In vitro fertilization
A laboratory procedure in which sperm are put in a special dish with unfertilized eggs to achieve fertilization. The embryos that result can be transferred into the uterus or frozen (cryopreserved) for future use. Abbreviated IVF.
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- In vivo
In the living organism. For example, an experiment that is done in vivo is done in the body of a living organism as opposed to in a laboratory method that does not use the living organism as the host of the test. In vivo is the opposite of in vitro.
- In-law
A relative by marriage. An in-law is not a biologic relative. This distinction is of importance in a medical family history.
- Inappropriate ADH secretion
A condition that results in the inability to produce dilute urine and imbalance of fluids and electrolytes in the body, particularly lowering blood sodium. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, confusion, and convulsions. This syndrome may occur with oat-cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, and Hodgkin’s disease, among other disorders. Also known as syndrome […]
- Inborn error of metabolism
the presence of uric acid in the urine of people with gout). The 4 inborn errors of metabolism that Archibald Garrod considered were albinism, alkaptonuria, pentosuria, and cystinuria.
- Inbreeding
The mating of two closely related persons. Also called consanguinity.