Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Within the layer of cells that forms the surface or lining of an organ. For example, a blister forms fluid in the intraepithelial layer of the skin.

In the skin. For example, an intradermal injection is given into the skin. Abbreviated ID.

Unstoppable. For example, intractable diarrhea is diarrhea that can’t be stopped, even with medication, and intractable pain is pain that can’t be stopped, even with medication.

Within the cranium, the bony dome that houses and protects the brain. An intracranial hemorrhage is bleeding within the cranium due, for example, to a stroke or leakage of blood from an aneurysm in the brain. The intracranial pressure is the pressure on brain and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the cranium. Julius Caesar and his fellow Romans called the skull the “cranium” Today…

Within a cell. In contrast to extracellular, meaning outside a cell.

The long, tubelike organ in the abdomen that completes the process of digestion. It consists of the small and large intestines.

A parasite (an organism that lives in or on and takes its nourishment from another organism) in the intestinal tract. Intestinal parasites include both helminths and protozoa. Helminths are worms such as tapeworms, pinworms, and roundworms. All of these worms can live, but typically not reproduce, inside the human intestine. In contrast to worms, which are composed of…

Blockage of the intestine by infolding (intussusception), malformation, tumor, digestive problems, a foreign body, or inflammation. Symptoms can include crampy abdominal pain, lack of ability to eliminate normal feces, and eventually shock. On examining the abdomen, the doctor may feel a mass. Abdominal X-rays may suggest intestinal obstruction, but a barium enema may be needed to show the actual cause. Treatment…

Interventional radiologists employ image guidance methods to gain access to the deep interstices of most organs and organ systems. Through a galaxy of techniques, they can treat certain conditions percutaneously (through the skin) that might otherwise require surgery. (The technology includes the use of balloons, catheters, microcatheters, stents, therapeutic embolization (deliberately clogging up a blood vessel), etc.) The…

Pertaining to the act of intervening, interfering or interceding with the intent of modifying the outcome.