long-term care involves a wide variety of services for
people with a prolonged physical illness, disability or cognitive disorder (such
as Alzheimer's disease). Long-term care is not one service, but many different
services aimed at helping people with chronic conditions compensate for
limitations in their ability to function independently. Long-term care differs
from traditional medical care as it is designed to assist a person to maintain
his or her level of functioning, as opposed to care or services that are
designed to rehabilitate or correct certain medical problems. Long-term care
services may include, but are not limited to, help with daily activities at
home, such as bathing and dressing, respite care, home health care, adult day
care, and care in a nursing home. (NAIC - "A Shopper's Guide To Long-Term
Care Insurance)
Long-Term Facility - A facility that provides long term care. The care
provided can be of a variety of levels in a variety of settings.
Long Term Care Ombudsman
- A supporter for nursing home residents who works
to resolve problems between residents and nursing homes. (Source : HCFA)
Labyrinthitis- inflammation of the fluid-containing chamber of
the inner ear (called the labyrinth) that maintains balance; can cause a
feeling that one's surroundings are spinning around (known as vertigo). (Source: AMA)
Lactase deficiency- an inherited disorder in which a person
does not have the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose (the sugar
found in dairy products); lactase deficiency leads to lactose
intolerance, which means the inability to digest lactose. (Source: AMA)
Lactic acid- an acid produced by glucose-burning cells when
these cells have an insufficient supply of oxygen. (Source: AMA)
Lactose- the sugar found in dairy products. (Source: AMA)
Lactose intolerance- inability to break down and absorb the
sugar lactose. (Source: AMA)
Laminectomy- a surgical procedure
that removes part of a vertebra to relieve pressure on the spinal cord
or a nerve branching from the spinal cord. (Source: AMA)
Laparoscope- a viewing instrument
used to examine and treat disorders in the abdominal cavity; consists of
a long tube with an eyepiece, a lens, and often a camera, which allows
the image to be viewed on a monitor. (Source: AMA)
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy- surgical
removal of the gallbladder using a laparoscope. (Source: AMA)
Laparoscopy- a procedure done to
examine the abdominal cavity using a laparoscope, usually to investigate
pelvic pain or gynecologic conditions such as infertility. (Source: AMA)
Large-cell carcinoma- one of the 4 major types of lung cancer. (Source: AMA)
Large intestine- the part of the digestive tract that is
located between the small intestine and the anus. (Source: AMA)
Laryngectomy- surgical removal of all or part of the voice box
(larynx) as a treatment for cancer. (Source: AMA)
Laryngitis- inflammation of the voice box, usually caused by a
viral infection; characterized by a hoarse voice. (Source: AMA)
Larynx- the medical term for the voice box, the organ in the
throat that produces voice and also prevents food from entering the
airway. (Source: AMA)
Laser treatment- the use of a laser (a concentrated beam of
light) to perform medical procedures, such as the destruction of tumors. (Source: AMA)
Lazy eye- the common name for the visual defect resulting from
untreated strabismus, in which the eyes are not correctly aligned. (Source: AMA)
Lead poisoning- damage to the brain, nerves, red blood cells,
or digestive system because of ingestion of lead. (Source: AMA)
Lesch-Nyhan syndrome- a genetic disorder affecting only men
that causes mental handicap, self-mutilation, and aggressive behavior. (Source: AMA)
Lesion- an abnormality of structure or function in the body. (Source: AMA)
Leukemia- a group of bone marrow cancers in which white blood
cells divide uncontrollably, affecting the production of normal white
blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. (Source: AMA)
Ligament- a tough, elastic band of tissue that connects bones
and suupports organs. (Source: AMA)
Ligation- the process of closing a blood vessel or duct by
tying it off. (Source: AMA)
Lipid-lowering drugs- drugs taken to lower the levels of
specific fats called lipids in the blood in order to reduce the risk of
narrowing of the arteries. (Source: AMA)
Lipidosis- any disorder in which fats cannot be properly
broken down by the digestive system. (Source: AMA)
Lipids- a group of fats stored in the body and used for
energy. (Source: AMA)
Liposuction- a surgical procedure in which fat is removed from
areas of the body using a suction pump. (Source: AMA)
Listeriosis- a rare bacterial infection acquired by eating
undercooked infected meat or from infected live animals; can be
dangerous to newborns and the elderly. (Source: AMA)
Lithotripsy- a procedure done to break up stones in the
urinary tract using ultrasonic shock waves, so that the fragments can be
easily passed from the body. (Source: AMA)
Liver- the largest organ in the body, producing many essential
chemicals and regulating the levels of most vital substances in the
blood. (Source: AMA)
Liver failure- the final stage of liver disease, in which
liver function becomes so impaired that other areas of the body are
affected, most commonly the brain. (Source: AMA)
Living will: A living will is a
document, usually developed with a lawyer, which sets out a personâ??s
philosophy about their end-of-life care. Some living wills are
extremely specific and others are more general.
Lobe- a well-defined, separate part of an organ. (Source: AMA)
Lobectomy- surgical removal of a lobe. (Source: AMA)
Local anesthesia- a method of preventing pain by inducing the
loss of sensation in a certain area of the body while the patient
remains awake. (Source: AMA)
Locked joint- a joint that cannot be moved because of a
disease or a lodged piece of bone or cartilage. (Source: AMA)
Lockjaw- a spasm of the jaw muscles that prevents the mouth
from opening, such as that caused by tetanus. (Source: AMA)
Locomotor system- the structures of the body that are
responsible for its movement. (Source: AMA)
Lumbago- dull, aching pain in the lower back. (Source: AMA)
Lumbar puncture- a procedure in which a needle is inserted
into the lower region of the spinal canal to take out a sample of spinal
fluid or to inject a drug. (Source: AMA)
Lumbar spine- the lower part of the spine between the lowest
pair of ribs and the pelvis; made up of five vertebrae. (Source: AMA)
Lumpectomy- surgical removal of a section of breast containing
cancer. (Source: AMA)
Lung collapse- a condition in which all or part of a lung
cannot expand and fill with air. (Source: AMA)
Lungs- two organs in the chest that take in oxygen from the
air and release carbon dioxide. (Source: AMA)
Lupus erythematosus- a disorder of the immune system that
causes inflammation of connective tissue. (Source: AMA)
Lyme disease- a disease caused by bacteria transmitted through
the bite of a tick; characterized by fever, rash, and inflammation of
the heart and joints. (Source: AMA)
Lymph node- a small gland that is part of the immune system;
contains white blood cells and antibodies and helps fight against the
spread of infection. (Source: AMA)
Lymphocytic leukemia- a disease in which white blood cells
called lymphocytes divide uncontrollably. (Source: AMA)
Lymphomas- a group of cancer of the lymph nodes and spleen
that can spread to other parts of the body. (Source: AMA)
Lymphosarcoma- another name for a non-Hodgkin's sarcoma; a
cancerous tumor in lymphoid tissue. (Source: AMA)
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