Glossary

Author: Glossary

  • Insulin

    Insulin

    A protein secreted from the beta cells of the pancreas responsible for the uptake of glucose into cells, and stimulation of protein synthesis and lipid synthesis in fat cells. A peptide hormone composed of 51 amino acids produced in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas causes cells in the liver, muscle, and fat tissue…

  • In situ

    In the proper position without invasion of neighboring tissues; in place. ‘In place’, in the natural position, relating to plants in the wild as opposed to in cultivation. In the natural or normal place; confined to the site of origin without invasion of neighbouring tissues. In the natural or original position (e.g., inside the body).…

  • Insertion torque (syn)

    Placement torque.The maximum torque recorded at the insertion of a dental implant in an osteotomy, expressed in Newton centimeters (Ncm). It may be used as an indication of the mechanical stability of the implant in the bone.  

  • Innate immunity

    Nonspecific immunity present from birth (congenital). Responsible for the initial protection from infectious agents previously unseen by the host. Composed of soluble immune proteins (including complement) and phagocytes. Inborn or hereditary immunity. Those immune defenses against infection and cancer that are not determined by the specific responses of B or T lymphocytes. Innate immunity is…

  • Initial stability (syn)

    Primary stability. The degree of tightness of a dental implant immediately after placement in its prepared osteotomy. An implant is considered to have initial stability if it is clinically immobile at the time of placement.  

  • Initial occlusal contact

    The first contact of opposing teeth upon closure of the mandible.  

  • Inhalation administration

    A technique of administration in which a gaseous or volatile agent is introduced into the lungs and whose primary effect is due to absorption through the gas/blood interface.  

  • Infrastructure

    A metal, ceramic, or resin framework onto which a second framework or prosthesis will be placed or attached using chemical or physical means. The components of information technology, including computer hardware, software, networks, and peripheral devices that are used to connect and send signals to computers and users.  

  • Infraorbital artery

    A continuation of the internal maxillary artery, but often arises in conjunction with the posterior superior alveolar artery. While in the infraorbital canal, it gives off anterior superior alveolar branches which supply maxillary anterior teeth. It is one of the three primary arterial suppliers to the maxillary sinus.  

  • Infracture

    The controlled fracture of (a) a window prepared in the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus or (b) the floor of the maxillary sinus through an osteotomy prepared in the ridge using an osteotome. The removal of nasal bones medially (inward), e.g., to narrow a widened nose.